The lands between are filled with dangerous foes, but few inspire as much dread as the black knife assassins. These mysterious elite warriors wield vicious cursed daggers and use stealth and subterfuge to deadly effect against their targets. Defeating these relentless hunters will test all of your combat abilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know to hunt the hunters, from where to find them to combat tips and tricks for defeating black knife assassins.
The Lore and Abilities of the Black Knife Assassins
Not much is known about the true origins of the black knife assassins. They are all women garbed head to toe in black robes, faces obscured, an intimidating sight. It‘s rumored these assassins were involved in the Night of the Black Knives during the Shattering War, when Godwyn the Golden was slain in shadows.
In combat, black knife assassins are agile fighters specializing in rapid dagger strikes augmented with shadowy arts. Their weapons inflict holy damage, ironic given their sinister reputation. They can use a technique called Concealing Veil to vanish before your eyes, then strike from an unseen angle. Stay alert when fighting them!
Where to Find Black Knife Assassins
Black knife assassins appear as challenging optional mini-bosses in various underground tunnels and catacombs throughout the Lands Between. Here are the main locations and their notable loot drops:
Deathtouched Catacombs
- Located in western Limgrave
- Drops Assassin‘s Crimson Dagger
Black Knife Catacombs
- Found along the coastline in northeast Liurnia
- Drops Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger and Black Knifeprint
Sage‘s Cave
- Tucked away cave in Altus Plateau
- Drops Concealing Veil sorcery
Sainted Hero‘s Grave
- Hero‘s grave in northwest Altus Plateau
- Drops Black Knife dagger
When hunting these assassins, make sure to thoroughly explore each area and keep an eye out for illusory walls hiding secret paths. Look for tells like spectral flames lining corridors. And don‘t forget to light torches! Their dim blue glow often betrays the presence of assassins.
Combat Tips and Strategies
Black knife assassins are deadly combatants. But with proper preparation and knowledge of their moveset, you can counter their abilities. Here are tips for defeating them:
Weapons
- Straight Swords – Fast enough to counter dagger strikes
- Thrusting Swords – Useful for punishing openings
- Hammers/Colossal Weapons – Smash through defenses
Spells & Incantations
- Healing Incantations – Restore lost health
- Lightning Spear – They are weak to lightning damage
- Invisibility – Fight fire with fire!
Spirit Ashes
- Tank ashes like Banished Knight Oleg to draw aggro
- Ranged ashes to flank them from afar
General Tips
- Maintain distance and only punish their lengthy attack animations
- Time dodges against their deceptive thrusting dagger attacks
- Guard counter with 100% physical block shield after their combo strings
- Two-hand your weapon for extra damage
Most importantly, remain patient and don‘t get greedy! Wait for safe openings to strike rather than relentless attacking. Chip their health down carefully while keeping your guard up.
Expanded Tips and Tricks
Looking to push your black knife assassin hunting to the next level? Here are some expanded tips:
Multiplayer Co-op
Why hunt alone? Recruit up to two co-op summons to coordinate your assault. Even just having a distraction can make these fights much more manageable.
Farming Runes
Once you know their movesets, defeat assassins repeatedly at different locations to stockpile thousands of runes quickly.
Craft Special Tools
Use a Sentry Torch to reveal invisible assassins when they activate Concealing Veil. And consume Furlcalling Finger Remedy to enable spirit ashes.
Acquire the Black Knife Armor Set
This stylish jet black armor provides stealth bonuses though it takes effort to collect across multiple zones.
By carefully analyzing their attack patterns and abilities, you can systematically take down the black knife assassin‘s defenses and turn the hunt back upon them. May the lessons in this guide serve you well on your journey to become Elden Lord. Stay vigilant, Tarnished!
Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips for defeating these lethal assassins. Together we can overcome these special forces of darkness.
