In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the world is more dangerous than ever, and hidden throughout its sprawling new territories are some of the most fearsome Field Bosses in the game. One of the most visually striking and deadly among them is Black Knight Edredd, a winged warrior armed with a fearsome double-ended sword. Found deep within the Fort of Reprimand, this boss fight is optional, but if you're hunting rare Elden Ring Items, Runes, and a true test of your combat prowess, Edredd is not to be missed.

 

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to defeat Black Knight Edredd, from preparation and strategy to the rewards you'll earn, including a solid chunk of Elden Ring Runes for your trouble.

 

Who is Black Knight Edredd

 

Black Knight Edredd is classified as a Field Boss and appears as a unique version of the more common Black Knight enemies encountered throughout Shadow of the Erdtree. While not required for main story progression, he stands as a powerful challenge with a distinct moveset and increased aggression.

 

    Location: Fort of Reprimand

    Type: Field Boss

    Weapon: Double-ended Greatsword

    Mobility: High (includes flying attacks)

    Elemental Affinity: Fire-based attacks

    Status Vulnerabilities: Bleed, Frostbite

    Variants:

        Black Knight Garrew (similar boss)

        Black Knight (standard enemy form)

 

Why Fight Edredd

 

Though optional, defeating Black Knight Edredd grants high-value rewards:

 

    A large number of Elden Ring Runes, perfect for leveling or purchasing gear upgrades.

    Unique Elden Ring Items tied to his variant of the Black Knight set.

    Access to lore-rich areas and potential Ashes of War or Weapon drops related to the Black Knights.

 

If you're collecting all Spirit Ashes or working toward a full Black Knight build, Edredd is a boss you can't ignore.

 

How to Prepare

 

This fight rewards thoughtful preparation. Edredd deals heavy melee damage, augmented by flame-based skills and spinning aerial attacks. Here are the essentials:

 

Recommended Weapons and Damage Types

    Bleed Weapons (e.g., Rivers of Blood, Blood Uchigatana)

    Frostbite Options (e.g., Hoarfrost Stomp, Freezing Mist)

    Strike Damage is also effective due to his armored appearance

 

Essential Elden Ring Items

    Flame-Resistant Dried Liver, Reduces fire damage, helpful during his phase 2.

    Stanching Boluses, In case of any hidden Bleed effects you may suffer from the twinblade.

    Crimsonburst Crystal Tear, Regenerates HP over time; essential for drawn-out fights.

    Opaline Hardtear, Increases all damage negation for a short time.

 

Equip talismans that boost survivability (e.g., Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman) and consider using the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche for AI support. Summons can distract Edredd and allow you to land heavy hits.

 

How to Defeat Black Knight Edredd

 

Phase 1: Footwork and Punish Windows

 

Edredd opens with aggressive lunges and wide double-blade sweeps. His combos can be long, so patience is key. Bait his spinning slash, roll through the final strike, and get a hit in during his recovery.

 

He will often chain together:

    Double swipe → Spin kick

    Jumping thrust → Delayed overhead slam

    Quick dash into sweep

 

Tips:

    Don't panic roll. His wind-ups are designed to bait early dodges.

    After three-hit combos, he often pauses, use that window to heal or punish.

    Two-handed heavy weapons can break his posture quickly.

 

Phase 2: Aerial Attacks and Fire Infusion

 

At around 50% HP, Edredd ignites his weapon with fire and begins to incorporate aerial spin attacks, fire slams, and flame waves. These attacks cover a wide area and hit hard.

 

Counter Tips:

    Stay close: Oddly, many of his fire-based aerial strikes are easier to dodge from mid-range than long-range.

    Watch for sky-slam: He'll launch upward and dive bomb, leaving a momentary crater, roll sideways just before impact.

    Use Flame-Resistant gear and Elden Ring Items like the Fireproof Dried Liver to cut incoming fire damage.

 

If you're using a bleed build, this is your moment. The longer combos give you plenty of time to stack procs.

 

Post-Fight Rewards

 

Defeating Black Knight Edredd will reward you with a significant number of Elden Ring Runes, often enough for a full level-up or more depending on your build. Additionally, you may receive:

 

    A Black Knight weapon or armor piece

    Unique crafting materials for late-game gear upgrades

    Potential Ashes of War exclusive to this boss variant

 

Pro Tip: Use the runes at a nearby Site of Grace immediately, especially if the area around the Fort of Reprimand is still active with enemies.

 

Lore and Related Bosses

 

Black Knight Edredd is one of several elite Black Knight variants in Shadow of the Erdtree. While his lore is sparse, their shared design implies a dark order bound by flame and war. Defeating Edredd may also trigger dialogue changes with NPCs linked to Fort of Reprimand or uncover lore through item descriptions.

 

Keep an eye out for Black Knight Garrew, another variant located elsewhere in the expansion, and compare his tactics and drops. Farming both may be key to completing the full Black Knight gear set, an achievement coveted by PvP and PvE players alike.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Black Knight Edredd may be an optional Field Boss, but he embodies the punishing elegance that defines Elden Ring. With his brutal double-ended sword, dynamic aerials, and fiery rage, he'll test your reflexes and resource management in equal measure.

 

Bring the right build, stock up on critical Elden Ring Items, and emerge victorious, not just with Elden Ring Runes, but the satisfaction of taking down one of Shadow of the Erdtree's most intimidating foes.