The world of Elden Ring continues to expand with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, introducing several impressive armor sets that have quickly become fan favorites. Among these, the Black Knight Armor stands out as one of the most sought-after sets in 2025, combining exceptional stats with an undeniably striking aesthetic that has players farming relentlessly to complete their collection.

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The Black Knight Set is worn by the formidable Black Knights who serve Messmer the Impaler in the Lands of Shadow. What makes this armor particularly special is the perfect balance between its weight, defensive capabilities, and visual appeal. The set features a distinctive black base with elegant gold trim, complemented by a white plume adorning the helmet - creating a silhouette that commands respect on the battlefield.

Where to Find Black Knight Armor

For those eager to add this impressive set to their collection, several farming locations are available throughout the Lands of Shadow:

  • Castle Ensis Checkpoint: This location offers perhaps the most efficient farming spot. A Black Knight can be found walking down the path towards the North, easily backstabbed and defeated within a minute before warping back to the grace.

  • Castle Front: Another Black Knight patrols the camp just south of this site of grace.

  • Castle-Lord's Chamber: Taking the elevator down from this grace point leads to another Black Knight that can be repeatedly farmed.

  • Moorth Ruins: For those exploring earlier areas, multiple Black Knights on horseback can be found roaming this region, offering multiple farming opportunities in a single run.

As one player shared, "I swear these knights have a personal vendetta against me! Eight pairs of greaves but no chest piece after two hours of farming... the Lands Between are testing my patience!"

Stats and Performance

The Black Knight Set isn't just about looks - it delivers impressive performance that makes the farming effort worthwhile:

  • Excellent Weight-to-Poise Ratio: At just around 30.3 weight, the set (minus helmet) provides 51 poise, making it one of the most efficient poise-to-weight options in the entire game.

  • Superior Damage Negation: Despite its relatively light weight, the set offers damage negation comparable to much heavier alternatives.

  • Strong Resistance: The armor provides particularly good resistance against bleed and frost effects, making it valuable in numerous challenging encounters.

The Black Knight Armor features a distinctive circular shield emblem on the left side of the chest - a small detail that players have noted appears to offer additional protection for the heart. Though the engraving follows Scadutree design, it's etched in gold, described in the item lore as "a small consolation to those forced to wage a war without grace or honor."

Farming Tips

Getting the complete set can be challenging due to inconsistent drop rates. Here are some effective strategies:

  1. Increase Discovery: Boost your Arcane stat or use Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to increase drop rates.

  2. Target Specific Knights: The Black Knight near Castle Ensis Checkpoint is particularly easy to farm as he can be backstabbed efficiently.

  3. Efficient Killing Methods: Use weapons with high critical damage or skills like Piercing Fang that can quickly stance-break these formidable opponents.

  4. Patience is Key: Some players report getting multiple pieces of the same armor type before completing their set. The helmet seems to have a particularly low drop rate for many.

"After farming for what felt like an eternity, I finally got the helmet to drop," one determined Tarnished shared. "The moment it appeared in my inventory felt like defeating a boss all over again!"

Style and Combinations

The Black Knight set's color scheme of black with gold accents makes it exceptionally versatile for mixing and matching with other armor pieces:

  • Pairs excellently with Maliketh's armor pieces

  • Complements the Night Cavalry set for a consistent dark aesthetic

  • Works well with the Oathkeeper set due to similar color patterns

Many players have noted that while the set is nearly perfect, the absence of a cape is its only downside - something that distinguishes it from other knight sets in the game.

The Black Knight Armor has quickly established itself as one of the most balanced sets in Elden Ring, offering the perfect combination of practical performance and imposing appearance. Whether you're looking to optimize your build or simply want to embody the intimidating presence of Messmer's elite forces, this armor set deserves a place in every Tarnished's collection.

For those willing to brave the challenge of farming these formidable knights, the reward is an armor set that will serve you well throughout the most challenging content the Lands Between has to offer in 2025.

Recent analysis comes from Destructoid, a leading source for gaming news and reviews. Destructoid's coverage of Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has emphasized the community's enthusiasm for new armor sets like the Black Knight Armor, noting how its unique blend of aesthetics and stats has sparked extensive discussion and farming strategies among dedicated players.