Facing the Putrescent Knight is one of the more intense and frustrating encounters in modern action RPGs. Known for its relentless aggression, wide-area attacks, and high mobility, this boss demands not just skill, but also proper equipment. Choosing the best weapon for Putrescent Knight can mean the difference between victory and repeated defeat. Whether you prefer melee or ranged combat, the key to surviving this nightmarish foe lies in selecting a weapon that offers both versatility and power. The right weapon should give you enough reach, speed, and stagger potential to counter the Putrescent Knight’s fast and erratic movement patterns.
Understanding the Putrescent Knight’s Attack Patterns
Why Your Weapon Choice Matters
The Putrescent Knight doesn’t fight like a traditional slow boss. Instead, it uses:
- Rapid charge attacks with tracking
- Aerial slams that cover wide areas
- Poisonous or rot-based effects that damage over time
- Mobility and teleportation, making long combos difficult
Because of this, weapons that rely on long wind-up animations or require too much stamina per swing often leave players vulnerable. The best weapon to use against the Putrescent Knight should allow you to strike quickly, recover fast, and adapt to the boss’s unpredictable rhythm.
Top Weapon Types for the Putrescent Knight
1. Twinblades
Twinblades offer high-speed attacks, tight hitboxes, and exceptional DPS when dual-wielded. Against the Putrescent Knight, they allow players to strike quickly in between the boss’s combos, then dodge out before retaliation.
- Fast attack animations ideal for punishing short openings
- Good synergy with bleed or poison builds
- Excellent aerial recovery when jumping to avoid ground effects
Upgrades that enhance bleed buildup or damage-over-time effects are especially useful, since the Putrescent Knight can be worn down over time if you land consistent hits.
2. Katanas
Katanas strike a balance between speed, reach, and elemental compatibility. A well-upgraded katana with a bleed or magic infusion is highly effective in this fight.
- Medium-range slashes can safely hit between attacks
- High critical damage potential with proper timing
- Flexible scaling with both dexterity and intelligence builds
For magic users, katanas like Moonveil can combine physical and spell damage, making them useful for players who switch between melee and ranged attacks to stay safe.
3. Greatswords (With Caution)
While slower than other weapons, certain greatswords can be viable against the Putrescent Knight if used properly. These weapons are best used by players who can master spacing and poise.
- Massive damage per hit if you time it correctly
- Can stagger the boss if charged at the right moment
- Good reach allows punishing aerial landings
Use greatswords with weapon arts that include quick lunges or sweeps to keep up with the Knight’s speed. A two-handed setup can break its rhythm, but only if you avoid overcommitting to long combos.
Recommended Weapons for the Fight
Rivers of Blood (Katana)
This katana is notorious for its effectiveness in tough boss fights. The Corpse Piler weapon skill unleashes rapid slashes with high bleed buildup, which is great for tearing through the Putrescent Knight’s health.
- Deals both physical and fire damage
- Bleed proc triggers often, reducing boss HP quickly
- Weapon art allows for ranged pressure and fast execution
It is especially effective when used with talismans that boost bleed or fire damage. Keeping your distance while using Corpse Piler can help you avoid taking damage from the boss’s poison zones.
Godskin Peeler (Twinblade)
This twinblade stands out due to its scaling and innate power. It becomes even deadlier when infused with blood or poison effects.
- Very fast moveset with multiple hits per combo
- Scales well with dexterity and arcane builds
- Ideal for aggressive playstyles that stay close to the boss
The Putrescent Knight can be staggered by consecutive twinblade hits if you manage to land full combos between attacks. Be cautious not to overcommit when the boss shifts phases or teleports.
Blasphemous Blade (Greatsword)
For strength or faith builds, the Blasphemous Blade offers strong fire damage and healing on kill. While slower than other options, it can be used effectively with careful spacing.
- Weapon art releases a wide flame wave that keeps the boss at bay
- High poise damage can interrupt certain boss moves
- Healing passive helps sustain you during long fights
Only recommended for experienced players who can manage dodging while wielding heavy weapons. Pair it with stamina recovery items for better performance.
Alternative Approaches: Magic and Ranged Weapons
Glintstone Staff (Mage Build)
If melee combat isn’t your strength, consider using a magic build focused on Glintstone Sorceries. The Putrescent Knight is vulnerable to sustained magical pressure from afar.
- Safe option for players who excel at distance-based combat
- Spells like Comet or Shard Spiral can hit consistently
- Allows you to avoid most of the boss’s melee pressure
Use summons or spirit ashes to draw aggro while you cast spells. Timing is still crucial, especially during the Knight’s high-speed attacks or rot explosions.
Black Bow of Pharis (Dexterity Ranged Build)
This longbow is perfect for players who favor hit-and-run tactics. By staying at range, you can chip away at the boss’s health safely.
- Fast draw speed and long range
- Compatible with poison, rot, or bleed arrows
- Can attack while running and rolling
Combine this weapon with Ashes of War like Barrage or Mighty Shot for maximum damage output. It’s not as fast as magic casting, but it’s safer than close combat for many players.
Tips for Weapon Optimization
Infusion and Status Effects
The Putrescent Knight is weak to bleed and poison effects. Consider infusing your weapon with:
- Blood infusion for fast bleed buildup
- Poison infusion for long-term pressure
- Fire or rot if the weapon naturally supports it
Status damage accumulates over time, so even short attacks can have lasting effects. You can build up these conditions faster with dual-wielding or using special weapon arts.
Weapon Arts and Ashes of War
The right weapon skill can turn the tide in this boss battle. Prioritize skills with:
- Quick execution and low stamina cost
- Mobility or ranged effects
- Area damage for when the boss summons adds (if applicable)
Experimenting with different Ashes of War can help tailor your weapon to match your preferred rhythm against the Putrescent Knight’s movement and phases.
Defeating the Putrescent Knight demands more than just raw power it requires the right weapon choice and a clear understanding of the boss’s mechanics. The best weapon for Putrescent Knight will depend on your build, playstyle, and willingness to adapt. For fast attackers, twinblades like the Godskin Peeler deliver reliable DPS. For bleed builds, the Rivers of Blood katana shines. Magic and ranged users can opt for staves or bows to fight from a distance. No matter your choice, mastering your weapon’s timing and synergy with your gear will be the key to overcoming this challenging fight.