Black Knife Assassin Build

A-Tier Dexterity Build • Elden Ring
Black Knife Assassin Build
  • Black Knife Hood
    Helm
    Black Knife Hood Assassin headpiece that muffles footsteps
  • Black Knife Armor
    Chest Armor
    Black Knife Armor Light armor that muffles the sound of footsteps
  • Black Knife Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Black Knife Gauntlets Completes the stealth assassin set
  • Black Knife Greaves
    Legs
    Black Knife Greaves Silent movement for perfect stealth gameplay
  • Black Knife
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Black Knife Legendary dagger with faith scaling. Weapon skill: Blade of Death - Reduces enemy max HP and deals death damage
  • Godslayer's Seal
    Left Hand (Catalyst)
    Godslayer's Seal Boosts Godslayer incantations and provides faith scaling
  • Assassin's Crimson Dagger
    Talisman
    Assassin's Crimson Dagger Critical hits restore HP
  • Assassin's Cerulean Dagger
    Talisman
    Assassin's Cerulean Dagger Critical hits restore FP
  • Shard of Alexander
    Talisman
    Shard of Alexander Greatly boosts the attack power of skills by 15%
  • Lord of Blood's Exultation
    Talisman
    Lord of Blood's Exultation Raises attack power when blood loss occurs nearby by 20%
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 8
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Fewer needed due to Assassin's Crimson Dagger.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 7
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for weapon skills and incantations.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Assassin's Cerulean Tear + Opaline Hardtear
    Effects
    Critical hits restore FP
    Boosts damage negation temporarily
  • Unseen Form
    Unseen Form
    Become invisible to enemies. Perfect for stealth assassinations.
  • Kukri
    Kukri
    Silent throwing knives for ranged stealth kills and bleed buildup.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 45 (Moderate HP with sustain from crits)
  • Mind: 25 (Sufficient FP with Cerulean Dagger)
  • Endurance: 30 (Good stamina for aggressive playstyle)
  • Strength: 10 (Minimum requirement)
  • Dexterity: 80 (Primary damage stat for Black Knife)
  • Intelligence: 8 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 35 (Secondary scaling for weapon and incantations)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Black Knife

  • Defeat the Black Knife Assassin in Sainted Hero's Grave
  • Location: Altus Plateau, hidden catacomb dungeon
  • Boss Fight: Invisible assassin with teleporting attacks
  • Tip: Use Sentry's Torch to see invisible enemy

Key Incantations

  • Assassin's Approach: Muffles sound of movement completely
  • Black Flame: Percentage-based damage over time
  • Darkness: Creates concealing mist around caster
  • Urgent Heal: Quick HP recovery between encounters

Gameplay Strategy

  • Stealth First: Use Assassin's Approach and crouch for silent movement
  • Critical Strikes: Backstabs and ripostes deal massive damage
  • Blade of Death: Reduces enemy max HP permanently in fight
  • Hit and Run: Strike from stealth then reposition
  • Sustain Loop: Critical hits restore both HP and FP
  • Invisibility: Use Unseen Form for perfect infiltration

PvP Notes

  • Ambush Tactics: Excellent for surprise attacks
  • Critical Damage: Can one-shot low vigor opponents
  • Mobility: Light equipment load for fast movement
  • Mind Games: Invisibility creates psychological pressure
  • Counters: Struggle against heavy armor and AOE attacks

Stealth Tips

  • Full Set Bonus: Black Knife armor completely silences footsteps
  • Crouch Walking: Always crouch when approaching enemies
  • Line of Sight: Break visual contact before repositioning
  • Timing: Wait for enemy attack animations for safe backstabs

Alternative Equipment

  • Weapon: Misericorde for highest critical damage
  • Seal: Erdtree Seal for general faith scaling
  • Talisman: Dagger Talisman for additional critical damage
  • Armor: Mix with other light armor for different aesthetics