Dispersed in the varying areas of the Lands Between are portals to other realms of the same regions, but with a slightly different perspective. You’re encircled by white fog that prevents you from leaving that perimeter, and the world around you seems much duller than where you came from. These environments are called Evergaols. These Evergaols have their own respective enemies you must defeat to get out, or die trying. In this guide, you’ll learn about the adversary Bloodhound Knight Darriwil, as well as where to find and defeat him.
Bloodhound Knight Darriwil Overview
Some players underestimate the opponents in the Evergaols because they’re not required to conquer and are not main bosses. However, foes such as this are quite the challenge. Darriwil is very light and fast on his feet, practically teleporting from one side to the other, easily catching you off guard and taking chunks of your health. He also uses attacks and weapons that build the Hemorrhage effect with each swipe. He has a few attacks, each one just as deadly.
At first, this can seem like a gruesome battle against a malicious foe, and this is a true statement, but not impossible. Despite seeming so fearsome, there are definitely things you can do to help yourself against him in battle.
Is it possible to parry Bloodhound Knight Darriwil?
Although his attacks are ridiculously fast, it is possible to attempt to parry Darriwil. It’s a difficult task, but still possible. The best time to aim for this is when he’s doing his Slash move. Other than that, you can try to parry other moves, but they seem to be a bit too fast for this.
What is Bloodhound Knight Darriwil weak to?
Unfortunately, this enemy doesn’t have many weaknesses, but the ones he does have can be exploited enough to turn the tides in your favor. Darriwil is susceptible to Lightning, and by using a Greatshield, he can be staggered.
Here are some recommendations for Lightning use:
Weapons
- Bolt of Gransax: Categorized as a spear; weighs 8.5 and deals 63 Lightning damage. Found in Leyndell, Royal Capital on Altus Plateau after beating Godfrey, First Elden Lord.
- Dragon Greatclaw: Colossal weapon; weighs 16 and inflicts 78 Lightning damage. Obtained by defeating the Draconic Tree Sentinel in the Capital Outskirts.
Incantations
- Lightning Strike: Summons a bolt of lightning that spreads on impact, attacking multiple enemies at once. Found in the Weeping Peninsula by killing a Teardrop Scarab south of Morne Tunnel with Giant Bats swarming around.
- Lightning Spear: Generates a pole of lightning and throws it forward as a projectile. Purchased from Brother Corhyn or Miriel, Pastor of Vows, after giving either of them the Dragon Cult Prayerbook. The prayerbook can be obtained by defeating a Leyndell Knight just south of the Artist’s Shack in Altus Plateau.
Elden Ring Bloodhound Knight Darriwil Location
Darriwil is located in the Forlorn Hound Evergaol in southern Limgrave. The closest Site of Grace is Agheel Lake South.
The Evergaol is on a hill of land, to the west of the main road leading to the Weeping Peninsula. It has a path of its own, so it’s hard to miss.
Pre-Fight Strategy
This is one of the more challenging enemies in the Evergaols due to his speed and Blood Loss usage. In order to be fully prepared for your battle, there are a few steps you must take and items to obtain before taking a chance at this foe.
Employ some help
Even though spirit summons and multiplayer aren’t available for this fight, you can still get assistance. Find Blaidd the Half-Wolf at the ruins in Mistwood and proceed with his quest line until you reach the point where you’re to meet him in Nokron. Instead of heading to the meeting spot, you’ll find him at this location. Talk to him before entering the Evergaol to access his summon sign in the other realm.
Use the proper resources
Darriwil uses attacks and weapons that quickly build up your Blood Loss meter, so here are two ideas for you to consider finding before the fight:
- Stanching Boluses – This item decreases the Blood Loss meter and once it’s full and starts ticking away at your health, you can eat the boluses to get rid of the infliction. Although these can be bought, it’s more efficient for you to obtain the crafting book and make them yourself. The Nomadic Cookbook [7] is located on a fallen bridge to the east of Stormveil Castle. From the Stormhill Shack Site of Grace, head north along the path, and you will see the bridge. It will be on a corpse at the end of the bridge.
- Stalwart Horn Charm – Greatly raises your robustness (your resistance to Hemorrhage and Frostbite) by 90. To find this talisman, travel to eastern Liurnia to the Mausoleum Compound and go north up the hill, then turn left and follow the narrow path southwest. When you come across some vertical-standing rocks, go around them counter-clockwise until you see an entrance. Go in and you’ll find the charm on a corpse to your left.
Equip the right gear, skills, and spells
This is a rather aggressive foe and can leave you wondering how you’re supposed to defeat it. Here are some suggestions on what you can arm yourself with to mitigate his attacks.
Talismans
- Greatshield Talisman: Boosts your guarding ability. Since you can block some of Darriwil’s moves, bolster it by using this charm. It can be found in a chest on a carriage east of the Erdtree Gazing Hill Site of Grace.
- Warrior Jar Shard: Boosts the attack power of Skills by 10%. Drops after killing Iron Fist Alexander without finishing his questline.
Skills and Spells
- Glintblade Phalanx spell or Ash of War: Glintblade Phalanx – Generates an arch of magical glintblades over the caster, and will eventually be cast towards the enemy. To find the Ash of War, speak to Rogier at Roundtable Hold after defeating Godrick the Grafted at Stormveil Castle. After acquiring his rapier, the skill will be available to you to equip on other armaments. For the spell, it can be purchased from Miriel, Pastor of Vows; Sorceress Sellen; or Preceptor Seluvis after giving them the Royal House Scroll. The scroll can be found on a corpse in a small encampment east of the Agheel Lake South Site of Grace.
- Ash of War: Flame of the Redmanes – Sends out a burst of flames forward in a half-circle. Found by killing an invisible Teardrop Scarab in front of the Fort Gael North Site of Grace. Any other flame spells, incantations, or Ashes of War are just as good. This one is just highly recommended due to how far it goes.
Fight Strategy
You’ve got the knowledge and the items, now you’re ready to conquer this boss and check it off your list. These are merely suggestions; find what works best for your play style.
Keep your distance
You can block the physical damage of Darriwil’s attacks, but the Blood Loss meter will still grow. Alongside using the items you now have to impede the build-up, try your best to avoid any combo or lengthy moves he has. If you see one beginning to rear up, roll out of the way and let him finish his action.
Pay close attention
After his Grinding or Clawing attack, he has a moment of respite. Use this to your advantage and get your hits in within that time frame. It’s not long, but it’s long enough to deal some damage, especially if you’re using Lightning-based weapons or abilities.
Stay on your toes
As we said before, this adversary moves very quickly. Try your best to keep your eyes on him at all times so you can catch the moments he’s about to do a devastating attack or when you have an opening. Attempt to not get distracted by anything else other than monitoring your health and FP if you use it. Also, don’t use strikes that have a charge up or are just generally slow.
Rewards
You’ve finally done it, you’ve beaten Bloodhound Knight Darriwil! Now, what’s the payout? Regardless of your build, the players who will benefit most from defeating this boss are heavy melee users.
You get:
- 1,900 Runes
- Bloodhound’s Fang: While extra runes never hurt, physical attackers would gain more from defeating this boss than a spell caster. This greatsword comes with the skill of Bloodhound’s Finesse, which is one of the same movesets Darriwil uses. It scales with Strength and Dexterity and also causes Blood Loss build-up, so even better for those who choose to go down that route.
Overall, this opponent can be trouble for any skilled player. However, the persistence each player possesses to conquer a foe like this despite the hardships, proves that Elden Ring is a rewarding game in and of itself.
We hope that this guide has helped your in besting the boss. If you have any thoughts or suggestions, the comments section is all yours.
