Black Blade Kindred Forbidden Lands Location And Boss Strategy

The Black Blade Kindred encountered in the Forbidden Lands represents one of the most formidable optional encounters in Elden Ring. Guarding the path toward the Grand Lift of Rold, this monstrous gargoyle tests a player's mastery of timing, positioning, and gear management. Defeating this creature requires understanding its dual-weapon mechanics and learning how to exploit its brief recovery windows.

Exact Location in the Forbidden Lands

To locate this boss, travel through Leyndell towards the misty trail leading into the Forbidden Lands. As you follow the linear path toward the massive Grand Lift of Rold, the gargoyle will land directly in front of the grand staircase leading to the lift's entrance.

The closest Site of Grace is the Grand Lift of Rold located right behind the boss arena. Players who wish to avoid fighting immediately can ride past on Torrent, activate the Grace inside, and return to battle on their own terms.

Understanding Attack Patterns and Stances

This version of the Black Blade Kindred dual-wields a Gargoyle's Black Axe and Gargoyle's Black Blades, shifting between weapons dynamically. During its twinblade phase, it executes rapid spinning slashes that require precise side-dodging to evade.

When switching to the axe, the boss often roars before performing a heavy overhead slam that unleashes a destructive shockwave. This shockwave deals substantial damage and continuously drains health over time, so rolling backward is vital.

Tactical Countermeasures and Preparation

Fighting on foot is generally recommended over horseback because dodging iframe timing provides safer protection against wide weapon arcs. Utilizing strike physical damage yields higher effectiveness, as the gargoyle possesses high resistance against standard slash and pierce attacks.

Player summons and Spirit Ashes can draw valuable aggression, creating opportunities to land heavy posture-breaking hits. Additionally, advancing Millicent's questline allows players to summon her NPC sign near the Marika stake for extra support.

Rewards and Post-Battle Progression

Overcoming this opponent rewards players with a substantial amount of Runes alongside the Gargoyle's Black Axe and Gargoyle's Black Blades. These weapons feature unique Faith scaling alongside innate holy damage attributes, making them valuable tools for hybrid builds.

Clearing the doorway ensures uninhibited access to the Grand Lift of Rold, opening the way to the Mountaintops of the Giants. While optional, defeating this creature provides a fitting test before entering the game's toughest late-game regions.