How to defeat the Graveyard Shadow in Elden Ring

THE Shadow of the cemetery at Elden Ring is an optional boss in the Black Knife Catacombs.

However, this dark black creature from Elden Ring is not alone – it is also accompanied by three skeletons. This didn’t have to be the case, but it can’t be helped, so you should even the odds with a summon.

If you think you’re ready to take them on, here’s our guide on how to defeat the Graveyard Shadow in Elden Ring.

How to defeat the Graveyard Shadow in Elden Ring

Immediately after passing through the fog, use a Spirit Ash to get reinforcements to keep the enemies busy. The first thing you should do is remove the skeletons of the game (and don’t forget to destroy their remains, otherwise they will come back to life).

Start with the lone archer in the back, while the summoned creatures in the front provide a distraction (sometimes this works better, sometimes worse…)

Once you have to deal with the Shadow of the Graveyard, the fight becomes easier, but it’s still not trivial. He’s just too fast and fidgets too much.

For example, a single melee combo might include seven or more punches. Trying to block them all is not a good idea. Your stamina will disappear faster than you can curse the bleed effect that comes with all those hits.

You have a relatively good window of opportunity when Shadow finishes one of its combos by smashing both sickles into the ground.. Seize this opportunity and go on the attack. It’s best to anticipate this last attack and dodge diagonally in its direction so you can counter with your own attacks immediately afterwards. It takes a little time to get the timing right.

If you see some sort of green slime rising above his head, you have about three seconds before he shoots a slippery spit at you. These puddles will hold you captive for agonizing seconds, during which you will be unable to defend yourself, so be sure to avoid them and not get trapped by them.

It is best to dodge this projectile or position yourself so that there is a pillar between you and the Shadow. This ranged attack will simply bounce off it.

The main thing is to remain passive. Wait for a combo to complete then strike when the sickles have fallen to the ground. This is your best chance in this fight.

Your rewards for defeating the Shadow of the Graveyard are 3500 runes, Twinsage Wizard Ashes, Root of Death.

That’s all for the moment! If you’re looking for more help with an Elden Ring boss, check out our page showing you how to beat Mogh Lord of Blood or you can learn how to beat Morgott the King of Omens instead.