Gatekeeper Knight
The Gatekeeper Knight is a specific, more challenging variant of the standard Lothric Knight found guarding the gate leading towards the High Wall of Lothric bonfire and beyond. This particular knight is often the first encounter players have with a truly dangerous standard enemy, acting as a skill check before facing Vordt of the Boreal Valley.
Unlike regular Lothric Knights, the Gatekeeper Knight is often found alone, allowing for a more focused engagement. He wields a Lothric Knight Sword and a Lothric Knight Shield. His attacks are predictable but hit hard, and his shield can block most incoming damage. The key to defeating him lies in understanding his attack patterns and exploiting openings.
- Parrying: If you've practiced parrying, this knight is an excellent candidate. His sword swings are relatively slow and have clear tells, making him easier to parry than some other enemies. A successful parry will open him up for a critical attack.
- Backstabs: Circle strafing around him, especially when he's winding up for a slower attack, can often lead to an opportunity for a backstab. This deals significant damage and can interrupt his combos.
- Guard Breaking: Repeatedly attacking his shield will eventually break his guard, leaving him vulnerable for a few seconds. However, this consumes a lot of stamina and leaves you open if you mismanage it.
- Environmental Advantage: The area around him is relatively open. Use this to your advantage to create distance for healing or to bait out specific attacks.
Defeating the Gatekeeper Knight often rewards you with a Titanite Shard and occasionally a Lothric Knight Sword or Lothric Knight Shield, making him a worthwhile challenge for early-game progression.