Withered Knight Overview
The Withered Knight is a versatile melee class that excels in dealing damage or tanking it. Its strong attacks and Wither mechanic make it a threat on the offensive, yet there are great drawbacks in its lack of defense when using the Greatsword and lack of consistent attacks when using the Polearm and Shield.
Its talents support two ends of a playstyle's spectrum. Greatsword talents offer more offensive options focused on chasing enemies down and consistently applying Wither, while the Polearm and Shield talents focus more on improving its defensive capabilities. There are talent options here and there that mix it up, but the general trend leans toward specific playstyles.
This guide covers everything you need to know about playing the Withered Knight, including its strengths and weaknesses, weapon skills, talent options, skill priorities, and general gameplay tips to help you master the class.
- ✓Versatile melee class that can play offense and defense effectively.
- ✓Wither is a strong and unique offensive mechanic.
- ✓Tricky and can confuse opponents with its skills.
- ✗Playstyle options are night and day between skills and talents of the Greatsword and the Polearm and Shield.
- ✗Slow, clunky movements and attacks make its move telegraphed and susceptible to interrupts.
- ✗High skill floor and skill ceiling in PvP.
Withered Knight Weapon
The Greatsword allows the Withered Knight to constantly pressure enemies and apply its *Wither on them. What it lacks in defense makes up for the damage it offers when the player knows how to stay on top of enemies and consistently attack them.
The Polearm and Shield is the complete opposite of the Greatsword of the Withered Knight at its playstyle revolves around blocking and staying on the defensive, only attacking to punish opponents. Best for Trio mode and can be a threat on both ends, but will shine the most when deflecting attacks.
Who Should Play Withered Knight?
The Withered Knight is a great pick for players who can quickly switch their play between measured aggression and tactical defense on the spot.
The apparent strengths and weaknesses of the Withered Knight can be covered by utilizing skills of both weapons, but sticking to just one is a choice that requires precision in targeting, timing, and energy management. While the Withered Knight can deal tons of damage, its slow attacks make it susceptible to getting harmed mid-swing or midway through a combo.
Using the Greatsword means focusing on dealing damage while using the Polearm and Shield allows for a much more defensive playstyle. Both can be extremely effective at their job, but require a certain level of player skill to truly maximize.
Withered Knight Rating
| Stat | Rating |
|---|---|
| HP | 2/5 |
| Attack | 4/5 |
| Crowd Control | 2/5 |
| Mobility | 2/5 |
| Difficulty | 5/5 |
Withered Knight Skill List & Priority
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Light Strike | Quick sword swing that fully charges weapon with Judgment after three hits. Applies Wither on enemy hit if Judgment charge is full. |
| Heavy Strike | Strong sword swing that triggers Wither mark on enemies. |
| Opportunistic Thrust | Light Strike after a dodge. |
| Sprinting Slash | Heavy Strike after a dodge. |
| Pursuit | Use Heavy Strike once then Light Strike. |
| Radiant Retribution | Three quick slashes with a forward momentum. |
| Breakthrough Charge | Thrusts the sword forward with an optional follow-up sweep attack. |
| Withering Mark | Ranged energy slash that applies Wither mark on the enemy hit. |
| Parry | Block frontal attacks for up to 5 seconds and regain Energy with each successful parry. Can counterattack after blocking a hit.. |
| Thorn Guide | Extend vines of thorns that pull the first enemy hit toward you or pull you towards them if they are too large or in special states. |
How to Play Withered Knight
Playing the Withered Knight effectively is about consistently applying and triggering Wither on enemies to deal damage and interrupt their movements. While slow, the Withered Knight can be effective as a disruptive offensive force or a bulwark of defense alone or for your teammates.
Stay Calm and Time Your Attacks
The Withered Knight is extremely slow in its movements and attacks without the ability to apply Super Armor to itself. So, you cannot mindlessly charge at enemies and use skills, or else you will be hurt very quickly.
Punish Enemy Mistakes
Since the attacks of the Withered Knight are slow, every enemy mistake is an opportunity to deal burst damage to an opponent. Take your time to dodge and block attacks to strike back with a series of counters or even single hits.
Mix Up Your Play
The attacks and movement of the Withered Knight are very slow and telegraphed, so playing too straightforwardly against players can make it easy for them to play around and punish you. Instead, try switching between being aggressive and defensive to keep them on their toes.
Do Not Panic
You will lose a lot of fights as the Withered Knight, as you can get easily punished for missed attacks and mistakes. Still, this does not mean you are necessarily doing something wrong (although you may be), but the class is simply easily punishable. Do not panic in fights, and conquer your fears to play the best you can.
Related Guides
Guides By Category
| Guides By Category | |
|---|---|
 Latest News and Update |  Classes |
 Weapons |  Weapon Skills |
 Ciphers |  Bosses |
List of All Classes
Guide to Classes
Beginner Guides
| Guides to Get You Started | |
|---|---|
| Game Overview | Is there a Demo? |
| Beginner Tips & Tricks | |
