Bloodhound Knight Darriwil Boss Guide for Elden Ring

Bloodhound Knight Darriwil is one of the earliest optional bosses many players encounter in Elden Ring, and he serves as a sharp introduction to fast, aggressive enemies that rely on mobility and bleed damage. Found early in Limgrave, Darriwil can be a major hurdle for new Tarnished, but with the right preparation and strategy, this fight becomes a valuable learning experience that pays off with useful rewards, Elden Ring Runes, and progress toward an important questline.

 

Location and Encounter Overview

 

Bloodhound Knight Darriwil is imprisoned within the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, located in the southern portion of Limgrave. Evergaols are circular, magical prisons scattered across the Lands Between, each containing a powerful enemy sealed away from the world. Interacting with the center of the Evergaol pulls you into a confined arena where escape is impossible until the boss is defeated.

 

Although Darriwil is entirely optional and not required to advance the main story, defeating him early can significantly improve your character's combat options. The fight rewards a substantial amount of Elden Ring Runes for this stage of the game, along with a powerful Ash of War that many builds can benefit from well into the mid-game.

 

Lore and Variants

 

Bloodhound Knights are known for their feral combat style, combining knightly discipline with beast-like speed. Darriwil exemplifies this perfectly, darting across the battlefield with blinding quickness and relentless pressure. While this encounter features Darriwil specifically, players will later encounter the Lesser Bloodhound Knight, which serves as a standard enemy version of this boss archetype. Another Bloodhound Knight also appears elsewhere in the game, reinforcing that Darriwil is part of a broader class of elite warriors rather than a singular threat.

 

Darriwil also plays a role in Blaidd the Half-Wolf's questline. If you speak to Blaidd before entering the Forlorn Hound Evergaol, you can summon him to assist in the fight. Blaidd's presence dramatically shifts the difficulty of the encounter, as his high damage and aggression help keep Darriwil distracted.

 

Moveset and Combat Style

 

Bloodhound Knight Darriwil is defined by speed, bleed buildup, and unpredictable movement. He frequently uses quick dashes, teleport-like sidesteps, and lunging slashes that close distance instantly. Many of his attacks inflict Hemorrhage, meaning that prolonged engagements without proper mitigation can quickly drain your health.

 

One of Darriwil's most dangerous traits is his tendency to chain attacks together. Even when you think a combo has ended, he often follows up with an additional slash or leap, punishing overly aggressive players. This makes timing and patience far more important than raw damage output.

 

Preparation and Recommended Items

 

Before entering the Evergaol, preparation can make a significant difference. Staunching Boluses are highly recommended, as they reduce Hemorrhage buildup and can prevent sudden health loss during extended exchanges. Keeping a few boluses on your quick item bar can save you from fatal bleed procs at critical moments.

 

Upgrading your weapon even once or twice also helps, as Darriwil has relatively low poise and can be staggered with consistent pressure. Managing stamina is equally important, running out at the wrong time often leads to being caught in a lethal combo.

 

Best Strategies and Tips

 

One of the safest and most effective tactics against Darriwil is the use of Guard Counters. Blocking his initial strike with a shield and immediately counterattacking can deal massive posture damage. However, caution is essential, as Darriwil frequently uses delayed follow-up attacks designed to catch players who counter too early. Always confirm that his combo has truly ended before committing.

 

Magic-oriented characters have access to some powerful tools in this fight. The Glintblade Phalanx spell or Ash of War is especially effective, as it applies constant pressure and posture damage while allowing you to stay at a safer distance. These spectral blades can interrupt Darriwil's movement and create valuable openings for critical hits.

 

If you have progressed Blaidd's questline, summoning him transforms the encounter. Blaidd's aggressive AI draws Darriwil's attention, allowing you to attack from behind or safely cast spells. This approach is particularly helpful for newer players still adjusting to Elden Ring's combat pacing.

 

Rewards and Benefits

 

Defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil rewards players with the Bloodhound's Fang Ash of War, a powerful ability that enhances mobility and damage. This is one of the most valuable early-game Elden Ring Items, especially for dexterity-focused builds or players who enjoy fast, evasive combat styles.

 

In addition to the Ash of War, the fight grants a solid amount of Elden Ring Runes, making it an efficient early source of leveling power. The combination of runes and equipment makes this boss well worth the effort, even for players who initially struggle with his speed.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Bloodhound Knight Darriwil is a deceptively challenging early boss that tests a player's reaction time, patience, and understanding of Elden Ring's combat mechanics. While optional, the encounter offers excellent rewards, valuable practice against bleed-based enemies, and meaningful progression in Blaidd's storyline.

 

By preparing properly, using anti-hemorrhage items, taking advantage of Guard Counters, and leveraging tools like Glintblade Phalanx or summons, Darriwil becomes far more manageable. Overcoming him not only strengthens your character through Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items, but also builds the confidence and skills needed to survive the many greater threats waiting deeper within the Lands Between.