GamesAction RpgElden RingMeet Elden Ring’s newest hero: the Lore Accurate Knight, a sword-and-board legend crushing bosses with a simple Dark Souls-inspired loadoutWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
GamesAction RpgElden RingMeet Elden Ring’s newest hero: the Lore Accurate Knight, a sword-and-board legend crushing bosses with a simple Dark Souls-inspired loadoutWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: FromSoftware / Sax Slave Gael)

A few days ago, YouTuberSax Slave Gaelasked the Elden Ring Reddit community a simple question: “Anyone here enjoy Basic Sword and Board Knight Builds?” It turns out a lot of people do. Gael’s clip of a knightly Consort Radahn fight did some numbers among the community, so he soon returned with another duel pitting the knight against fan-favorite boss Bayle the Dread,which quickly racked upnearly 10,000 upvotes.
For the true creation of the Lore Accurate Knight, one of my new favorite Elden Ring original characters, we have to go back to Gael’s video from March on “How to Create an Authentic Knight Build” focusing on blocking and guard countering. But it was the Knight’s battle with Bayle that put his saga on my radar, and Gael tells me that after this unexpected spike in popularity, his fight is not yet over.
Lore Accurate Knight - The Slaying of Bayle the Dread | A Cinematic - YouTubeWatch On
Lore Accurate Knight - The Slaying of Bayle the Dread | A Cinematic - YouTube
Lore Accurate Knight - The Slaying of Bayle the Dread | A Cinematic - YouTube

Gael has been making Elden Ring content for years, and has collectively spent over 3,000 hours playing hundreds of builds. Something about the sword and board still hits. “Generally I prefer the more basic stuff in Elden Ring, like the Iron Greatsword, Great Mace etc., but I do particularly enjoy the sword and board playstyle, as there is something very satisfying about overcoming a difficult feat using the absolute bare minimum.”
“I think it’s the idea of how in a world like Elden Ring, where we have all these mighty demigods, powerful dragons with special powers, just a simple knight with a shield and sword being able to outclass them makes it so memorable,” he says. “Imagine how they must feel losing to a common knight with all their power. I think the classic Yhorm the Giant meme kind of captures that feeling perfectly.”
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After the overwhelming response to the Knight’s Bayle fight – “one user even paid me to do it again with the UI/HUD turned off for a more cinematic effect, which I happily obliged” – Gael is now planning another entry and a longer video explaining the Knight’s journey. His current build is a level 150 Vagabond with 60 Vigor, 40 Endurance, and 80 Strength – the only stats a knight truly needs.
“It’s wonderful seeing so many players appreciate the simple stuff in such a complex game with so many ways to play,” Gael adds. “It has definitely helped revive my creative thinking and inspired me to create more knight-themed characters, as there are many like myself who are passionate and interested in this playstyle.”
Owner of Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware confirms its studios have 20 console games in development, and we can only hope one of them is a Bloodborne remaster.
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