Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove Shovel of Hope boss guide: Black Knight and the Order of No Quarter
Read attack windows instead of trading damage through every boss pattern.
Edition covered
Treasure Trove collects the 2014 Shovel of Hope adventure and the later Plague of Shadows, Specter of Torment, King of Cards and Showdown releases, completed in 2019. These Steam gallery captures show Shovel of Hope. Showdown and co-op availability differ on 3DS and PS Vita; Shovel Knight Dig and Pocket Dungeon are separate games.
6 bosses · one picture per entry · open a picture for full size.
Bosses
Black Knight
Read this threat: Shovel jumps and dark projectiles. Opening to use: Strike after a committed leap or attack.
King Knight
Read this threat: Charges and falling confetti. Opening to use: Keep a safe landing between the falling pieces.
Specter Knight
Read this threat: Thrown scythe and movement through the arena. Opening to use: Attack when his path and scythe are clear.
Plague Knight
Read this threat: Bombs and changing floor pressure. Opening to use: Move out of the blast area before attacking.
Treasure Knight
Read this threat: Anchors, diving and treasure hazards. Opening to use: Punish a completed attack from safe ground.
Propeller Knight
Read this threat: Wind and aerial movement. Opening to use: Account for the wind before jumping.
Quick notes
- Use the shovel drop when the target allows it. Landing on a vulnerable boss can deal damage and keep Shovel Knight airborne.
- Watch the arena as well as the boss. Confetti, pits, projectiles and altered platforms can become the immediate threat.
- Spend magic to solve a specific pattern. A relic can reach a boss at an awkward height or protect a dangerous crossing.
- Learn one punish window at a time. After a failed attempt, identify the attack that caused most damage and practise its avoidance.
Watch the arena as well as the boss
| Fight problem | Adjustment | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Taking hits during every bounce | Use grounded slashes briefly | The overhead space may be unsafe |
| Landing in a hazard | Move before attacking again | Landing position is part of the combo |
| Magic runs out immediately | Reserve the relic for one pattern | Avoids losing its best defensive use |
| Boss moves out of range | Wait for a predictable return | Chasing can cross a dangerous arena |
A small repeatable opening is more useful than a long attack that ends in unavoidable damage.
References
| Reference | Website |
|---|---|
| Shovel Knight: Treasure Trove publisher listing | store.steampowered.com |
| Yacht Club Shovel of Hope instruction manual | old.yachtclubgames.com |