Sanctum Knights are enemies in Dark Souls II: Crown of the Sunken King.
Lore[]
The Sanctum Knights renounced their flesh to eternally guard the Sanctum from Sir Yorgh and his Drakeblood Knights.
Description[]
Sanctum Knights are immune to Physical damage when in their spirit form, which is indicated by their phantom-like appearance. Nearby, and sometimes hidden, there are large statues emanating a red aura. Destroying these statues returns the knight's color and makes them permanently vulnerable, even if the player dies or rests at a bonfire.
They are, however, vulnerable to diverse elements. If the player attacks with an elemental weapon, they can be damaged. The damage dealt will be minimal compared to if their statues were destroyed, but may be enough for removing certain knights positioned in strategic locations.
Strategy[]
Sanctum Knights are difficult without assistance, as they are aggressive from larger distances than most other foes. They have an impressive amount of poise and health points, even after they are rendered vulnerable. They fight with power stanced falchions and are capable of swift strikes to close in on the player. When the player is far away, certain knights will pull out two crossbows which are capable of dealing Physical and Dark damage.
Unlike most enemies that will charge the player outright, the Sanctum Knights will usually pace into medium range. They will then hunker down and charge with a power stanced falchion strike. However, they are prone to cumbersome strikes and are slow to turn, allowing to be backstabbed with little trouble. Most problems arise because there are often two knights on the player, and they will follow the player for some distance if they try to escape.
If the player opts to fight a Sanctum Knight while in spirit form, a good strategy is to bring a greatshield with good stability and which provides 100% Physical defense (like the Havel's Greatshield), and also an element-infused weapon that can deal Strike damage (e.g.: Lightning Demon's Great Hammer+5). The Sanctum Knight will stagger every time he hits the shield, giving the player a chance to score a free hit. The player may just refrain from counterattacking while recharging stamina.
Drops[]
| Item |  Sanctum Knight Helm |
 Sanctum Knight Armor |
 Sanctum Knight Gauntlets |
 Sanctum Knight Leggings |
| Drop Rate | ??? | ??? | ??? | ??? |
| Item |  Repair Powder |
 Sanctum Crossbow |
 Sanctum Repeating Crossbow |
|
| Drop Rate | ??? | ??? | ??? |
Notes[]
- Cannot be backstabbed while in spirit form, but can be backstabbed one returned to their bodies.
- Can be parried and riposted.
Gallery[]
