The Tower Knight is the boss of World 1-2 (Boletaria). From the World 1-1 Archstone, reaching him requires that you time your sprints from each guard tower to avoid the Red Dragon's fire. The Tower Knight inflicts a large amount of damage and can be tough for those continuing straight from World 1-1. If you're having trouble, consider visiting another world and come back later; World 2 (Stonefang Tunnel) contains many shards that will allow you to upgrade your weapon, and the first Reaper in World 4-2 (Shrine of Storms) can be farmed for some quick and easy Souls. The Dregling Merchant (also located in 1-2, underneath the bridge) sells Grass cheaper than other merchants, as does Patches, the Hyena when he arrives in the Nexus after 2-2 or 4-2. With that being said, if you are struggling: welcome to
Demon's Souls. As with all enemies, learning the Tower Knight's moves and rolling away from his attacks is the key to success.
Don't let the Knight's colossal size or the Fat Official's ambush intimidate you; head up either of the stairs at the back of the courtyard and take out the crossbow-wielding soldiers first. Stay away from the sides – though the Tower Knight won't follow you upstairs, he will hurl magical lances in your general direction.
When only you and the Tower Knight remain, taking him out requires that you get behind him (either by circling around or heading between his legs) and target and hit his heels; though the damage you inflict will likely be limited (depending on how early you choose to fight this boss), you will visibly see his heels deteriorate. Continue to attack them both and he will eventually stagger and topple over backwards – again, head between his legs or roll/sprint to the side to avoid him falling on you. Now target and attack his head for a huge damage increase. You should of course two-hand your weapon for increased damage as you have no need for a shield while he is temporarily down.
When he gets back up, repeat the strategy. If he gets too close to the side of the courtyard, back off to lure him away from the wall so you can get behind him again. Always be ready to back off and heal, and know that far fewer of his attacks can get you when you're behind him – be aware that he can suddenly jump backwards, which can skim off a little of your health, and his shield bash has an AoE. You should also note that his lance has a lot of range, so keep your shield up when approaching him from the front and be ready to roll.
Defeating the Tower Knight also unlocks a new Archstone to warp to and from the Nexus and the "Iron Demon's Soul", which can be given to Sage Freke for the Warding spell or consumed for 4,400 Souls.
You won't be able to continue through Boletaria as a colourless fog blocks further access into the castle; access to World 1-3 will be granted following the defeat of your first Archdemon. For more information, see:
Archdemon of World 2-3:
Archdemon of World 3-3:
Archdemon of World 4-3:
Archdemon of World 5-3:
See also:The
Demon's Souls wikidot's article on the Tower Knight:
http://demonssouls.wikidot.com/walk1-2-bossWorld 1 bosses"Phalanx's Trophy", awarded for defeating the boss of World 1-1 (also the first boss in the game, not including the Vanguard in the Tutorial):
"Penetrator's Trophy", awarded for defeating the boss of World 1-3:
"False King's Trophy", awarded for defeating the boss of World 1-4, and the Archdemon of Boletaria:
Similar bosses"Adjudicator's Trophy", awarded for defeating the boss of World 4-1 (Shrine of Storms), who has a similar strategy for defeating him:
Other Boletaria-related trophies"Flying Dragon's Trophy", awarded for killing the Blue Dragon in World 1-4 (must be killed before defeating the False King, else it disappears):
"Old King's Trophy", awarded for defeating Old King Doran in World 1-1 using Ostrava of Boletaria's Mausoleum Key: