Quick Answer
Beat the Black Guild Cardinals by using the central pillars, strafing elemental shots, and concentrating fire on one enemy. You face this area boss at the end of Town, guarding the Sewers entrance. Collect the arena's fixed items and exit chests; individual Cardinals can also drop Passive Equipment.
How do you beat the Black Guild Cardinal?
Use a pillar to interrupt incoming fire, then attack through the gaps between volleys.
Take cover behind a central pillar
You have four pillars in the arena's center. Use one to block most incoming damage while you watch the Cardinals' firing positions.
Each Cardinal charges a robotic arm before rapidly firing elemental projectiles. You can identify the damage type by the shots' color. Their possible elements are Electric, Explosive, Fire, Frost, and Poison.
Peek around the firing cycle
Shoot just before or after a Cardinal starts or finishes firing, then use your pillar again. You do not need to remain exposed throughout the volley.
Wait for firing to finish, then attack during the reload. They can teleport between firing positions, so check where each one is before you step out.
Strafe sideways when you are exposed
Move sideways relative to the Cardinal tracking you. Its projectiles travel slowly enough to dodge this way, and it does not lead your movement.
Check the other enemies before continuing across the open arena. Moving sideways against one shooter can carry you directly toward or away from another.
Finish one enemy before switching targets
Concentrate your attacks on one opponent until it dies, then move to the next. You have fewer firing angles to watch as you remove enemies.
Continue using cover and checking the surviving shooters. After you defeat the group, the route into the Sewers opens.
How should you use the pillars against crossfire?
Use the pillars to block most damage, but check every surviving Cardinal before you leave cover.
A pillar gives you a firing window without requiring a long run through the open. The danger changes when another enemy has a clear angle on you.
Strafing only protects you relative to the shooter you are moving sideways against. Another Cardinal can still fire along your movement direction. Watch the whole group before committing to a crossing.
If you want to review your setup before another attempt, consult the weapon builds guide.
Are there three Cardinals or four?
Most accounts list three Cardinals guarding the Sewers entrance, though one strategy note counts four.
You may also see them called the three railgun enemies on Floor 5. They wear masks, occupy windows, and can teleport between firing positions. You reach their arena beyond the wooden platforms, past cells of imprisoned civilians you cannot free.
Keep checking the arena before you assume the fight is over.
What does the Town boss drop?
Cardinals can drop Passive Equipment, while the arena contains fixed items and two exit chests.
| Reward | Availability |
|---|---|
| Passive Equipment | Chance to drop from a Black Guild Cardinal |
| Robot Soul Capsule | Always present in the arena |
| Tongue | Always present in the arena |
| Cultist Heart | Always present in the arena |
| The Cost | Always present in the arena |
| Intestines | Always present in the arena |
| Equipment chest | At the Sewers exit after you defeat the Cardinals |
| Weapon chest | At the Sewers exit after you defeat the Cardinals |
Do not confuse the possible enemy drop with the fixed arena loot. You can clear the fight without receiving Passive Equipment from an individual Cardinal.
After collecting the loot, you can continue into the Sewers. Review your equipment with the items guide and best armor guide. For other encounters, return to the SULFUR bosses overview.
FAQ
You can use these answers to check the encounter's location, defenses, and rewards.
The Black Guild Cardinals are Town's area boss. They guard the entrance to the Sewers.
Yes. The four central pillars block most incoming damage and give you cover between attacks.
Yes. Move sideways relative to the firing Cardinal, but check the other shooters' angles to avoid crossfire.
No. Cardinals have a chance to drop Passive Equipment. The arena's listed items are fixed rewards.
The route into the Sewers opens. You also have an equipment chest and a weapon chest at the exit.