Best Black Knight: Sword of Rage Pinball Mods

Few pinball designers have shaped the hobby quite like Steve Ritchie.

Often referred to as The King of Flow, Ritchie has spent decades creating some of the fastest, most adrenaline-fuelled pinball machines ever built. From classics like Black Knight and High Speed to modern masterpieces, his games have always rewarded precision, speed and confidence.

If you'd like to discover more of his incredible work, take a look at our Steve Ritchie Designer Series and our guide to the Best Steve Ritchie Pinball Machines, where we explore some of his greatest creations.

Released by Stern Pinball in 2019, Black Knight: Sword of Rage proudly continues that legacy. It isn't a game that holds your hand. Every shot feels dangerous, every return demands quick reactions, and every ball can disappear in the blink of an eye.

To make things even better, the soundtrack was created by Kerry King, legendary guitarist of Slayer. The aggressive thrash metal perfectly matches the game's medieval fantasy theme, creating one of the most intense audio experiences in modern pinball.

It's loud.

It's brutal.

It's unapologetically Steve Ritchie.

One Machine, Two Very Different Experiences

One of the most interesting things about Black Knight: Sword of Rage is that you're really looking at two very different games.

The Pro is pure speed.

Without the upper playfield found on the Premium and Limited Edition models, every ball remains on the main playfield, making the game relentlessly fast. There's almost no opportunity to catch your breath, and every shot carries more risk because there's nowhere for the ball to safely slow down.

Many competitive players absolutely love this version because of its relentless pace.

The Premium and Limited Edition, on the other hand, introduce the spectacular upper playfield, complete with its own flipper. It changes the rhythm of the game completely, adding another layer of strategy while giving players brief moments to prepare their next move before returning to the chaos below.

Neither version is objectively better.

They're simply two very different interpretations of the same outstanding design.

Artwork Worth Expanding

Black Knight: Sword of Rage already has some of Stern's strongest fantasy artwork.

The dark colour palette, fiery reds and imposing Black Knight create an atmosphere that immediately captures your attention.

Rather than replacing that artwork, our designs were created to extend it naturally across the cabinet.

Owners of the Pro can continue the medieval artwork with our WizPanels, while Premium owners have their own version designed specifically to match the fire of the upper playfield.

For Limited Edition owners, our LE WizPanels feature precision-cut speaker openings that beautifully frame the factory speakers while blending seamlessly with the original artwork.

The result feels less like an aftermarket modification and more like something stock.

Of course, no medieval battlefield would feel complete without transforming the inside of the cabinet as well. Our WizBlades continue the artwork with glowing gold details, blazing fire and an army of undead warriors charging towards the player. The result makes every game feel even more immersive, extending the Black Knight's world far beyond the edges of the playfield while preserving the bold fantasy style that makes the machine so distinctive.

Every Detail Deserves Attention

One of the joys of owning Black Knight: Sword of Rage is discovering just how many small areas can be enhanced without changing the character of the machine.

The Pro WizDoors feature the legendary sword prominently through the centre of the design, creating an eye-catching front view before the first ball is even launched.

Premium and Limited Edition owners can continue that same medieval theme with our WizEmblems, where the Black Knight's iconic sword becomes the focal point around the lockdown button.

Our WizGuards for the Limited Edition add another subtle touch, protecting the cabinet while extending the artwork into an area that's constantly in the player's line of sight.

Individually, they're small details.

Together, they transform the machine into something that feels even more complete.

Built Around the Player

Every game of Black Knight is played at incredible speed.

Your eyes are constantly moving between the flippers, apron and centre of the playfield, making the lower half of the cabinet one of the most visible areas on the machine.

That's why our WizApron was designed specifically for the Premium and Limited Edition models, including compatibility with the Insider Connected upgrade kit for owners who have added Stern's connectivity system.

Collectors looking for the finishing touch can also complete the lower playfield with our WizBats, featuring the legendary sword artwork carried across both flippers for a subtle but striking finishing detail.

One of Stern's Best Modern Toppers

Even among Stern's outstanding accessories, the official Black Knight topper stands out.

The sculpted Black Knight head dominates the top of the backbox, bringing the character to life with dramatic lighting effects that perfectly complement the machine's fantasy theme.

Combined with Kerry King's incredible soundtrack and Steve Ritchie's famously fast gameplay, it creates an experience that feels closer to an interactive heavy metal concert than a traditional pinball machine.

It's one of the rare toppers that genuinely transforms the appearance of the game.

Built for Speed, Designed for Collectors

Black Knight: Sword of Rage appeals to an unusually wide range of pinball enthusiasts.

Competitive players appreciate its unforgiving speed.

Steve Ritchie fans recognise another masterclass in flowing shot design.

Collectors love the stunning Limited Edition artwork and one of Stern's finest toppers.

Metal fans enjoy one of the heaviest soundtracks ever featured in pinball.

Whatever brings you to this machine, carefully chosen upgrades can make an already spectacular game feel even more personal.

If you're ready to complete your machine, explore our full collection of Black Knight: Sword of Rage Pinball Mods, or browse our complete Pinball Mods Collection for artwork created for many of today's most popular machines.