Golden Hippo Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree
Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduces some of the most challenging boss fights to date, and the Golden Hippo stands out as one of the more frustrating encounters. This formidable foe not only boasts high damage but also fights in a confined space, making dodging and maneuvering difficult. If you’re struggling to defeat the Golden Hippo Elden Ring, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to emerge victorious.
Golden Hippo Elden Ring Location
The Golden Hippo Elden Ring resides within the Shadow Keep, located in Scadu Altus. As the first boss you’ll face upon entering the keep through the main gate, this battle marks a significant progression point. To gain access to Scadu Altus, you’ll need to first defeat Rellana at Castle Ensis.
Once you’ve arrived at Scadu Altus, head north to find the imposing Shadow Keep. Defeating the Golden Hippo is essential to unlock the pathway leading to the Ancient Ruins of Ruah. Follow these steps to reach the boss:
- Start at the Highroad Cross Site of Grace and head north along the main road.
- Continue along this path until you spot the dark fortress looming ahead.
- Proceed straight to the Shadow Keep’s main entrance and use the lift inside.
- After ascending, enter the next chamber to initiate the Golden Hippo boss fight.
Path to Golden Hippo Elden Ring DLC
Golden Hippo Elden Ring Weaknesses
Exploiting the Golden Hippo Elden Ring weaknesses can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Here are some key vulnerabilities:
- Weak to Bleed – Bleed damage is highly effective against the Golden Hippo and can significantly reduce its health over time.
- Weak to Frost – Frost buildup works similarly to bleed, providing another strong method for dealing damage.
- Headshots Break Poise – Targeting the Golden Hippo’s head, especially with jump attacks, breaks its poise quickly, creating openings for heavy damage.
How to Defeat Golden Hippo Elden Ring
Facing the Golden Hippo solo can be a daunting experience, largely due to the tight battle arena and challenging camera angles. The boss relentlessly charges at players, often pinning them against walls. However, with the right strategy, you can make this encounter manageable.
Phase 1 – Fighting the Golden Hippo
The first phase of the Golden Hippo fight revolves around staying mobile and avoiding corners. Here are some essential tips to survive Phase 1:
- Avoid Cornering Yourself – Always aim to stay near the center of the room and move in circular patterns to prevent the boss from trapping you.
- Camera Control – The camera can hinder visibility in this fight. Avoid locking onto the boss to maintain better control of your surroundings.
- Use Spirit Summons – Summoning spirits early on can draw the boss’s attention away from you, allowing you to safely land attacks.
- Bleed Builds – Equip weapons or abilities that cause bleed buildup to chip away at the Golden Hippo’s health faster.
Phase 1 Attack Patterns and How to Dodge Them
- Charging Bite – The boss charges forward with its mouth open. Dodge to the side twice, ensuring the second roll takes you behind the boss.
- Ground Slam – The Golden Hippo rears up and slams down, causing an area-of-effect shockwave. Sprint sideways and jump just as the slam hits the ground.
- Head Slam Combo – A double head slam that advances toward you. Roll to the side twice just before the first impact to avoid both hits.
- Side Bite and Bash – A sideways bite followed by a head bash. Dodge the bite, then wait a moment before rolling again to avoid the bash.
- Delayed Bash – The boss charges its head and performs a delayed bash. Time your dodge carefully to avoid both hits.
Phase 2 – Golden Hippo Second Phase
Upon losing about 40% of its health, the Golden Hippo enters Phase 2. Spikes sprout from its back, and many attacks now include spike projectiles. This phase also introduces new moves and a faster attack pattern.
- Maintain Position – Continue to stay near the center of the arena and let your Spirit Summons handle aggro.
- Bleed and Frost – Continue using bleed or frost to quickly deplete its health.
Phase 2 Attack Patterns and How to Dodge Them
- Spike Rain – The boss fires spikes into the air, which fall over a few seconds. Sprint in any direction to avoid the falling spikes.
- Jumping Spike Roll – The Golden Hippo jumps and rolls towards you, causing heavy damage. Sprint toward the boss as it jumps and dodge roll as it lands to minimize damage.
Rewards for Defeating Golden Hippo Elden Ring
Once you bring the Golden Hippo’s health to zero, you’ll receive the following rewards:
- Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns (Incantation)
- Scadutree Fragment x2
Defeating the Golden Hippo also unlocks further areas of the Shadow Keep, granting access to the Ancient Ruins of Ruah.
And there you have it! If you’re still facing difficulties or need more tips on this fight, feel free to drop your questions in the comments section. Good luck, Tarnished!
Looking for more tips? Check out our guides on the best weapons, builds, and strategies in Gaming.
