How to Vanquish the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
In the depths of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion, a formidable adversary emerges: the Golden Hippopotamus. Known for its relentless aggression and deceptive camera angles, this boss can be a daunting challenge. However, with the right strategy and a dash of patience, you can triumph over this formidable beast.
How to Locate the Golden Hippopotamus
Hidden within the ominous Shadow Keep in Scadu Altus, the Golden Hippopotamus guards the path to the Ancient Ruins of Ruah. To reach this battleground, proceed as follows:
- Embark from the Highroad Cross Site of Grace.
- Head northward along the main road, noticing the towering darkness ahead.
- Enter the Shadow Keep through its main entrance.
- Ascend via the lift to the upper level and confront the Golden Hippopotamus.
Understanding the Golden Hippopotamus’s Weaknesses
Before engaging in battle, familiarizing yourself with the Golden Hippopotamus’s vulnerabilities is crucial:
- Bleed: The Golden Hippopotamus is particularly susceptible to the effects of Bleed, making it an effective strategy to inflict substantial damage.
- Frost Buildup: Frost buildup can also hinder the Golden Hippopotamus, slowing its movements and creating opportunities for attack.
- Headshots: Targeting the Golden Hippopotamus’s head repeatedly can quickly break its poise, especially with jump attacks.
Strategies for Combat
Conquering the Golden Hippopotamus requires a combination of strategic positioning and well-timed dodges:
Phase 1:
- Maintain Centrality: Avoid cornering yourself against the walls, as the Golden Hippopotamus will relentlessly shove you against them. Instead, stay near the center of the room and adopt a circular movement pattern.
- Unlock Camera: The confined space and poor camera angles make it difficult to lock on to the enemy. Disengage from auto-lock to gain better control over your movements.
- Summon Spirits: Invoking Spirit Summons can distract the Golden Hippopotamus, drawing its attention away from you and providing opportunities to strike.
- Dodge Charging Bite: Anticipate the Golden Hippopotamus’s charging bite attack. Execute a side dodge roll followed by a follow-up roll towards the enemy’s backside.
- Avoid Ground Slam: When the Golden Hippopotamus rears up on its hind legs, sprint sideways before it comes crashing down. Jump precisely as it slams into the ground to evade its shockwave.
- Anticipate Head Slam Combo: The Golden Hippopotamus often performs a two-hit head slam combo. Perform a quick double-dodge roll sideways just before the first slam. Avoid rolling backward, as it can lead to getting pinned against the walls.
- Sidestep Bite and Head Bash: Watch for the Golden Hippopotamus’s combination attack, which includes a bite near its right shoulder followed by a head bash to the left. Sidestep both attacks with precise dodge rolls.
Phase 2:
After depleting about 40% of the Golden Hippopotamus’s health, it will enter its second phase:
- Cope with Spikes: The Golden Hippopotamus’s back becomes covered in sharp spikes, which it fires during many of its Phase 1 attacks.
- Avoid Spike Rain: When the Golden Hippopotamus fires spikes into the air, sprint in any direction to avoid being pierced.
- Evade Jumping Spike Roll: Dodge the Golden Hippopotamus’s jumping spike roll by sprinting towards it when it leaps and dodge rolling towards it upon landing. Continue moving and dodging to minimize damage.
Rewards for Triumph
Upon vanquishing the Golden Hippopotamus, you will be rewarded with the following:
- Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns (Incantation)
- Access to the rest of the Shadow Keep, leading to the Ancient Ruins of Ruah
By following these strategies and maintaining patience, you can overcome the Golden Hippopotamus and delve deeper into the perilous realm of Shadow of the Erdtree.