Mastering the Golden Hippopotamus: A Comprehensive Guide to Conquering Elden Ring's Formidable Foe

Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree has captivated players with its challenging boss battles, and the Golden Hippopotamus stands as one of the earliest compulsory encounters. While this formidable foe may seem daunting at first, with the right strategy, it can be one of the easiest bosses to overcome. This comprehensive guide delves into the best approach to defeating the Golden Hippopotamus and ensuring a smooth progression through the Shadow Keep.

Unlock the Secrets to Conquering the Golden Hippopotamus

Navigating Phase 1: Mastering the Close-Range Assault

The Golden Hippopotamus's Phase 1 attacks are primarily close-range bashing maneuvers, which can be easily avoided by rolling through them and seizing the opportunity to deal damage once the action has subsided. Adopting a strategic positioning behind the boss is the key to success in this phase. From this vantage point, only a few attacks can reach the player, and they are typically straightforward to anticipate and evade. By repeatedly rolling through the enemy's attacks and repositioning behind the Golden Hippopotamus, players can effectively chip away at its health and progress to the next phase.

Overcoming the Challenges of Phase 2: Navigating the Golden Spikes

The second phase of the Golden Hippopotamus fight introduces a new challenge – the creature's ability to emit golden spikes from its body. These spikes serve a dual purpose: they deal damage to anything in close proximity when they appear, and they also shoot out from the boss's body, targeting the player. While the ranged spike attacks can be easily avoided by rolling, the close-range spike damage can pose a significant threat. Maintaining a strategic distance and carefully timing rolls to avoid the spikes becomes crucial in this phase. Utilizing the same tactics of getting behind the boss and dealing damage can still be effective, but players must be vigilant in managing the additional hazard posed by the golden spikes.

Leveraging Spirit Ashes for Tactical Advantage

For those seeking to make the Golden Hippopotamus fight even more manageable, the use of Spirit Ashes can be a valuable asset. Among the available options, the Mimic Tear is likely the best choice, as it will mirror the player's own weapons and armor, potentially inflicting status effects and drawing the boss's attention. By summoning a Mimic Tear, players can benefit from the additional distraction and damage output, allowing them to focus on positioning and avoiding the boss's attacks more effectively. The Spirit Ashes can serve as a valuable ally in the battle, complementing the player's own skills and strategies.

Mastering the Fundamentals: Patience and Adaptability

Ultimately, the key to defeating the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree lies in a combination of patience, adaptability, and a well-executed strategy. While the boss may initially appear daunting, by understanding its attack patterns, maintaining a disciplined approach to positioning and evasion, and leveraging the available tools, such as Spirit Ashes, players can overcome this formidable challenge and continue their journey through the Shadow Keep. With the right mindset and execution, the Golden Hippopotamus can become one of the easiest bosses to conquer, paving the way for further progression in the game.