A comprehensive guide to locating and defeating the Golden Hippopotamus boss in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
Introduction: The Shadow Keep’s Guardian
Confronting the Golden Hippopotamus serves as your inaugural major challenge within the Shadow Keep legacy dungeon in Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. This guide delivers the essential knowledge required to triumph over this formidable beast.
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC introduces a host of terrifying new adversaries. Among them, the Golden Hippopotamus stands as a critical gatekeeper, and mastering its defeat is paramount for any Tarnished venturing into the Shadow Lands.
Classified as a Great Enemy boss, the Golden Hippopotamus is strategically positioned as the first significant obstacle within the Shadow Keep. Vanquishing it is non-negotiable for accessing the deeper, more perilous sections of the dungeon that follow.
While it presents a more approachable learning curve compared to the horrors that lie ahead, no boss in Elden Ring should be underestimated. Understanding its mechanics is the difference between victory and a swift defeat.
Location: Finding the Hippopotamus
You will find the Golden Hippopotamus slumbering directly beneath the Marika Statue that marks the primary entrance to the Shadow Keep. This dungeon is located in the far northeastern quadrant of the Scadu Altus region on your map, a stronghold teeming with the forces of Messmer the Impaler.
The Shadow Keep is a vast complex with several potential entry points. For this boss, you must locate the Main Gate. Travel along the primary roadway traversing this section of Scadu Altus until you reach a raised portcullis. An elevator awaits just beyond; ride it upwards to arrive directly at the boss arena.
Pro Tip: Ensure you have activated the nearby “Main Gate” Site of Grace before engaging. This provides a convenient respawn point and allows you to summon NPC allies for the fight.
Combat Strategy: Phase-by-Phase Breakdown
Mechanically, the Golden Hippopotamus is among the more straightforward bosses in the DLC. Its arsenal consists of bites, charging tackles, and powerful head slams. Each attack carries significant damage potential, punishing complacency harshly.
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Phase 1 – The Assault: The fight opens with a gaping-mouth charge. If this grab connects, it triggers a multi-hit bite sequence that can be instantly fatal. The optimal defense is a well-timed dodge roll. Due to the attack’s extensive forward range, initiate your roll earlier than you might think to completely clear its area of effect.
Its other primary Phase 1 move is a ground-shattering head slam. Resist the urge to create distance. Instead, strafe closely around the hippo’s flank. This positioning avoids the damage and capitalizes on the 1-2 second recovery period where the boss is vulnerable to your counter-attacks.
The most dangerous move is the belly slam. The most reliable evasion method is to jump just before impact. This not only avoids damage but also creates a perfect window for a jumping heavy attack combo, ideal for Strength or Dexterity builds that utilize such tactics.
Your offensive windows occur after dodging a bite or head slam. Strafe to its side, deliver a few quick strikes, and immediately disengage. The boss frequently follows up with a wide head swipe or an uppercut, so greed will be punished. Patience is key to gradually depleting its health bar.
Phase 2 – Thorned Onslaught (50% Health): At half health, the hippopotamus roars and erupts with massive golden thorns from its body, which then rain down across the arena. Stay close to the boss during this animation. The projectiles primarily target mid-to-long range, so proximity allows you to avoid most damage while landing free hits during its long transformation sequence.
In this phase, the belly slam gains a secondary hazard: a ring of thorns erupts from the ground around the impact zone. This expands the area of effect, requiring you to create slightly more distance or time your jump more precisely than in Phase 1.
The core strategy remains consistent: circle the beast, attack its flanks during safe intervals, and retreat. Repeat this disciplined rotation until the Golden Hippopotamus falls.
Advanced Tactics & Common Mistakes
Weapon Recommendations: The Hippopotamus is notably weak to Strike damage (e.g., Hammers, Maces, Flails) and Fire affinity. Weapons like the Brick Hammer or any standard armament buffed with Flame Art or Fire Grease will yield superior results. Fast-hitting weapons are ideal for exploiting its short recovery windows.
Common Pitfall – The Greed Spiral: The most frequent cause of death is overcommitting after a successful dodge. The boss’s recovery is brief. Limit yourself to 2-3 hits with a fast weapon, or one charged heavy attack, before resetting to a defensive stance. Its counter-attacks are swift and punishing.
Positioning Error – Rolling Backwards: Defaulting to backward rolls against its charges and slams often places you directly into follow-up attacks. Train yourself to dodge diagonally forward or to the sides, moving you into safer flanking positions.
Advanced Tactic – Jumping Counter: Beyond avoiding the belly slam, use jumps proactively. Many of its horizontal head swipes can also be jumped over, creating unexpected offensive opportunities for skilled players.
Allies & Summons
You have access to two NPC summons for this encounter. Redmane Freya’s summon sign appears on the approach from the Main Gate Site of Grace. The second option, Hornsent, proves exceptionally effective due to the high bleed damage he inflicts, which synergizes well with the boss’s vulnerabilities.
Spirit Ash Consideration: If you prefer Spirit Ashes, choose aggressive summons that can draw agression and apply status effects. The Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche are excellent choices, as they can consistently pressure the Hippopotamus and create openings for you.
Rewards & Weaknesses
Upon defeating the Golden Hippopotamus, you will receive the following loot:
The Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns is a potent new Incantation that allows the caster to emulate the boss’s second-phase ability, summoning defensive golden thorns around themselves.
The Golden Hippopotamus exhibits significant vulnerability to specific elemental damage types:
Primary Weaknesses: Fire and Lightning damage are highly effective. Strike physical damage also receives a favorable damage modifier.
Critical Resistance: Conversely, the boss is extremely resistant to Holy damage. Incantations and weapons with Holy affinity will deal drastically reduced damage and should be avoided.
Considering whether Shadow of the Erdtree is right for you? Explore our comprehensive review of the DLC after extensive exploration of the Shadow Lands. We also have a complete guide compiling all new boss locations.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » How to beat the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree A comprehensive guide to locating and defeating the Golden Hippopotamus boss in Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree DLC