How to Defeat the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree

The Golden Hippopotamus is a formidable optional boss in Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree, offering a challenging fight that requires a combination of strategy, skill, and the right gear. In this guide, we'll walk you through the process of finding and defeating the Golden Hippopotamus, regardless of your endgame build.

Golden Hippopotamus Location

1. Cross the Shadow Keep Main Gate site of grace.2. Explore the location to find an elevator that leads to a large area filled with water.3. As you enter this area, the Golden Hippopotamus will wake up and charge towards you, initiating the boss fight.

How to Beat the Golden Hippopotamus

The Golden Hippopotamus has a few powerful attacks that can take you down quickly. To beat it, you'll need to learn its attack patterns and develop a strategy to counter its moves. Here are the attack patterns you'll need to watch out for:

Attack Patterns

• Stomach Slam: The Golden Hippopotamus stands up on its back legs and comes down, crushing the area below its stomach to deal massive damage.
• Bite Grab: The boss rushes towards you with its mouth wide open, trying to grab you. If it succeeds, it will deal three slam attacks that can deplete your health bar.
• Golden Thorn Projectiles: When the Golden Hippopotamus's health falls to 50% or below, it will summon golden spiked thorns on its back. When the golden glow discharges, thorn projectiles will fire at you from above.
• Head Slam: The Golden Hippopotamus will slam its head on the ground, dealing massive damage and poison damage to you.
• Bite Combo: The boss starts the combo with a bite attack, followed by a few head slams that can be blocked but will still deal massive poise damage to you.

Best Strategy to Beat the Golden Hippopotamus

1. Bring a summon or use a Spirit Ash, such as the Mimic Tear. An upgraded Mimic Tear will be much more helpful, as it will use your endgame gear, including weapons, shields, stats, and other items, to aid you in defeating the Golden Hippopotamus.

2. Use a 100% physical damage negation shield. This will help you block the Golden Hippopotamus's attacks, which can be difficult to dodge in the small room.

3. When your summon has the boss's attention, use this opportunity to deal as much damage as possible.

4. When the Golden Hippopotamus focuses its attention on you, use your shield to block its attacks and soak up the damage.

5. Repeat this process, and the Golden Hippopotamus should be defeated in three to five minutes.

Rewards

• 200,000 runes
• Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns
• Two Scadutree Fragments

With these rewards, you'll be one step closer to completing the Elden Ring Shadow of Erdtree DLC and mastering its challenging content.