Golden Hippopotamus Location and Guide

Golden Hippopotamus Elden Ring

The Golden Hippopotamus is a boss in Elden Ring's Shadow Keep Legacy Dungeon, located in the northeast of Scadu Altus. It serves as the first challenge you face upon entering Shadow Keep, a crucial step to gaining access to the dungeon itself. Defeating this formidable foe requires strategy and skill.

Players must carefully study its movements and attacks to find openings for counterattacks. Using defensive tactics like dodging and blocking can help survive its powerful strikes. As you progress through the Elden Ring, mastering encounters like the Golden Hippopotamus prepares you for tougher battles ahead in this expansive and challenging world.

Golden Hippopotamus Location and Guide

In Elden Ring's Shadow Keep, you'll find the Golden Hippopotamus guarding the main gate. This dungeon is located in the northeast part of Scadu Altus. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to face this boss:

1. Preparation:

Equip Scadutree Blessings to reduce damage from the hippo's attacks.

2. Understanding the Attacks:

   • The hippo starts by charging with its mouth open, aiming to bite multiple times. This is a high-damage attack, so be cautious.
   • His other attacks include head swings and body slams. Each attack leaves openings for you to strike back.

3. Dodging and Timing:

   • Dodging is crucial. The hippo’s bites and swings cover a wide area, so timing your rolls is essential.
   • Avoid panic rolling; wait for clear openings before attacking.

4. Phase Two (at 60% Health):

   • The hippo glows gold and shoots quills that turn into needles. Stay close to minimize damage from the needle rain.
   • His attacks remain similar, with the addition of a ground slam that releases needle blasts. Dodge away from the impact and needles.

5. Staying Calm and Persistent:

   • Watch the hippo’s movements closely and maintain a steady rhythm in your attacks.
   • Keep up the strategy until you defeat the Golden Hippopotamus and progress in the Elden Ring.

By following these steps, you can conquer the Golden Hippopotamus and continue your journey through Shadow Keep.

Does Elden Ring Require Defeating the Golden Hippopotamus?

In Elden Ring, defeating the Golden Hippopotamus is not mandatory to progress through the game. This boss guards the entrance to the Shadow Keep, a challenging dungeon in the Land of Shadows. The Golden Hippopotamus is known for its fast attacks and wide-reaching moves, posing a significant challenge to players.

However, there's an alternative route to enter the Shadow Keep from the east, avoiding the Golden Hippopotamus altogether. By taking this detour, players can access the dungeon without engaging in this tough boss fight. This allows players to explore the Shadow Keep and continue their journey in Elden Ring without necessarily confronting the Golden Hippopotamus.

While defeating the Golden Hippopotamus offers rewards and progression in the game, players can opt to skip this encounter if they prefer. This flexibility in gameplay allows different strategies and paths to be taken in Elden Ring's expansive world, catering to varying player preferences and playstyles.

Which Bosses in Elden Ring Could Have Been More Challenging?

Which bosses in Elden Ring could have been tougher challenges? Despite From Software's reputation for difficult battles in games like Dark Souls and Bloodborne, some encounters in Elden Ring could have been more challenging.

Erdtree Avatars:

These bosses guard Minor Erdtrees throughout the game. Despite their importance in the lore, they become easier after the initial encounter. Facing them should have been more daunting considering their role as guardians.

Dragonkin Soldier of Nokstella:

Found in the Ainsel River, this boss is visually impressive but lacks a substantial health pool and challenging attacks. It could have been a more formidable opponent given its mysterious setting.

The Red Wolf of Radagon:

Located in Raya Lucaria's lecture hall, this boss is reminiscent of past From Software fights but is easily overcome due to predictable attacks and low health.

Leonine Misbegotten:

Despite its epic location in Castle Morne, this boss's fast attacks and small health pool don't match the grandeur of its setting.

Ancestor Spirit:

Found in the Siofra River area, this boss, while atmospheric, has attacks that are too predictable for such a significant encounter.

Royal Knight Loretta:

As the final boss of Caria Manor, this spectral rider is underwhelming compared to the challenges faced in the castle leading up to it.

Ancient Dragon Lansseax:

Despite its impressive appearance on the Altus Plateau, this dragon's fight doesn't live up to its potential as an ancient and powerful creature.

Lichdragon Fortissax:

The brother of Lansseax, found in Deeproot Depths, offers a visually stunning fight but lacks the difficulty expected from such a significant dragon encounter.

Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon:

Found in The Academy of Raya Lucaria, this boss, while spectacular, is relatively easy to defeat, considering her lore importance.

Godrick The Grafted:

Despite being a major story boss in Stormveil Castle, the final boss of the region could have posed more challenges to players progressing through the game.

These bosses, while still offering unique challenges, could have been more difficult to better match Elden Ring's reputation for demanding gameplay.