How to Defeat Golden Hippopotamus

Here is a quick guide on how to defeat Golden Hippopotamus in the latest FromSoftware expansion. The Soulslike genre has a reputation for making difficult games paired with overpowered bosses and this optional boss battle is no different.

Beating the Golden Hippopotamus is not impossible; however, it requires great patience and skill to get the best of this beast. The player base must have a great balance between power and speed to get through this combat encounter.

FromSoftware is notorious for designing massive enemies that can pack a punch. The Golden Hippopotamus can be found in the central courtyard of Shadow Keep and it is not a difficult boss once you get a gist of his attack patterns and have a decent build.

It is best to have the Antspur Rapier equipped with the Seppuku Ash of War, Blood Affinity for added blood loss hemorrhage, and with this item, you are golden. Upon entering the arena, the enemy boss will immediately start the fight with a biting attack that can be easily evaded and strike the Golden Hippopotamus to build up blood loss and the Scarlet Rot.

Fighting aggressively is a great option instead of keeping your distance from the enemy and waiting for the right opportunity. Forcing the action will allow you to study the attack patterns of the Golden Hippopotamus and get you closer to his side where you can safely inflict enough damage.

It is highly likely to sustain damage; however, it is not from the more powerful attacks. Trading blows with this enemy will be well worth it, especially once the Scarlet Rot is doing its part to decrease its health rapidly.

This Shadow of the Erdtree boss has a few area-of-effect attacks like slamming the ground and raining needles and all you have to do is run in one direction to get out of harm’s way. It is best to stay close and be mindful of random bite attacks that can lead to serious damage.

The Antspur Rapier paired with the Sepuku Ash of War is the best way to defeat the Golden Hippopotamus since it can deliver quick and heavy attacks through blood loss. It will not take long before this overpowered enemy will be downed once you attack it consistently, evade all incoming attacks, and stay within reach.

The size and weight of the Golden Hippopotamus is its biggest disadvantage. Its weight limits his movement making it one of the more beefier, slower, and heavier enemy bosses in the Shadow of the Erdtree. You can make the most of it by being quick on your feet and landing a few quick attacks with a decent weapon build for maximum damage output.

Defeating the Golden Hippopotamus will grant you two Scadutree Fragments and the aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation. The new magic incantation spell can come in clutch for future battles that are much more challenging than this oversized hippo. Other optional bosses like Count Ymir, Mother of Fingers are on par with the Golden Hippopotamus regarding difficulty.

This is one of many powerful bosses that can be defeated with the right gear, patience, and determination. The Antspur Rapier with the Sepuku Ash of War and some Blood loss can finish the job without hassle. The Golden Hippopotamus can pack a punch thanks to its tanky physique; however, it is its biggest disadvantage.

All attacks can be easily evaded and the hippo’s slow movements allow you to inflict impressive damage. Dodging perfectly and striking with the right weapons can put the Golden Hippopotamus down.

How did you defeat the Golden Hippopotamus in the Elden Ring Shadow of the Erdtree? Let us know in the comments section below!