How to Defeat the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring

The Golden Hippopotamus is one of the most visually impressive and punishing optional bosses in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Found resting at the base of the giant Marika statue in Shadow Keep, this beast transitions from slumber to savage assault the moment you step into its domain. With overwhelming power, unpredictable movements, and aggressive charge attacks, the Golden Hippopotamus will test even veteran Tarnished.

Although not required to advance the story, defeating this boss yields high-value Elden Ring Runes, essential Elden Ring Items, and opens up deeper paths within Shadow Keep. Here's everything you need to know to bring the beast down.

Where to Find the Golden Hippopotamus

The Golden Hippopotamus lies in wait within Shadow Keep, a sprawling, fortress-like dungeon filled with powerful enemies and deep lore. To locate the arena:

    Navigate through the lower levels of Shadow Keep until you reach the Sanctum Entrance Site of Grace.

    From there, proceed toward the massive Marika statue.

    As you approach, a short cutscene triggers, the Golden Hippopotamus awakens and charges, launching you straight into battle.

What You Get for Defeating It

While it's optional, defeating the Golden Hippopotamus is highly rewarding:

    Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns – A powerful Crucible Incantation tied to the lore and build variety of Erdtree Faith users.

    x2 Scadutree Fragments – Crucial for upgrading your Shadow Realm Blessing and increasing your survivability in the DLC areas.

    A large drop of Elden Ring Runes, great for leveling up or upgrading weapons.

    Chance of receiving valuable Elden Ring Items, including crafting materials or Crucible-themed armor (depending on RNG and version updates).

Boss Behavior and Attack Patterns

The Golden Hippopotamus is not a subtle foe. This hulking beast uses its massive body, armored head, and devastating jaw attacks to keep players constantly on the back foot. Expect:

    Charged Rushes – The fight begins with a full-speed charge. This repeats periodically and is the boss's most dangerous move.

    Sweeping Bites – Close-range players are punished with wide horizontal swipes of the head.

    Stomp Combos – If you're underneath or near its sides, expect heavy stomps that deal splash damage and cause knockback.

    Tail Flicks and Spins – To punish players trying to cheese from behind, it uses spinning tail attacks.

Its speed and tracking are surprisingly effective, so this isn't a fight where you can rely on just rolling and poking, it demands deliberate planning and patience.

Best Strategies and Builds

Melee Builds

If you're a melee-focused player, equip weapons with high stagger potential or bleed. Colossal weapons, Greatswords, or even fast Dexterity-based curved swords can work if you stay mobile.

Ash of War Suggestion: Flaming Strike or Flaming Slam can boost fire damage and stagger potential, which works well on this boss.

Stay toward the back legs or flank, but be prepared to dodge tail whips and sudden spins. After its charge, it's often vulnerable for a brief moment, capitalize on that opening with charged attacks.

Magic and Ranged Builds

Magic users and archers should use the arena space to their advantage. Keep distance, but watch out, many of the Hippopotamus's charges can cover surprising ground.

Recommended Spells:

    Loretta's Greatbow or Comet Azur for burst damage during its recovery windows.

    Rotten Breath or Swarm of Flies (for Arcane builds) to apply status effects over time.

Use summons to tank the boss or keep it distracted while you cast from safety.

Recommended Spirit Ashes

Summoning Spirit Ashes is a game-changer in this fight. The best choices include:

    Banished Knight Oleg – His tanky nature and constant aggression make him ideal for drawing aggro.

    Latenna the Albinauric – Great for long-range damage if you can keep the boss distracted.

Summons not only help deal damage, but they also give you breathing room for healing or casting.

Key Elden Ring Items to Bring

    Boltdrake Talisman +3 – While the Hippopotamus doesn't use lightning, this slot can be replaced with a Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman to reduce physical damage.

    Crimsonburst Crystal Tear – Restores HP over time, which is helpful given how punishing some of the boss's combos are.

    Opaline Hardtear – Reduces damage temporarily, useful when you expect a charge or burst phase.

These Elden Ring Items can mean the difference between surviving a combo or getting flattened in one hit.

Combat Tips

    Don't Panic Roll: The Hippopotamus has wide hitboxes and deceptive tracking. Learn its charge timing and roll toward its side, not backward.

    Punish After Charges: Many of its long-distance moves end with a brief pause. Use these to heal, cast, or go in for damage.

    Use Elevation and Obstacles: If the arena has any terrain features (depending on patch version), use them to block line-of-sight or stagger charges.

Final Thoughts

The Golden Hippopotamus is a true test of player discipline. It punishes panic, rewards preparation, and brings some of the best design elements of Elden Ring to life: high stakes, brutal power, and rewarding victory. It also serves as a gateway to deeper sections of Shadow Keep and offers a bounty of Elden Ring Runes and rare Elden Ring Items for those who prevail.

If you're exploring the full depths of Shadow of the Erdtree and looking to bolster your collection of powerful items and spells, don't skip this fight. Prepare thoroughly, keep your cool, and you'll walk away with more than just a win, you'll leave with a sense of triumph worthy of any Tarnished legend.