Godfrey, The First Elden Lord: A Double Dose of Brutality?

Yes, Tarnished, you absolutely have to fight Godfrey twice in Elden Ring. He appears as the Golden Shade Godfrey early on, a spectral preview of the pain to come. Later, you’ll face him in his true, formidable form as Godfrey, First Elden Lord, who then transforms into the raging beast, Hoarah Loux, Warrior. Both encounters are mandatory to progress the main story and claim the title of Elden Lord. Prepare yourself; these battles will test your skills to their absolute limit!

Understanding Godfrey’s Encounters

Godfrey isn’t just another boss; he’s a pivotal figure in Elden Ring’s lore and a significant hurdle on your path to becoming Elden Lord. Understanding the context of each fight can help you strategize and appreciate the significance of these encounters.

Golden Shade Godfrey: A Ghost of Battles Past

The first encounter is against Golden Shade Godfrey, a spectral manifestation within Leyndell, Royal Capital. This fight serves as a warning shot, showcasing Godfrey’s brutal moveset and punishing aggression. It’s a test of your dodging ability and your capacity to deal with relentless pressure. Don’t underestimate this fight; it can easily catch you off guard!

Godfrey, First Elden Lord & Hoarah Loux, Warrior: The True Test

The second fight is the real deal. You face Godfrey, First Elden Lord, also in Leyndell, Royal Capital, later in the game. He is a powerful melee fighter with devastating ground slams and axe attacks. But here’s the kicker: once you deplete half of his health bar, he throws aside his axe, embraces his primal instincts, and transforms into Hoarah Loux, Warrior. This second phase focuses on grappling and brutal hand-to-hand combat, demanding an entirely new approach. This is arguably one of the most memorable and challenging boss fights in Elden Ring.

FAQs: Conquering the First Elden Lord

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you overcome Godfrey’s challenges:

1. Is Godfrey the second to last boss?

Godfrey, in his combined form of Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux, Warrior, is considered the penultimate boss. Defeating him opens the path to the final boss encounter. You must overcome both forms consecutively to move forward.

2. Do I have to beat Hoarah Loux to beat the game?

Yes, Hoarah Loux is the second phase of the Godfrey, First Elden Lord fight. You must defeat him to progress the story and ultimately face the final boss to potentially become Elden Lord.

3. What level should I be to fight Godfrey?

For the Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux fight, it’s recommended to be around level 110 or higher, with weapons upgraded to at least +20 (somber stone weapons +9). The Golden Shade Godfrey can be fought at a lower level, but expect a significant challenge.

4. What is Godfrey’s weakness?

Godfrey is vulnerable to Lightning and Thrusting damage. He is also susceptible to Bleed. However, he is resistant to Scarlet Rot in his Hoarah Loux form and resistant to Holy damage. Exploit these weaknesses to gain an advantage in the battle.

5. What are the best weapons to use against Godfrey?

Consider weapons with Lightning Damage, Thrusting attacks, or Bleed buildup. Some excellent options include:

• Bolt of Gransax (Lightning Damage)
• Bloodhound’s Fang (Bleed)
• Adula’s Moonblade (Magic Damage to punish distance)
• Rotten Breath/Ekzyke’s Decay(Scarlet Rot)

6. Can I summon help for the Godfrey fight?

Yes! You can summon NPCs like Nepheli Loux and Shabriri for the Godfrey, First Elden Lord/Hoarah Loux fight. Their summon signs are located outside the boss arena. You can use both summons simultaneously for added support. Don’t hesitate to use Spirit Ashes as well.

7. How do I dodge Hoarah Loux’s grabs?

Hoarah Loux’s grabs are devastating. The key is to time your dodges precisely as he lunges for you. Watch his movements carefully and roll into the attack just before he connects. Practicing the timing is crucial. Some players suggest jumping over some ground slam attacks, so be sure to vary your approach.

8. What talismans are best for the Godfrey fight?

Given that all of Godfrey/Hoarah Loux’s attacks are physical, focus on talismans that boost your physical damage resistance. Useful options include:

• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Significantly increases physical damage negation.
• Erdtree’s Favor: Increases HP, stamina, and equip load.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Improves stamina recovery.
• Pearldrake Talisman: Boosts non-physical damage negation.

9. Does bleed work on Godfrey/Hoarah Loux?

Yes, Bleed can be effective against both forms. Focus on weapons with high Bleed buildup or special Bleed-focused abilities. Hoarah Loux is resistant to Scarlet Rot, so it’s often better to use Bleed-focused attacks.

10. Where do I go after beating Godfrey?

After defeating Godfrey/Hoarah Loux, climb the roots outside the arena to reach the upper levels. This path leads to the Queen’s Bedchamber Site of Grace and ultimately to another shardbearer, Morgott, the Omen King.

11. Why does Godfrey return to the Lands Between?

Godfrey returns because of a promise Marika made before exiling him and his warriors. After their deaths, they would regain what was taken from them, allowing them to return to the Lands Between and wage war for the Elden Ring. His return is tied to Marika’s grand design.

12. Is Godfrey stronger than Radagon?

While both are incredibly powerful, Radagon is considered stronger than Godfrey. Radagon is a god and the male half of Marika, granting him a significant power advantage. However, Godfrey’s sheer strength and battle prowess shouldn’t be underestimated.

13. Why does Gideon Ofnir betray you?

Gideon Ofnir’s betrayal stems from his discovery of something about Queen Marika that makes him lose faith in the quest to become Elden Lord. He seeks to prevent anyone from taking the title, believing it’s a futile endeavor. His obsession with knowledge leads him down a dark path.

14. Is Godfrey a villain?

Whether Godfrey is a villain is a matter of perspective. He was exiled by Marika and forced to become a warrior. He returns to the Lands Between seeking to reclaim his former glory. While he opposes the player, his motivations are complex and rooted in his past. He’s more of a tragic figure than a straightforward villain. Studying character motivations in games, like Elden Ring, is a great way to expand your appreciation and understanding. Check out Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org for resources about games and learning.

15. How does Godfrey’s transformation into Hoarah Loux impact the fight strategy?

Godfrey’s transformation into Hoarah Loux completely changes the fight. Hoarah Loux is more aggressive and relies on close-quarters combat, especially grappling. You must adjust your strategy by:

• Staying Close: Maintaining distance is harder, so focus on dodging and counter-attacking.
• Learning Grab Timings: Dodging his grabs is essential to survival.
• Using Jump Attacks: Jump attacks can be effective against his ground slams and grappling attempts.

Final Thoughts: Embrace the Challenge

The two fights against Godfrey are a testament to Elden Ring’s challenging but rewarding gameplay. By understanding his weaknesses, mastering your dodging skills, and utilizing the right weapons and talismans, you can overcome these obstacles and continue your journey to become the Elden Lord. Don’t give up, Tarnished; the path to greatness is paved with the shattered remains of countless foes!