Golden Hippopotamus Location, Weakness, and How to Beat It in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree

The Golden Hippopotamus is just beyond the Shadow Keep Main Gate Site of Grace in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Its most dependable opening is near its side, but the thorn attacks it gains at roughly two-thirds health make that position less safe. For the low, open-jaw charge, roll diagonally toward it, just clear of its teeth; avoid trading hits and attack during recovery windows.

Where to find the Golden Hippopotamus

Enter Shadow Keep and proceed through the Shadow Keep Main Gate Site of Grace. The Golden Hippopotamus is in the encounter immediately beyond it, serving as a gatekeeper within the legacy dungeon. EIP Gaming’s boss guide describes the location and notes that Hornsent or Redmane Freyja may be available as NPC summons depending on your in-game progress.

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This boss is part of the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. Bandai Namco’s official product page states that the expansion requires the Elden Ring base game; it also lists an edition that bundles the base game and expansion.

What is the Golden Hippopotamus weak to?

The available guides do not establish a definitive elemental weakness, so there is no verified fire, lightning, or other damage type to build around. Treat “weakness” as a matter of openings and build choices rather than a confirmed elemental chart.

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• Use its sides for openings: In the first phase, attacks are more limited when you are positioned beside it than when you stand in front of its head. This is a tactical opening, not a permanently safe spot.
• Consider bleed and faster attacks: GamesRadar+ recommends bleed and frequent, faster hits over relying on particularly heavy weapons. This is guide advice, not a universal requirement.
• Ranged casting is an option: GamesRadar+ describes a caster approach and recommends quickly cast spells such as Lightning Spear. Its recommendation does not establish a general lightning weakness.

These are options, not mandatory builds. The side-positioning advantage changes once thorn attacks enter the fight.

How to beat the Golden Hippopotamus

Prepare before entering

If you use a buff, apply it before crossing the fog gate: EIP Gaming notes that the boss rushes in quickly. You can also use a Spirit Ash. NPC signs for Hornsent or Redmane Freyja may appear depending on encounter conditions; GamesRadar+ also suggests Mimic Tear as a Spirit Ash option.

First phase: evade the mouth, then move to its side

The boss may open with a charge or leap. Watch its head and mouth: when it lowers its head, opens its jaws, and rushes forward, roll diagonally toward it, passing just clear of the teeth. For the more direct bite leap, dodge to either side.

After evading, work around to its side rather than staying in front of the head. Its other first-phase attacks include repeated head slams, chomps, a horn swipe, and a body slam. Dodge successive head slams sideways and try to finish beside it. Use pauses after attacks to land a few hits or heal; its heavy damage makes trading blows a poor plan.

Thorn phase: leave the spin’s range and time the follow-up

At roughly two-thirds health, the hippopotamus rears up, grows golden thorns or quills, and slams down. Evade the slam, then create distance or sprint laterally if you are already at range. The second phase adds a thorn spin that sends projectiles after its body movement, as well as an airborne attack in which it curls into a ball and rolls down onto you.

• Thorn spin: Do not dodge too early. EIP Gaming warns that the projectile timing can catch an early roll; GamesRadar+ advises rolling through the projectile attacks.
• Rolling leap: Watch the descent and dodge as it comes down. GamesRadar+ warns that the airborne hit can be lethal if it lands on you.
• Side positioning: The boss can punish you there once its thorns glow, so disengage during the immediate thorn threat. Return to the side when the attack has passed and a recovery opening appears.

Summons and rewards

Hornsent and Redmane Freyja are possible NPC allies, but their signs are not guaranteed to be present together—or at all—because availability depends on in-game conditions. GamesRadar+ notes that Hornsent’s bleed damage can help and that Freyja’s availability has conditions. EIP Gaming lists these rewards for defeating the boss:

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

GamesRadar+ also confirms the incantation and two fragments; the 200,000-rune figure is reported by EIP Gaming.

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