Godfrey, First Elden Lord, is a major boss in Elden Ring and must be defeated as part of the main story. He appears twice in the game: first as a spectral golden shade in Leyndell, Royal Capital, and later in his true form as Hoarah Loux, Warrior. Both fights are crucial steps toward reaching the final boss of the game.
First Encounter: Golden Shade of Godfrey
The first time you encounter Godfrey is in Leyndell, Royal Capital, as a golden spectral version of himself. To reach this fight, you must progress through the city after defeating Morgott, the Omen King. Godfrey’s shade awaits in the Erdtree Sanctuary, a significant area in the Royal Capital. This version of the boss is weaker than his true form, utilizing slow but wide axe swings and shockwave-inducing stomps. While the fight can be challenging, careful dodging and patience will ensure victory. Upon defeating this form, you are rewarded with the Erdtree Seed Talisman +1, which boosts the effectiveness of healing from Flask of Crimson Tears.
Second Encounter: Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Hoarah Loux)
The second encounter with Godfrey occurs much later in the game when Leyndell transforms into the Ashen Capital. After burning the Erdtree and progressing through the city’s ruins, you will find him standing as the final guardian before entering the Erdtree.
In the first phase of this fight, Godfrey wields his massive battleaxe, using powerful ground-shaking attacks. Once he loses half his health, he abandons his axe and embraces his primal identity as Hoarah Loux, Warrior. In this phase, he uses pure melee combat with powerful grapples and devastating shockwaves. His aggression increases significantly, making the second half of the battle a true test of skill.
Defeating him grants the Remembrance of Hoarah Loux, which can be exchanged for powerful rewards, including his unique weapon and abilities. This battle is one of the final major encounters before reaching the Elden Beast, the game's final boss.
How to Defeat Godfrey in Elden Ring
Godfrey, First Elden Lord, is a challenging boss with two distinct phases. His first form wields a massive battleaxe, while his second form, Hoarah Loux, is an aggressive hand-to-hand warrior. Defeating him requires patience, careful dodging, and proper positioning. Below is a guide to help you conquer this formidable foe.
Preparing for the Fight
Before facing Godfrey, ensure you have a high Vigor stat (40+ is ideal) to survive his powerful attacks. Equip armor that balances poise and mobility, as his stomp attacks cover a large area. Spirit Ash summons like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear can help distract him, making the fight more manageable. If you use magic, consider spells with fast casting speeds, as Godfrey rarely gives long windows to attack.
Phase One: Godfrey, First Elden Lord
In his initial phase, Godfrey fights with his enormous battleaxe. He uses wide swings, stomps, and jump attacks that deal heavy damage. His stomps create shockwaves that can hit at medium range, so be ready to jump or roll to avoid them. The key to this phase is staying just outside his attack range, dodging toward him during swings to counterattack. He has brief recovery windows after his heavier attacks, such as his leaping slam or triple-combo strikes.
Ranged and magic users should attack after his jump attacks or during the recovery of his stomps. Keep moving to avoid being cornered. His ground slams send shockwaves in a cone-shaped pattern, so dodge sideways rather than backward.
Phase Two: Hoarah Loux, Warrior
Once Godfrey loses half his health, he roars and tosses aside his axe, transforming into Hoarah Loux, Warrior. This phase is significantly more aggressive. His attacks now focus on grapples, rapid strikes, and powerful shockwaves. If caught in a grab, he will slam you into the ground for massive damage. The best way to avoid these is to roll diagonally away as soon as he lunges forward.
His AoE (Area of Effect) stomp attack, Earthquake, covers a wide radius and can hit multiple times. Jumping right before impact reduces the damage and prevents stagger. He also has a multi-hit stomp combo that spreads outward in waves, so anticipate the sequence and dodge accordingly.
Melee users should stay close but avoid overcommitting. Attack after his grapple attempts or after he finishes a stomp combo. If using magic, attack from mid-range and reposition constantly to avoid his charges. Spirit Ashes are especially useful in this phase to take some of his aggression off you.
Additional Tips
- Use Fire and Frost Damage: Hoarah Loux is weak to Fire and Frostbite. Weapons infused with Frost buildup can help slow him down, while fire-based spells or weapon buffs increase damage.
- Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War: This can help evade his stomp attacks and grab moves with ease.
- Torrent is Unavailable: Unlike some open-area fights, Torrent cannot be used, so movement and dodging are crucial.
By mastering his attack patterns and staying patient, you can defeat Godfrey and move on to the final showdown in Elden Ring.
