Mastering the Golden Hippopotamus in Elden Ring: New Game Plus 6 Health Tips
Elden Ring continues to captivate players with its vast world, intricate lore, and challenging boss fights. One of the standout encounters in this expansive universe is with the Golden Hippopotamus, a Great Enemy Boss that presents its own unique challenges, especially in New Game Plus (NG+). If you’re striving to conquer this formidable foe and improve your gameplay experience, this guide will provide you with essential health tips to help you succeed.
Understanding the Golden Hippopotamus
The Golden Hippopotamus can be found at the foot of the giant Marika Statue in Shadow Keep. While not the most complex boss in terms of moveset, it possesses substantial health—around 60,000 without NPC summons—and can deal massive damage if you’re not prepared. Knowing its behavior and phases is crucial for anyone looking to succeed in this challenge.
Tip 1: Prepare for Phase Two
At approximately 60% health, the Golden Hippopotamus enters its second phase, indicated by a glow of gold. This transition often catches players off guard, as the boss becomes more aggressive and its attack patterns shift slightly. To prepare for this, make sure you have healing items readily available before engaging, and familiarize yourself with its new attack patterns. Pay close attention to any changes in its movement speed to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
Tip 2: Optimize Your Gear
In NG+, you have the opportunity to enhance your gear significantly. Equip weapons and armor that provide high physical damage resistance while enabling quick mobility. A balanced selection of ranged and melee weapons will also give you the versatility needed to adapt during the fight. Don’t forget to upgrade your weapons using materials found throughout the game to maximize your damage potential against the Golden Hippopotamus.
Tip 3: Utilize Summons Wisely
In the world of Elden Ring, NPC summons can be the difference between victory and defeat. Consider utilizing them during your fight with the Golden Hippopotamus to help divert its attention and alleviate some of the pressure on you. Effective use of summons can also create opportunities for you to heal or reposition when things become overwhelming.
Tip 4: Manage Your Stamina
Stamina management is critical when engaging the Golden Hippopotamus. It has powerful melee attacks that can drain your stamina quickly if you’re not careful. Avoid using heavy attacks continuously; instead, focus on light attacks and dodging to conserve stamina. This will enable you to respond more effectively to the boss’s aggressive phases and create openings for damage.
Tip 5: Learn Its Patterns
Every boss in Elden Ring has a distinct set of attack patterns, and the Golden Hippopotamus is no exception. Spend some time learning its moves before going all-in. Observe its attack cues, and practice dodging or blocking effectively. Understanding when to retaliate after a successful dodge can significantly improve your overall damage output and maintain your health throughout the fight.
Tip 6: Healing Strategy
In NG+, health can become a more pressing issue due to increased damage from enemies. Plan your healing strategy ahead of time. Remember to allocate your healing items wisely and prioritize healing when the boss is either stunned or repositioning. Always keep an eye on your health and don’t hesitate to retreat momentarily to heal if you’re not in a secure position.
Conclusion
The Golden Hippopotamus can be a daunting challenge in Elden Ring’s New Game Plus mode, but with the right preparations and strategies, you can emerge victorious. Equip the right gear, utilize NPC summons, manage your stamina, and learn its attack patterns to create the best chance for success. Remember that patience and practice are key; each defeat provides valuable experience that will make your next attempt more informed. Good luck on your journey through the Lands Between, and may your time with the Golden Hippopotamus be a triumphant one!