Conquering Godfrey: Strategies for Defeating the First Elden Lord in Elden Ring

In the realm of Elden Ring, the journey to ascend to the throne is riddled with formidable adversaries. Among them stands Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, who serves as the ultimate gatekeeper before you reach the Erdtree. This confrontation is no mere encounter; it demands skill, patience, and strategy, evoking memories of some of the greatest boss battles crafted by FromSoftware. As players prepare to face this legendary figure, understanding the nuances of the fight becomes essential.

The Path to Glory

Your trek through Elden Ring intensifies once Sir Gideon, The All-Knowing, has been defeated. Standing on the precipice of the Erdtree, your objective is clear: claim what is rightfully yours. However, to do so, you must first engage with a severe challenge—Godfrey. As Marika’s first husband and the original Elden Lord, he embodies the ultimate test of your prowess.

Preparing for Battle

Before stepping onto the battlefield, it’s crucial to prepare effectively. This fight is streamlined down to a critical factor: Godfrey primarily inflicts Physical damage. Thus, the priority should be to equip armor that offers the highest resistance against such damage types. Forget about specialized elemental protections like Dried Livers; they won’t serve you well here.

Melee warriors should opt for weapons that deliver rapid damage, as the opportunities to strike are fleeting. Heavy-hitting weapons that require significant windup times could leave you vulnerable during the battle. Magic-wielders, particularly Sorcerers, would benefit from spells that can be cast with haste. Notably, Flintstone Icecrag emerges as a powerful contender in this bout. If you prefer close combat, using a magic weapon such as Adula’s Moonblade can provide an effective response when he closes in.

Godfrey is susceptible to Scarlet Rot, making it an advantageous strategy for Faith builds to equip spells like Rotten Breath or Ekzyke's Decay. These spells can gradually chip away at his health, thereby shortening the duration of the fight.

Allies in Combat

As you gear up for battle, consider the importance of summoning assistance. Godfrey can cover distances quickly, often making long-range strategies more challenging unless complemented by a second player to divert his attention. One of the best Spirit Summons to use against Godfrey is Black Knife Tiche, known for her aggressive behavior close to enemies, allowing you to regroup and strategize your next move.

Additionally, NPC allies like Nepheli Loux, provided you’ve completed her questline, and Shabriri can be summoned to aid in the struggle. Engaging their help can pivot the odds slightly more in your favor as you brace yourself for Godfrey’s might.

The Nature of the Fight

Stepping into the fray against Godfrey is nothing short of daunting. He delivers punishing blows that can decimate your health and can easily overwhelm even the most seasoned players. While the option to shield exists, relying solely on blocking is a dangerous strategy; his attacks can deplete your stamina rapidly. Instead, you will find greater success in successfully dodge-rolling to avoid damage. The windup on his attacks may take longer than anticipated, so consistent practice is essential for perfecting your timing.

Phase One: Understanding Godfrey’s Attack Patterns

As the battle commences, you’ll need to stay keenly aware of Godfrey’s various attack patterns. His techniques are significant and glaring, particularly in Phase One. Key moves to observe include powerful swings with his axe and lunging strikes. With patience, you’ll learn to identify and evade these attacks with precision.

Transition to True Form

Upon reaching the halfway mark of the fight, Godfrey will make a dramatic turn. He sacrifices his companion, Serosh, revealing his more formidable self as Hoarah Loux, Warrior. In this form, Godfrey's offensive arsenal expands dramatically, introducing intense and lethal grab moves that can end your quest with one moment of carelessness. Recognize that these maneuvers cannot be blocked, elevating the stakes as you prepare to dodge and reposition yourself strategically.

Phase Two: Mastering the Challenge

The transition to Phase Two adds complexity to your strategy, demanding the utmost concentration. While it’s tempting to unleash a barrage of strikes when opportunities arise, the risk of being overly aggressive could cost you dearly. Observe Godfrey’s movements closely; his telegraphed attacks will provide you with vital information about what to expect next. Timing your dodges is crucial; spamming rolls is a sure path to defeat. Maintain composure as you learn to capitalize on the openings presented by Godfrey’s animations.

Triumph and Rewards

Ultimately, victory against Godfrey is not just about raw power—it’s about patience, strategy, and execution. Defeating him grants tremendous rewards: a bounty of 300,000 Runes and the revered Remembrance of Hoarah Loux. This item opens the door to the Axe of Godfrey or the formidable Hoarah Loux's Earthshaker Ash of War, providing additional capabilities to enhance your growth in the game.

Having overcome this monumental challenge, you are primed to continue your journey within the Elden Ring, preparing yourself for the ensuing battles against Radagon and the Elden Beast. The road ahead remains fraught with danger, but armed with the lessons learned from Godfrey, you stand as a stronger warrior, eagerly approaching whatever trials await.