Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, stands as a formidable adversary in Elden Ring, embodying both narrative depth and mechanical challenge. Encountered in two distinct forms—the spectral Golden Shade and his true self, Hoarah Loux—Godfrey tests players’ skills and adaptability. This comprehensive guide delves into his locations, weaknesses, strategies for overcoming him, and the recommended levels for each encounter.
The initial confrontation with Godfrey’s spectral form occurs in Leyndell, Royal Capital. From the West Capital Rampart Site of Grace, players traverse the city’s ramparts, ascend a tree root, and proceed through a fog gate to face the Golden Shade. This battle is mandatory for progression.
The true form of Godfrey, revealed as Hoarah Loux, is encountered in Leyndell, Ashen Capital. After defeating the Fire Giant and burning the Erdtree, players return to the capital, now transformed, and face Hoarah Loux en route to the game’s climax.
Golden Shade of Godfrey
When facing Godfrey in his spectral form, players can gain an edge by focusing on Lightning and Thrust damage, both of which he is particularly susceptible to. Holy damage, however, proves ineffective and should be avoided. Although he resists Bleed, players who apply consistent pressure with Bleed-inflicting weapons or skills may still trigger the effect. Equipping the right gear can make a significant difference—be sure to optimize your loadout before the fight. If you need stronger gear to help in this encounter, consider options to buy Elden Ring items from trusted sources to boost your performance and survivability.
Hoarah Loux, Warrior
In his true form as Hoarah Loux, Godfrey becomes a brutal, close-range powerhouse. To counter this, players should prioritize Physical Pierce and Slash damage, both of which can wear him down efficiently. Like his spectral form, he is highly resistant to Holy damage, making it a poor choice in this battle. A key strategy involves inflicting Frostbite, which not only slows his actions but also reduces his defense, offering critical windows for attack. If you find yourself underpowered or lacking effective tools, it may be helpful to buy Elden Ring items like upgraded weapons or status-inflicting gear to give yourself the best possible chance at victory.
General Tips
Utilize Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear or Lhutel the Headless to divert attention. NPCs such as Nepheli Loux can also be summoned if their questlines are completed. Stay close to Godfrey to bait his melee attacks, but be prepared to dodge his area-of-effect stomps.
Cheese Tactics
Some players have employed specific strategies to simplify the battle:
Godfrey, known as the First Elden Lord, is one of the most pivotal and compelling characters in Elden Ring’s lore and gameplay. His story intertwines deeply with the history of the Lands Between, the Golden Order, and the Tarnished, making him a figure of immense narrative and thematic significance.
Godfrey’s origins trace back to a warrior named Hoarah Loux, a barbarian chieftain from beyond the mist that surrounds the Lands Between. He was renowned as the greatest warrior alive, and it was Queen Marika the Eternal who chose him as her consort and bestowed upon him the mantle of Elden Lord. Upon this union, he took the name Godfrey and became the first to hold the title of Elden Lord, acting as the chief military commander of the Golden Order. His role was to enforce the dominance of the Golden Order across the Lands Between, leading many wars to secure its power.
Godfrey’s martial prowess was legendary. He wielded a massive battleaxe and was accompanied by Serosh, a spectral lion who served as both a symbol of his might and a restrainer of his ceaseless bloodlust. Godfrey’s victories were numerous; he defeated the Giants who threatened the Erdtree and even brought the Storm Lord to his knees, securing the Golden Order’s supremacy.
Despite his success, Godfrey’s story took a tragic turn. After defeating the last great foe, the hue of his eyes faded, signaling that he had lost the grace of the Erdtree. This loss stripped him of his divine favor and marked him as the first Tarnished—a title given to those exiled from the Lands Between. Along with his kinfolk, Godfrey was banished beyond the borders of the Lands Between, beginning the Long March into exile. During this period, he abandoned his kingship and reverted to his original identity as Hoarah Loux, Chieftain of the Badlands.
In exile, Godfrey and his followers fought in distant lands, enduring hardship and battle. His axe was broken in combat, and he eventually died alongside Serosh. His death is depicted in the game’s opening cinematic, where his crucified corpse is shown. However, like other Tarnished, Godfrey was resurrected by the Greater Will’s lost grace, allowing him to return to the Lands Between to seek an audience with Queen Marika once more and to compete for the Elden Ring’s power.
The return of Godfrey as a boss fight in Elden Ring is a highlight for many players. His fight is renowned for its intensity and design, especially in the first phase where his attack patterns feel like a rhythmic dance of melee combat. Players often praise the fight for its balance of challenge and satisfaction, with the second phase ramping up the difficulty significantly. This boss fight is considered by many to be one of the best melee encounters in the game, requiring players to learn and adapt to Godfrey’s relentless assault style.
Narratively, Godfrey embodies themes of loyalty, loss, and the cyclical nature of power. Once a mighty king and warrior, his fall from grace and subsequent exile reflect the harsh realities of the Lands Between’s political and divine machinations. His relationship with Marika, while politically significant, is portrayed as complex and not necessarily romantic, emphasizing his role as a tool of the Golden Order rather than a beloved consort.
Godfrey’s legacy also extends through his descendants, including Godwyn the Golden and possibly Nepheli Loux, who carry on the Golden Lineage. His story enriches the worldbuilding of Elden Ring, providing players with a deep, multifaceted character whose life and death are integral to the game’s mythos.
In summary, Godfrey, the First Elden Lord, is a towering figure in Elden Ring’s lore and gameplay. From his origins as Hoarah Loux to his rise as Elden Lord, his fall into exile, and his eventual resurrection, Godfrey’s journey is one of power, tragedy, and relentless combat. His boss fight stands as a testament to FromSoftware’s design philosophy, blending narrative depth with challenging gameplay that resonates emotionally with players.
For the Golden Shade of Godfrey, level 72–75 is ideal, with weapons upgraded to at least +13. For Hoarah Loux, players should be around level 110 or higher, with weapons upgraded to +20 or more. Ensuring your character meets these thresholds will provide a balanced challenge without overwhelming difficulty.
Confronting Godfrey in both his forms is a testament to a player’s growth and mastery in Elden Ring. By understanding his weaknesses, employing effective strategies, and preparing adequately, players can triumph over this pivotal boss and advance towards becoming the Elden Lord.