The long-awaited Elden Ring is out now and as expected, it brings us some of the toughest bosses we have faced in a From Software game. Among the long list of games, we Godrick the Golden.
In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know on how to beat Godrick the Golden.
Preparing For Godrick the Golden Boss Fight
By now, you should have explored Limgrave thoroughly. Ensure you have a solid weapon or two and armor that offers better protection than the starting gear. Know your gear well, from your weapon’s two-handed move set to the number of spells or incantations you can cast before exhausting your stamina.
Stormveil Castle is filled with hidden items that can aid you. Look out for these:
- Claw Talisman: Better jump attacks, providing a tactical advantage.
- Golden Seed: Adds a charge to your flasks, increasing your healing potential.
Keep an eye out for armament and armor upgrades, as well as runes from defeated enemies to bolster your character further.
Find Flamedrake Talisman
The Flamedrake Talisman provides fire defense, which is useful during Godrick the Grafted’s second phase. The talisman reduces fire damage taken by 13/17/20%.
The Flamedrake Talisman is found in Groveside Cave, located in the Limgrave region. Head northeast from the Church of Elleh, following the path until you reach the cave entrance.
The Flamedrake Talisman is guarded by a boss called the Beastman of Farum Azula. Defeat this boss to claim the talisman. Once you have the talisman, equip it to boost your fire defense, which will help mitigate the fire attacks during Godrick’s second phase.
Upgrade Your Weapons
Upgrading your weapons help increase their damage and improving their scaling, which adds bonus damage based on your stats.
Early on, you can upgrade weapons to +3. Visit the Smithing Table at the Church of Elleh to make to make these upgrades. For upgrades beyond +3, visit Hewg the Blacksmith at the Roundtable Hold.
To make weapon upgrades you’ll need Smithing Stones. These can be found in various locations, especially in mines and dungeons. However, know that Somber Smithing Stones are required for named, unique weapons.
Early Game Smithing Stone Locations
Stormhill Smithing Stone
Start at the Gatefront Site of Grace and follow the path up to Stormhill. Reach the location shown in the image above. Among the Giant is a small statue with light coming out of its chest. That’s a Smithing Stone.
Limgrave Tunnels Smithing Stone
Fast travel to the Gatefront after getting the first Smithing Stone. From the gate we are going to Limgrave Tunnels to get the next Smithing Stone.
Once you enter the tunnel take elevator down into the depth. Inside there are bunch of enemies. I recommend you take them out rather than running past them to make sure you don’t lose any runes you may have on your way back; in case they kill you.
The tunnels have smithing stones on the upper level and on the lower level. The lower level is reached through the second elevator you can take from the upper tunnel level. All stones are very easy to find after you eliminate the miners. Pick them all up and leave.
These stones are enough to have a +3 Weapon upgrade which is enough to take on Godrick the Grafted.
Best Summon Against Godrick the Grafted
The Spirit Jellyfish Ash summon can be a valuable ally in your fight against Godrick the Grafted. Why? Because he is weak to poison damage.
- Location: Head to the Stormhill Shack, located in Limgrave.
- Meet Roderika: Inside the shack, you will find an NPC named Roderika.
- Interact with Roderika: Speak to her multiple times until she gives you the Spirit Jellyfish Ash summon.
Godrick the Grafted Resistances
Godrick the Grafted has various resistances that increase with each successive proc. To apply a status effect, you need to deal a specific amount of buildup damage, starting at 318 and increasing to 1163 after successive triggers. Poison, Scarlet Rot, Hemorrhage, Frostbite, and Sleep follow this pattern, whereas Madness is completely ineffective against him. Note that these resistances reset over time, so timing and strategy are crucial when planning your attacks.
| Resistance Type | Initial | Second | Third | Fourth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poison | 318 | 416 | 706 | 1163 |
| Scarlet Rot | 318 | 416 | 706 | 1163 |
| Hemorrhage | 318 | 416 | 706 | 1163 |
| Frostbite | 318 | 416 | 706 | 1163 |
| Sleep | 318 | 416 | 706 | 1163 |
| Madness | Immune | Immune | Immune | Immune |
Godrick the Grafted Phase 1
Axe Swing: Godrick swings his axe in various directions, often with delays between the raise and the swing. Roll out of the way or block with a shield. Learn the attack’s timing to avoid damage and get in counterattacks.
Arm Swing: In phase 2, his left arm, now a dragon head, has more reach and damage. Roll out of the way or block with a shield.
Axe Lunge: Godrick pulls his axe back and thrusts it forward. Roll to the side when his feet leave the ground.
Roll: Godrick rolls to the side and readies another attack. Move away from the roll’s direction to avoid follow-up attacks.
Dragging Slash: Godrick drags his axe to his right, creating sparks, then slashes forward. Roll to his left when you see the dragging start to avoid getting hit.
Jumping Slam: Godrick holds his axe sideways, jumps, and slams it down. Move away when he grabs the axe or roll when he begins to fall.
Lesser Command: Godrick raises his axe, slams it down creating a shockwave, then pushes it down again after a delay. Run away when he raises his axe, or jump to avoid the shockwaves and get in counterattacks.
Fury Swings: Godrick swings his axe five times. Either run away during the windup or dodge each swing and counterattack during delays. Count the swings to know their speed.
Stormcaller: Godrick swings his axe in circles, creating a cyclone that reflects projectiles and knocks back the player. Back away as he starts to lift the axe and avoid using projectiles during this attack.
Storm Assault: Godrick rolls to the sides, leaps into the air, and swings his axe counterclockwise as he descends. Run behind him while he’s in the air and hit him as he swings and recovers.
Storm Blade: Godrick digs his axe into the ground, then pulls it out, shooting blasts of wind that curve towards you. Wait for the attack to turn, then move in the opposite direction.
Sever Arm: At 60% health, Godrick chops off his arm, initiating a cutscene and gaining increased defense during this period. Take this opportunity to build up statuses like Bleed while staying away from him.
Godrick the Grafted Phase 1
In Phase 2, Godrick becomes even more dangerous with his dragon arm.
Sweeping Flame: His dragon arm breathes a stream of fire. Run up beside him and attack during the stream.
Striding Flame: Breathes fire in a straight line. Run to his sides and hit him.
Grab: Dragon head lunges and grabs. Roll forward or to the left when you hear the dragon roar.
I Command Thee, Kneel!: Slams the axe creating shockwaves. Run away or jump attack.
Bear Witness!: Plunges his dragon arm, creating fire. Run behind him and attack.
Attack Combos
Godrick the Grafted uses a variety of attack combos, each with specific patterns and counters. Learn the number of swipes in each combo, such as the tornado attack often followed by a jumping overhead slam or the ground attack that includes multiple damage moments. Recognize the five-move combo ending with two overhead slashes to better anticipate and avoid his strikes.
Before Godrick transitions to Phase 2, you have a prime opportunity to deal significant damage during his long animation leading into the mid-fight cutscene. Attack him from behind during this phase to avoid his final downward chop.
Avoid Fire Attacks
Phase 2 introduces Godrick’s fire attacks, which can cover much of the battlefield. To avoid the initial burst of flame, either retreat to the entrance or maneuver behind him to get some attacks in while he sprays fire in the other direction. Dodging through the flames is possible but challenging.
Godrick’s overhead fire eruption is relatively easy to avoid, with fireballs landing in a small cone in front of him. Learn to dodge or block the swirling, burning wind jets that follow his tornado attack. Avoid sidestepping during his slow-walking fire vomit, as he can quickly turn to engulf you.
If you have summoned help, don’t attack Godrick when he picks someone up in the dragon’s jaws. He becomes immune during this animation, which ends with massive jets of fire spraying out over the ground. Use this time to distance yourself and prepare for the next phase.
Resist the temptation to overextend your attacks. Focus on landing one or two hits per opening, then retreat to prepare for his next move. Two-handed jump attacks maximize your damage, especially if you have the Clawmark Talisman, which boosts jump attack damage.
That’s everything you need to know on how to beat Godrick the Golden in Elden Ring. Need more help? See Crafting Recipes, Flying Dragon Agheel Boss Fight.
