Elden Ring Hippo Boss

2 min read 06-01-2025

Elden Ring, FromSoftware's sprawling masterpiece, throws countless formidable foes at the player. Among them, the Beast Clergyman, a colossal hippopotamus-like creature residing in the Crumbling Farum Azula, presents a unique and challenging encounter. This guide will delve into strategies for defeating this imposing boss.

Understanding the Beast Clergyman

The Beast Clergyman isn't your typical hulking brute. While possessing immense strength and a devastating charge attack, he also employs a surprising level of magical prowess. This dual-natured approach makes him a particularly tricky opponent, demanding adaptability and a strategic approach from the Tarnished.

Key Attacks and Patterns

Charge: The Beast Clergyman's most frequent attack is a powerful charge, capable of dealing significant damage and knocking you off your feet. Learning to anticipate and dodge this is crucial.
Bite: A close-range attack inflicting substantial damage. Maintaining a safe distance is key to avoiding this.
Magic Attacks: He employs several magical attacks, ranging from small projectiles to AoE bursts. These attacks can be particularly dangerous if you're caught unaware.
Summoning: In the later stages of the fight, the Beast Clergyman may summon smaller, equally aggressive creatures to aid him. Dealing with these adds adds another layer of complexity to the battle.

Strategies for Victory

Successfully defeating the Beast Clergyman requires a combination of skillful dodging, precise attacks, and strategic spellcasting (if you are a mage build).

Weapon and Spell Choices

Fast Weapons: Weapons that allow for quick attacks and dodges are highly recommended. This will enable you to punish the boss's openings while avoiding his devastating attacks.
Bleed Build: Applying bleed is an incredibly effective strategy against the Beast Clergyman, significantly reducing his health pool quickly.
Magic Buffs: Increasing your damage output via buffs can significantly shorten the fight.

Combat Tactics

Patience is Key: Don't rush in headfirst. Observe the boss's attack patterns, learning to anticipate his movements.
Dodge, Don't Block: The Beast Clergyman's attacks are powerful; blocking might not always be effective. Prioritize skillful dodging.
Utilize the Environment: The arena offers some opportunities to your advantage. Use the terrain to your benefit, creating distance or positioning yourself for attacks.
Focus Fire: If summoned creatures appear, prioritize eliminating them before returning your attention to the Beast Clergyman.

Conclusion

The Beast Clergyman presents a formidable challenge, requiring both skill and patience. By understanding his attack patterns, carefully selecting your weaponry and spells, and employing the strategies outlined above, you can emerge victorious and claim your hard-earned reward. Good luck, Tarnished.