In Leyndell, Royal Capital you meet a golden shade of Godfrey, First Elden Lord. He is a single-phase fight built around heavy axe swings and ground stomps. This guide covers where he is and how to read his moves.
Quick facts
| Location | Leyndell, Royal Capital |
| Nearest Site of Grace | Western Capital Rampart |
| Required? | Required |
| HP (NG) | 7,099 |
| Runes (NG) | 80,000 |
| Drops | Talisman Pouch (first playthrough only) |
| Weak to | Lightning |
| Resists | Holy |
| Immune to | Poison, Scarlet Rot, Hemorrhage, Frostbite, Madness |
| Spirit Ashes / Co-op | Allowed (Spirit Ashes and co-op) |
| Recommended level | 90–100 (community estimate) |
| Difficulty | ▰▰▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱ 5/10 |
Overview
This golden shade is a preview of the real Godfrey you meet at the end of the game. He hits hard and has deceptive reach, but only one phase. He becomes more aggressive partway through.
Status effects are useless here: he is immune to bleed, frostbite, poison and rot. Bring raw damage, ideally lightning.
How to reach Godfrey
From the Western Capital Rampart grace, head south along the ramparts, then climb the tree branch north to the fog gate.
Preparation
- Lightning-infused weapons or lightning incantations hit his weakness.
- A durable Spirit Ash gives you room to heal.
- Do not rely on status builds.
Moveset and how to counter it
Keep medium distance to heal safely, and punish only after his slow attacks finish.
Ground stomp
He stomps and sends out a shockwave. Roll to either side, or block.
Two-handed axe slam
A heavy overhead slam. Dodge away and punish.
Jumping axe throw
He throws the axe from mid-air. Run toward him and pass under it.
Jumping axe slam
Roll backward to avoid the impact.
One-handed overhead slam
Dodge to either side.
Best builds and tools
- Lightning weapons or Ash of War: Lightning Slash.
- Strength builds with heavy weapons, as long as you avoid greedy combos.
- Avoid holy damage.
Rewards
- 80,000 Runes
- Talisman Pouch (adds a talisman slot)
Difficulty rating
▰▰▰▰▰▱▱▱▱▱ 5/10 – Moderate. He is readable and single-phase, but his reach punishes careless healing.
Frequently asked questions
Is the golden shade the real Godfrey?
No. It is a shade of Godfrey. The real fight happens in Leyndell, Ashen Capital against Godfrey and Hoarah Loux.
What does Godfrey drop?
80,000 runes and a Talisman Pouch on your first playthrough.
Can I bleed Godfrey?
No. The golden shade is immune to bleed, frostbite, poison and rot.
Beaten Godfrey?
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Stuck on another boss? Browse all Elden Ring boss guides.