Elden Ring: Godfrey, First Elden Lord – Boss Guide and Lore
Among the many larger-than-life figures you'll encounter in Elden Ring, few carry as much weight both literally and symbolically as Godfrey, First Elden Lord. As the game's lore establishes, he was the very first consort of Queen Marika and the original Elden Lord, a warrior of unmatched ferocity who once led countless battles in the name of the Golden Order. By the time the Tarnished confront him in Leyndell, the Royal Capital, he has been reduced to a spectral echo, yet his presence still commands awe and fear.
The Lore of Godfrey, First Elden Lord
Before being cast aside, Godfrey was a warlord named Hoarah Loux, renowned for his unmatched strength and brutal combat style. Marika chose him as her consort, elevating him to godhood and making him the first Elden Lord. Together, they ushered in an era of conquest, spreading the influence of the Erdtree across the Lands Between.
But when his purpose was fulfilled, Marika stripped him of grace, exiling him and his warriors to wander as the Tarnished. In his exile, Godfrey shed his divine role and returned to his primal identity. By the time players face him in Leyndell, he appears only as a golden phantom, a lingering memory summoned to test your worthiness to enter the Erdtree.
This duality Elden Lord and barbaric warrior makes him one of the most compelling characters in the game.
Where to Find Godfrey
Godfrey is encountered in Leyndell, Royal Capital, during your first major exploration of the city. After navigating the capital's winding streets, battlements, and deadly foes, you'll reach the Erdtree Sanctuary. Here, Godfrey appears as a golden shade, manifesting before you as a mandatory boss fight.
This is not the final time you'll see him. Later, in the game's progression, he reemerges in his true form as Hoarah Loux, unleashing his raw power in a climactic battle. But your first encounter in Leyndell serves as a crucial preview, teaching you his style and preparing you for what's to come.
The Battle: Moveset and Phases
The fight against Godfrey in Leyndell is a straightforward but punishing duel. Unlike more gimmicky encounters, he fights with the sheer force of a warrior king, relying on strength, weapon mastery, and relentless pressure.
Moveset Highlights
Axe Swings – Godfrey wields a colossal axe, swinging it in wide arcs that can hit at mid-range.
Stomp Shockwaves – His signature stomp creates massive shockwaves that ripple across the arena floor, forcing you to time your dodges carefully.
Jump Attacks – He frequently leaps into the air before crashing down with devastating force.
Combos – Many of his axe swings chain into two- or three-hit combos, punishing those who dodge too early.
Unlike some other shardbearer fights, Godfrey doesn't rely on flashy magic or status effects. His power lies in raw physical might and arena-shaking stomps that punish careless movement.
Phases
The fight itself doesn't have a drastic phase shift, but his aggression ramps up as his health drops. His shockwaves and stomps become more frequent, and his combos lengthen. This escalating ferocity is a foreshadowing of his later battle as Hoarah Loux.
Strategy Tips
Godfrey is a test of fundamentals: spacing, dodging, and punishing openings. Here are some strategies to tilt the odds in your favor:
1. Time Your Dodges on Shockwaves – His stomps can trick players into dodging too early. Wait for the ground to erupt, then roll.
2. Stay Close, But Not Too Close – Hugging him risks being caught in axe swings, but staying too far lets him chain shockwaves. Mid-range positioning offers the best balance.
3. Punish Recovery Windows – After a big stomp or leaping smash, he leaves a small window for counterattacks. Stay patient and capitalize.
4. Use Spirit Ashes – Summons like the Mimic Tear or tanky ashes can split his attention, creating safer opportunities.
5. Defense and Poise Matter – High physical defense and poise help survive his crushing blows. Consider armor and talismans that boost survivability.
Unlike enemies who can be outmaneuvered with status effects or elemental weaknesses, Godfrey demands solid fundamentals. Think of him as a duel against pure martial might.
Rewards for Victory
Defeating the shade of Godfrey rewards you with a large amount of Runes and progression deeper into the Erdtree Sanctuary. While his phantom form doesn't drop his Remembrance (that comes later when you fight his true self), this victory is symbolic it marks your entry into the Erdtree's inner sanctum and proves your strength to the Golden Order.
Beyond tangible rewards, this battle is narrative gold. It's your first true brush with the majesty and terror of the Elden Lords, grounding the story in personal history rather than distant myth.
Why Godfrey Stands Out
Godfrey's encounter resonates because it combines lore, gameplay, and storytelling seamlessly. Mechanically, he is a pure test of combat fundamentals. Narratively, he embodies the history of the Lands Between, forcing the Tarnished to reckon with the first who ever bore the title of Elden Lord.
Unlike other bosses who rely on spectacle or gimmicks, Godfrey strips the fight down to raw power and presence. This makes his battle one of the most grounded, yet unforgettable, encounters in the game.
Final Thoughts
The battle with Godfrey, First Elden Lord, in Leyndell is more than just another checkpoint it's a confrontation with the very foundation of Elden Ring's lore. Facing him is a rite of passage for the Tarnished, a trial that demands patience, precision, and respect for the fundamentals of combat.
Though only a shade, Godfrey's presence lingers long after the fight ends, reminding you of the strength and tragedy of the first Elden Lord. When you finally meet him again in his true form, you'll realize that this encounter was just the beginning.
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