First Elden Lord Godfrey, a challenging and crucial boss in Elden Ring, is encountered twice. The true Godfrey, Hoarah Loux, Warrior, fights both versions as part of the main story. In the first form, Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade), you encounter him later.
Preparation
•Level: Aim for at least level 60 for the first encounter, but higher levels will provide more survivability.
•Equipment: Use a good shield for the first phase if you're comfortable with blocking. However, remember that in the second phase, blocking becomes less effective due to increased damage and new attack mechanics. Weapons that allow for quick strikes or have good reach can be beneficial due to Godfrey's size and movement.
•Spirit Ashes: Tanky summons like Banished Knight Oleg or even the Spirit Jellyfish can draw aggro, giving you space to attack or heal.
•Talismans: Talismans that increase your damage negation, especially against physical attacks, will be helpful.
Phase 1 - Godfrey, First Elden Lord
Attack Patterns:
•Axe Toss: He might throw his axe, which you should roll to the side to avoid.
•Axe Swipes: These have a slow recovery, offering you a window to attack 2-3 times after dodging.
Strategy:
•Use a shield to block the last hit of his combos for a potential guard counter, dealing significant posture damage.
•Stay mobile, as Godfrey has wide-reaching attacks, but there's often a brief window to get in hits after his combos.
Phase 2 - Hoarah Loux, Warrior
•Transition: Godfrey will transition into a more aggressive warrior persona, dropping his title and focusing on hand-to-hand combat.
New Mechanics:
•Shockwaves: Most of his stomps or ground slams now send out shockwaves. Jumping over these can avoid damage.
•Grab Attacks: Watch out for his grabs. They are highly damaging or even one-shot kills if you're not at full health.
Strategy:
•Dodging Over Blocking: At this stage, dodging becomes crucial as blocking might not be feasible due to increased damage and stamina drain.
•Patience: This phase is about survival. Focus on dodging and only attack when you're sure there's an opening. His attacks are more erratic but leave him open for moments afterward.
•Keep Distance: Sometimes putting distance between you can make him use certain attacks that are easier to dodge or miss you entirely.
General Tips 
•Learning Curve: Godfrey's fight, especially in phase 2, is about learning his rhythm. Each death should teach you more about his patterns.
•Summoning: If you're struggling, using the multiplayer function to summon other players or NPCs can distribute his focus, but remember this increases his health.
•Posture Break: If possible, breaking his posture for a critical hit can significantly damage him or give you a breather.
•Health Management: Keep your health high due to his potential for burst damage, especially in the second phase where some of his attacks might one-shot you if you're not careful.
Conclusion
In both forms, Godfrey is a demanding boss that tests your patience, skill, and adaptability. You can overcome this formidable foe by understanding his attack patterns, staying calm under pressure, and knowing when to attack and when to retreat. This epic battle requires you to use your resources wisely, gear up appropriately, and prepare yourself well.
