Facing the Soldier of Godrick in Elden Ring is a rite of passage for every new Tarnished. As the first major boss encounter, this tutorial challenge tests your grasp of the game’s mechanics while introducing you to the thrill of combat. With a mix of predictable sword slashes and thrusts, players must learn to dodge and counter effectively to claim victory. Whether you’re wielding magic from a distance or engaging in close-quarters melee, mastering the Soldier’s attack patterns is crucial for survival. Dive into our guide to uncover strategies that will help you conquer this initial hurdle and prepare for the formidable foes that lie ahead.
The Soldier of Godrick is the first boss and is meant to test the skills you’ve acquired during the tutorial. To be fair, this boss isn’t much different from regular opponents, except that it has a unique name and a long health bar.
The Soldier of Godrick has several attacks that are obviously telegraphed:
- Overhead sword attack – this attack is linear, so when the boss starts to raise his sword, all you need to do is dodge to the side.
- Charge and thrust – also a linear attack, the boss will run straight at you with his sword drawn, and when he is near you, he will make a thrust attack. Dodging to the side works here, as well. Don’t dodge too early though, only do it when your opponent signals the thrust.
- Wide attack – this is one of the few attacks you need to be careful about, as dodging sideways won’t help you much. It’s best to dodge backwards or forwards, landing behind your opponent’s back.
What are the best strategies for dodging Soldier of Godrick’s attacks
To effectively dodge the Soldier of Godrick’s attacks in Elden Ring, players should focus on understanding his attack patterns and timing their movements accordingly. Here are some key strategies:
Key Strategies for Dodging
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Recognize Attack Patterns:
- Godrick’s attacks often have a clear wind-up. For instance, when he raises his axe, it signals an overhead slash or a charging thrust. Rolling to either side right as he begins the swing can help avoid the attack entirely1.
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Utilize Side Rolls:
- Many of Godrick’s melee attacks, such as his horizontal slashes, can be dodged by rolling sideways. This is particularly effective against his multi-hit combos where he swings his axe multiple times in succession1.
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Back Away from Ground Slams:
- When Godrick prepares for a ground slam (often preceded by a laugh), it’s crucial to back away quickly to avoid the initial impact and the subsequent shockwave that follows. This attack can deal significant damage if you’re caught too close.
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Watch for AoE Attacks:
- Be cautious of his area-of-effect (AoE) moves, like the whirlwind attack where he spins his axe around. Rolling backwards as he begins this attack can help you evade the damage zone created by the follow-up stomp14.
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Timing is Crucial:
- Avoid rolling too early; many of Godrick’s attacks have delayed hits. For example, after a charge attack, wait for the thrust before rolling to dodge, ensuring you don’t get caught by a follow-up hit.
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Stay Mobile:
- Maintaining distance allows you to observe his movements better and react more effectively. If you notice him preparing for a powerful jump slam, moving away can give you enough time to evade and reposition yourself for a counterattack4.
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Use Terrain to Your Advantage:
- Utilize elevation and obstacles in the arena to create space between you and Godrick, especially during his more powerful attacks, which can be avoided by simply moving out of range.
By mastering these strategies and adapting your playstyle based on Godrick’s behavior, you’ll increase your chances of successfully dodging his attacks and ultimately defeating him.
What are the best weapons to use against Soldier of Godrick
When facing the Soldier of Godrick in Elden Ring, selecting the right weapon can significantly enhance your chances of victory. Here are some of the best weapon choices and their advantages:
Best Weapons Against Soldier of Godrick
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Lordsworn’s Greatsword
- Type: Greatsword
- Advantages: This weapon deals standard and pierce damage, making it effective against Godrick’s defenses. It also has a strong charged attack that can break his stance, allowing for critical hits after a successful guard counter.
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Uchigatana
- Type: Katana
- Advantages: Known for its bleed buildup, the Uchigatana can inflict significant damage over time, especially when combined with quick strikes. The bleed effect can stagger Godrick, giving you opportunities for critical hits.
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Morning Star
- Type: Mace
- Advantages: This weapon also inflicts bleed damage and has a good poise damage output, which is useful for breaking Godrick’s stance. Its heavier attacks can deal substantial damage if you manage to dodge his strikes effectively.
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Dagger
- Type: Dagger
- Advantages: Fast attack speed allows for quick hits and easy bleed buildup. If you’re skilled at dodging, you can land multiple hits in between his attacks, making it a viable choice for aggressive players.
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Magic or Ranged Weapons (e.g., Spells or Bows)
- Type: Ranged/Magic
- Advantages: If you prefer a ranged approach, using spells or bows can keep you at a safe distance while dealing damage. Spells like Glintstone Pebble or Fireball can be effective if you maintain distance and bait Godrick into slow attacks to create openings.
Strategy Tips
- Focus on Bleed Weapons: Weapons that inflict bleed damage can quickly reduce Godrick’s health and create openings for critical hits.
- Utilize Charged Attacks: Charged heavy attacks from any weapon type will help break his poise, allowing for significant damage during openings.
- Guard Counters: If using a shield, guard counters after blocking his attacks can lead to critical hits, capitalizing on his vulnerability post-attack.
By choosing the right weapon and employing effective strategies, you can overcome the Soldier of Godrick with relative ease.
