How To Defeat Godrick The Grafted In Elden Ring

Godrick The Grafted Boss Guide

Godrick The Grafted is the first major Shardbearer boss in Elden Ring and one of the biggest early-game difficulty spikes in Stormveil Castle. His long combos, delayed attacks, and massive Phase 2 fire attacks can overwhelm players quickly if you panic roll or overcommit to damage.

The key to beating Godrick is learning his recovery windows, staying patient during his long attack chains, and using summons to manipulate his aggro.

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Recommended Level And Preparation

Before fighting Godrick, it is recommended that you have:

• Character level 35-40
• At least 20 Vigor
• A weapon upgraded to +4 or higher
• Spirit Ashes
• Bleed or Poison weapons if possible

Weapons that inflict Hemorrhage or Poison are highly effective during this fight.

You should also summon Nepheli Loux, whose summon sign appears outside the fog gate after speaking to her in the nearby room past the birds inside Stormveil Castle.

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Spirit Ashes And Summons

Using summons makes this fight significantly easier because Godrick’s long combo strings become much safer when his attention is divided.

Recommended summons include:

• Nepheli Loux
• Lone Wolf Ashes

The Lone Wolf Ashes are especially useful because they frequently interrupt Godrick’s movement and force him to change targets.

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Phase 1 Strategy

During Phase 1, Godrick fights with his giant axe and several wind-based attacks.

Axe Swing Dodges

Roll forward-right through his horizontal swings instead of backward. Dodging backward often leaves you inside his tracking range and vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

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Wind Storm Attacks

When wind begins swirling around Godrick:

• Back away briefly
• Roll horizontally through wind projectiles
• If he leaps into the air, roll forward as he lands

This creates a strong opening for a jumping attack.

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Ground Stomp Shockwaves

When Godrick slams the ground with his axe, jump over the shockwaves instead of rolling through them. This completely avoids the hitboxes and lets you land a jumping heavy attack immediately afterward.

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Five-Swing Combo

Godrick’s long combo chain is one of his most dangerous attacks.

Stand back and wait for the final overhead slam before moving in to punish the recovery animation. Trying to interrupt the combo early usually leads to getting clipped by later swings.

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Phase 2 Strategy

At around 50% health, Godrick begins Phase 2 by grafting a dragon head onto his arm and gaining several devastating fire attacks.

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Opening Fire Breath

As soon as Phase 2 begins, sprint directly toward Godrick.

His large opening fire breath attack completely misses players standing close underneath him, allowing several free heavy attacks while he breathes fire over your head.

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Flame Arc Attacks

Whenever Godrick uses wide flame arcs, run tightly around his back or left side. The fire struggles to hit targets close beside him, giving you safe opportunities to attack.

If you remain in front of him during these attacks, you will usually be forced to retreat or risk taking heavy damage.

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Dragon Grab Attack

If the dragon head winds up for a bite attack, immediately roll backward to avoid the grab. This move deals extremely high damage and can easily kill low-health builds.

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Upgraded Ground Slam

During Phase 2, Godrick’s earthquake attack strikes three times instead of two.

Rather than trying to perfectly jump every shockwave, it is often safer to sprint away entirely until the attack finishes.

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Do Not Get Greedy

One of the biggest mistakes during this fight is attacking too long during openings.

Godrick punishes greedy players extremely hard with tornado follow-ups, delayed swings, and fire attacks. Land one or two hits, then prepare to dodge again.

Patience is far more important than aggression during this fight.