Elden Ring: How to beat the Guardian Golem

The Guardian Golem is an optional mini-boss that may be defeated with a mid-40s Wretch with a boosted greatsword and shield combo. So, if you're happy mopping up the evil guys around Limgrave, the Guardian Golem is one for the list.

It's at the end of Highroad Cave, which is part of the huge canyon that reaches out to sea to the north. To get there, you must first pass the wolves, bats, and octopi that reside there, then pass through the big waterfall at the bottom.

The Guardian Golem is initially resting within, allowing you to summon your trusted Spirit Ash for some much-needed assistance. When the Golem wakes up, you'll see light patches on its arms, chest, and legs, signaling vulnerable points to attack. Because the arms and chest are difficult to attack with ranged weapons and magic, the ankles are your best choice, therefore melee builds will need to approach close.

The Golem's basic attacks are largely front-facing, so if you can rotate to the back of its legs, you can avoid a lot of damage. Watch out for its ax's larger swipes and ground-slam AOE attacks that can leave you susceptible. If you suffer a lot of damage, try to circle the room or go back to its rear to rehydrate and regroup.

If you're absorbing more damage than you're dealing out, discover the patterns of when those axe and ground assaults are coming. After a few hits, the Golem will fall to the ground, exposing its chest area, where you can inflict a health-sapping critical assault. If you're like our Wretch, the Golem shouldn't have much health left by now, so simply keep attacking it till it collapses.

The Blue Dancer Charm is your reward for defeating the Guardian Golem. Your damage increases as your loadout grow lighter, so if you can afford to keep a few additional items in your inventory rather than occupying armament slots, your remaining weapons will get a boost.