Elden Ring: Fight a Golden Hippo and Get a Thorny Incantation

In Elden Ring's DLC, Shadow of the Erdtree, players are introduced to an array of powerful spells and abilities that expand the gameplay experience. One of the standout new additions is the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation, a potent spell perfect for those who want to deal damage to multiple enemies simultaneously while adding an element of visual flair to their combat. In this article, we'll break down everything you need to know about the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns, including its stats, features, lore, and how to obtain it by defeating a fearsome new boss—the Golden Hippopotamus.

Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns – Stats and Features

The Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation is a formidable tool in any Faith caster's arsenal. It only requires 1 Memory Slot, which makes it relatively accessible, and its low FP cost of 14 per cast means you can use it multiple times without worrying too much about resource management.

To use this incantation, you'll need at least 27 Faith, making it a viable choice for mid-level Faith builds. Once cast, the spell creates thorny protrusions on the caster's back, which spin around to strike enemies in the vicinity. This area-of-effect (AOE) attack is particularly useful when surrounded by enemies, as it hits all foes within its range.

While there are other, more powerful AOE spells in Elden Ring, the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns stands out for its low FP cost and moderate Faith requirement, making it an efficient option for players who prefer a balanced blend of power and sustainability.

Additionally, the incantation becomes even more potent when charged, increasing the number of rolls and expanding its range of attack. This feature allows players to maximize the spell's potential in combat, dealing continuous damage to multiple enemies while keeping their FP expenditure low.

Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns' Item Description

The item description for Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns offers insight into its lore and connection to Elden Ring's mysterious world:

"Aspect of the Crucible that manifested in golden hippopotami.

Creates a bristling mass of thorn-like fur on the caster's back before scouring the area by rolling around on the ground.

Charging increases the number of rolls and range of attack.

In an age long past, before this land was enshrouded in shadow, the vitality of the Crucible flourished. Remains of this can be seen in the ancient ruins."

The lore surrounding the Crucible is deeply tied to the ancient vitality that once filled the lands of the Erdtree, before they were shrouded in shadow. The incantation's association with golden hippopotami hints at a time when these creatures were embodiments of the Crucible's power, serving as a bridge between the past and present.

Not only does this backstory enrich the spell's significance, but it also adds a layer of immersion to the game. Collecting Elden Ring Items like this incantation helps flesh out the game's world, offering players a glimpse into the mysteries of the Crucible and its long-lost glory.

Where to Find Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns

To acquire the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns, you'll need to face the imposing Golden Hippopotamus boss. This formidable creature resides within the Shadow Keep legacy dungeon, located in the Scadu Altus region of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

The journey to this boss is relatively straightforward. After entering the Shadow Keep, you'll find an elevator at the beginning of the dungeon. Take it up to reach the Golden Hippopotamus. For many players, this boss fight serves as a necessary challenge, as you must defeat the Golden Hippo to progress through the remainder of the dungeon.

If you've already encountered the standard hippopotamus enemies scattered throughout the DLC, you'll have some familiarity with the Golden Hippo's attack patterns. However, this boss version comes with a few additional moves and tricks up its sleeve. Be sure to study its attack animations and timing to dodge its powerful strikes. With patience and the right strategy, you can take this beast down.

Once the Golden Hippopotamus is defeated, you'll be rewarded with the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation. Additionally, you'll earn two Scadutree Fragments—rare Elden Ring Items tied to the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. These fragments can be used for various purposes, including crafting and upgrading specific gear related to the DLC.

How the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns Fits Into Your Build

The Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation is a strong contender for any player utilizing a Faith-based build in Elden Ring. Its low FP cost and moderate Faith requirement make it an efficient choice for players looking for AOE spells that can be used frequently without quickly depleting resources.

Pairing this incantation with other Elden Ring Items that boost spell casting speed or Faith scaling can further enhance its effectiveness in battle. Talismans like the Radagon Icon or items that increase your FP regeneration will also allow you to get more out of the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns, letting you maintain sustained damage output in long encounters.

Additionally, farming Elden Ring Runes before obtaining this incantation will allow you to level up your Faith stat, ensuring you meet the requirements without sacrificing your investment in other attributes. Efficient Rune farming techniques, such as taking on high-level enemies in Scadu Altus or revisiting familiar areas where enemies drop significant Runes, will help you quickly reach the Faith requirement if needed.

Conclusion

The Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns incantation is a powerful, low-cost spell that is perfect for Faith-based characters in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Not only does it offer an efficient and stylish way to deal AOE damage, but it also enriches the game's lore by connecting to the ancient power of the Crucible.

After defeating the Golden Hippopotamus boss in the Shadow Keep dungeon, you'll gain access to this valuable spell along with additional Elden Ring Items, such as the Scadutree Fragments. Whether you're preparing for tougher battles or simply expanding your collection of incantations, the Aspects of the Crucible: Thorns is a must-have addition to your Elden Ring arsenal.

Don't forget to farm Elden Ring Runes and explore the remaining areas of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC to fully maximize your build before venturing into even more challenging content.