Godskin Duo Hoarfrost Stomp
Among the many infamously difficult boss fights inElden Ring, the Godskin Duo stands out as a particularly chaotic and punishing encounter. Found deep within Crumbling Farum Azula, this fight pits players against two relentless adversaries: Godskin Apostle and Godskin Noble. The pressure of facing both simultaneously can overwhelm even experienced players. However, the right strategy and build can tilt the odds in your favor. One such approach uses the power of Hoarfrost Stomp, a frost-based Ash of War that delivers consistent area-of-effect damage. Understanding how to apply Hoarfrost Stomp effectively in the Godskin Duo fight can make this infamously brutal battle significantly more manageable.
Where to Find the Godskin Duo
Location and Access
The Godskin Duo is encountered during the later stages ofElden Ring, specifically within the Crumbling Farum Azula zone. This area becomes accessible after progressing through the main story and defeating the Fire Giant in the Mountaintops of the Giants. Once you enter Crumbling Farum Azula, you’ll need to work your way through its crumbling architecture and dangerous enemies until you reach a chamber filled with swirling black mist your signal that the Godskin Duo battle is about to begin.
This is not an optional boss fight. Players must defeat the Godskin Duo in order to progress the story. Therefore, developing a sound strategy to conquer them is essential for completing the game.
Why Hoarfrost Stomp Works
Strengths of Frost Damage
Hoarfrost Stomp, which was once infamous for its overpowered status, still remains a powerful tool for area control and stagger potential. This Ash of War creates a wave of frost along the ground that damages enemies and builds up frostbite. When the frostbite meter is filled, enemies suffer a burst of damage and take increased damage for a short duration afterward.
- Deals consistent AoE damage, ideal for crowd control.
- Builds frostbite quickly, punishing enemies with a damage burst.
- Can be cast from a safe distance, reducing risk of counter-attacks.
- Interrupts some enemy attacks, creating space and breathing room.
Since the Godskin Duo can be staggered and are vulnerable to frost damage, Hoarfrost Stomp becomes a powerful counter to their aggressive onslaught. Used strategically, it can prevent them from overwhelming you and your allies.
How to Get Hoarfrost Stomp
To obtain Hoarfrost Stomp, you need to defeat an invisible Teardrop Scarab located near Caria Manor in Liurnia of the Lakes. Head to the frozen pond northeast of the manor. Watch the footprints in the snow and strike when the scarab passes by to receive the Ash of War.
Once obtained, you can apply Hoarfrost Stomp to most melee weapons via a Site of Grace. For maximum effect in the Godskin Duo fight, use a fast weapon with a Frost affinity or Cold infusion to amplify the frost buildup and maintain quick usage.
Prepping for the Fight
Recommended Stats and Gear
Before diving into the Godskin Duo battle using Hoarfrost Stomp, it’s important to prepare your character and gear. Focus on the following aspects for optimal performance:
- Weapon: Medium-speed weapons like straight swords, katanas, or spears work well with Hoarfrost Stomp.
- Stats: Prioritize Dexterity, Intelligence (for hybrid builds), and Vigor to survive longer.
- Armor: Use light-to-medium armor for good roll speed but decent protection. Poise is helpful but not essential with this strategy.
- Talisman Suggestions: Radagon Icon (for faster casting if using magic too), Green Turtle Talisman (for stamina regen), and any frost damage booster.
Also, stock up on Flask of Wondrous Physick combinations that grant temporary damage boosts or health regen. Summon your favorite Spirit Ash to assist you Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche, and Lhutel the Headless are all good options to split enemy focus.
Executing the Hoarfrost Strategy
Opening Phase
When the fight begins, one of the Godskins will often rush toward you while the other lingers slightly behind. Summon your Spirit Ash immediately to draw aggro. Begin using Hoarfrost Stomp to spread frost across the battlefield, targeting the closer enemy while maintaining distance.
Try to corral both Godskins into the same general area so that Hoarfrost’s AoE can tag both targets. This not only maximizes frostbite buildup but also applies pressure, preventing them from casting long wind-up spells or summoning black flame attacks.
Mid-Fight Adjustments
As you reduce one of the duo’s health, it will fall but not for long. The Godskin Duo regenerates using shared health, so focus on staying mobile while maintaining pressure with Hoarfrost Stomp. Use terrain and pillars in the boss room to block line-of-sight or stagger attacks.
- Keep stamina high to allow consistent use of Stomp and dodging.
- Refresh your summon if it dies and you have the option via Rebirth mechanics.
- Watch out for their black flame tornadoes and belly flop attacks they can punish slow players.
Frostbite Management
Once frostbite procs, pause for a second and use a burst damage attack, like charged heavy strikes or spells. Frostbite increases damage taken temporarily, giving you a window to burn through more of their shared HP pool.
If your weapon also builds frost, avoid overlapping effects to reset buildup efficiently. The Hoarfrost Stomp cooldown is low, so you can consistently reapply pressure every few seconds while dodging attacks.
Final Phase
As the fight drags on, your resource management becomes critical. Use your Flask wisely and pop your Wondrous Physick when one of the duo is near death. Hoarfrost Stomp is best used continuously while weaving in rolls and attacks, keeping the duo locked down and staggered as much as possible.
If you’re close to death, take advantage of any stagger or frostbite-triggered knockdowns to safely heal. With enough stamina and spacing, you can stay ahead of their damage curve and avoid being overwhelmed.
Bonus Tips for Godskin Duo
- Use Sleep Pots: Both Godskin Apostle and Noble are susceptible to sleep, which can give you valuable breathing space.
- Split DPS: Don’t focus entirely on one enemy; spread damage to keep them both low for later control.
- Interrupt Big Moves: Hoarfrost Stomp can stagger them out of wind-up attacks if timed correctly.
- Don’t Panic: Even if one revives, focus on survival and gradually wearing down the shared HP.
The Godskin Duo may be one of the most frustrating boss fights inElden Ring, but with the right strategy and use of Hoarfrost Stomp, you can regain control of the battlefield. This frost-based Ash of War offers crowd control, pressure, and stagger opportunities that counter the duo’s aggressive behavior. By understanding the boss mechanics, managing stamina and spacing, and keeping your summon alive, this fight can shift from a nightmare to a manageable, even enjoyable, encounter. Whether you’re a veteran or newer player looking to overcome one of the game’s hardest fights, Hoarfrost Stomp might just be the key to victory.