Image: Tarnished vs Horned Hippopotamus: Shadow Keep Showdown
Published: February 6, 2026 at 6:09:04 PM UTC
Epic fan art of the Tarnished in combat stance facing a colossal horned hippopotamus-like boss in Shadow Keep, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. A tense moment before battle in a misty ruin.
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This semi-realistic dark fantasy fan art captures a climactic moment in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, set within the mist-laden ruins of Shadow Keep. Rendered in high resolution and landscape orientation, the image presents a dramatic standoff between the Tarnished and the monstrous Golden Hippopotamus boss, emphasizing scale, tension, and atmosphere.
On the left side of the frame stands the Tarnished, clad in the iconic Black Knife armor. The figure is seen from behind in a combat-ready stance: knees bent, feet braced on cracked stone slabs, and both hands gripping a long, gleaming sword angled diagonally toward the boss. The armor is composed of dark, weathered leather and matte metal plates, with subtle silver accents and a hood that conceals the warrior’s face. The cloak flares with motion, suggesting readiness and resolve. The Tarnished’s posture is tense and aggressive, fully committed to the impending clash.
Opposite, the Golden Hippopotamus boss dominates the right side of the frame with overwhelming presence. Its massive, quadrupedal body resembles a grotesque fusion of hippopotamus and rhinoceros, with thick, leathery gray-brown skin scarred and creased from age and battle. A large, curved horn protrudes from its snout, flanked by jagged tusks and a gaping mouth filled with sharp teeth. Its glowing yellow eyes burn with primal fury, locked onto the Tarnished.
The creature’s back is adorned with a dramatic array of long, golden-brown spine-like appendages that fan outward like a crown of spears. These spines are intricately detailed, each tapering to a deadly point and catching the ambient light. The boss’s limbs are thick and muscular, ending in clawed feet that dig into the stone floor, ready to charge.
The setting is an ancient, crumbling chamber deep within Shadow Keep. Towering stone columns and arches rise into shadow, partially obscured by swirling mist. The floor is uneven and fractured, with shallow puddles reflecting the figures and the dim, bluish light that filters through unseen openings. The atmosphere is heavy with dread and anticipation.
The composition is balanced and cinematic, with the Tarnished and the boss positioned at opposing ends of the frame. Diagonal lines formed by the warrior’s sword and the creature’s spines guide the viewer’s eye toward the center, where tension peaks. The muted, earthy color palette enhances the somber mood, while the golden hues of the creature’s spines and eyes provide striking contrast.
This fan art pays tribute to the epic scale and atmospheric storytelling of Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion. It blends realism with fantasy, evoking the thrill of imminent combat and the haunting beauty of the game’s world. A powerful visual homage for fans of intense boss encounters and dark fantasy aesthetics.
The image is related to: Elden Ring: Golden Hippopotamus (Shadow Keep) Boss Fight (SOTE)