FromSoftware’s masterpiece, Elden Ring, has captivated gamers with its expansive world, thrilling exploration, and a host of monstrous bosses testing player skill. Of these, few are as notorious as Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Malenia’s reputation as one of the most challenging encounters in the game is well-earned. However, with a strong will, the appropriate approach, and some strategic advice, even she can succumb to your Tarnished champion. Let’s unravel the mysteries of defeating this legendary foe.
Who is Malenia, Blade of Miquella?
Before we dive into strategies, let’s understand who we’re up against. Malenia is an optional boss located in the secret area known as Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. Defeating her rewards players with a massive 480,000 Runes and the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess – a powerful crafting material. However, taking her on is no small feat.
Malenia is a master swordswoman, her strikes swift and lethal. She is afflicted with the Scarlet Rot, a devastating status effect capable of draining health quickly. This makes her both a formidable opponent and a walking biohazard.
Prerequisites for the Fight
- Level: Facing Malenia is an endgame challenge. It’s best to attempt her around Levels 90-100, ensuring your character has a solid build and health pool.
- Gear: Your weapons, armor, and talismans should be heavily upgraded. Given Malenia’s weakness to Bleed and Frostbite, focus on gear that complements those damage types.
- Spirit Ashes (Optional but Highly Recommended): Consider using a tanky summon like the Mimic Tear Spirit Ash to soak up some damage and provide a helpful distraction.
"…Heed my words. I am Malenia. Blade of Miquella. And I have never known defeat."
my painting is finally done! took a while that one #ELDENRING pic.twitter.com/huhfJHTGJv
— Ludvik (@LudvikSKP) March 3, 2022
Phase One: The Dance of Blades
Malenia’s first phase, while less visually chaotic than her second, is still dangerous. Her sword strikes are swift, with deceptively long reach, and she possesses several combo attacks to be wary of. Here’s the key approach:
- Defense First: Dodging is more important than blocking against Malenia. She heals with each successful hit, even through shields. Master timed dodges to preserve stamina and reduce her self-healing.
- Punish Openings: Malenia is susceptible to stagger. Heavy weapons or aggressive combos can break her poise, allowing devastating ripostes or simply a chance to land several hits safely.
- Manage Stamina: Her combos are punishing; don’t greed for extra hits if you’re low on stamina. A missed dodge can be far more costly than less damage dealt.
Phase Two: Goddess of Rot
Malenia’s second phase is where the fight truly turns legendary. She takes flight, gains access to more attacks, and introduces the dreaded Waterfowl Dance. Here’s how to handle this phase:
- Waterfowl Dance: This is Malenia’s signature move – a flurry of slashes, difficult to dodge, and capable of decimating health bars. Learning to recognize Waterfowl’s windup animation is vital. Multiple methods exist to dodge it, including running, backstepping, or using specific skills. Experiment to find what works best for you.
- Scarlet Rot Blooms: Malenia now imbues her attacks with Scarlet Rot. If the status meter fills, you’ll lose massive chunks of health quickly. Have cures like Flame Cleanse Me or Preserving Boluses handy.
Gear Recommendations
Here are a few setup suggestions for facing Malenia:
- Bleed Build: Power-stanced Blood Uchigatanas (or other Bleed-inflicting weapons) make short work of Malenia’s health bar and counteract her healing. Equip talismans that boost Bleed buildup or attack power.
- Frostbite Build: Frostbite builds are slower but reduce her damage potential for a little while. Pair a Frostbite weapon with talismans that give defense boosts or stamina regeneration.
- The Shield Option: While not ideal, a high-guard, upgraded shield can still block some of Malenia’s attacks to mitigate her healing slightly. Pair this with high damage output options.
Elden Ring: Marathon, Not a Sprint
It is a test of endurance. Be patient, learn her patterns, and chip away at her health. Don’t get discouraged by repeated attempts – each fight teaches you a little more about her timings. If you haven’t still, checkout the game on steam.
Let me know if you want specific breakdowns on dodging the Waterfowl Dance – there are resources and guides focusing entirely on this move! Good luck, Tarnished!
