For many Tarnished warriors venturing through the Lands Between, one name strikes fear into their hearts: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. This formidable Demigod boss in Elden Ring has earned a reputation as the toughest challenge FromSoftware has ever created. But fear not, fellow adventurers! This comprehensive guide will arm you with the knowledge and strategies needed to emerge victorious against the Goddess of Rot.

To conquer this legendary foe, you’ll need to master key tactics that can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Here are the top tips for success:

1. Avoid Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance: This devastating attack can end your run in seconds. Learn to recognize its wind-up and create distance or use precise dodge timing to survive.
2. Learn how to read Malenia’s grab: Her lunging grab attack is deadly but telegraphed. Spot the tell and roll away to safety.
3. Survive the start of Malenia’s second phase: As she transforms, roll under her initial dive to avoid massive damage and Scarlet Rot buildup.
4. Use weapon skills that knock Malenia down: Interrupting her attacks and creating openings is crucial. Skills that stagger or knock her down can give you valuable windows to deal damage.
5. Use Blood Loss or Frostbite to counteract Malenia’s healing: These status effects can help offset her health regeneration, tipping the scales in your favor.

By incorporating these strategies into your approach, you’ll be well-equipped to face the challenge that awaits. Remember, persistence is key each attempt brings you one step closer to victory against one of gaming’s most formidable bosses.

Introduction: Facing the Undefeated Swordsman

Malenia isn’t just another boss she’s a legend. As one of the most powerful Empyreans in the Lands Between, Malenia fought Starscourge Radahn to a standstill during the Shattering, ultimately reducing Caelid to a rot-infested wasteland. Her prowess in battle is matched only by the tragic circumstances that led her to become the fearsome warrior we face in Elden Ring.

What makes Malenia such a formidable foe? Let’s break it down:

• Two-phase battle with separate HP bars
• Ability to heal herself by hitting you
• Lightning-fast attacks with devastating combos
• Inflicts Scarlet Rot in her second phase

But the rewards for defeating her are equally legendary:

• 480,000 Runes
• Malenia’s Great Rune
• Remembrance of the Rot Goddess

These rewards aren’t just for bragging rights. The Runes will give you a massive boost in levels, while Malenia’s Great Rune and the Remembrance can be used to obtain unique weapons and abilities that can significantly enhance your character’s power.

Are you ready to take on this ultimate challenge? Let’s dive into the strategies that will help you claim victory.

Locating the Goddess of Rot

Before you can face Malenia, you’ll need to reach her. The journey to Malenia is almost as challenging as the fight itself, taking you through some of Elden Ring’s most treacherous areas. Here’s a detailed guide on how to find her:

1. Journey to Miquella’s Haligtree, one of the most challenging areas in Elden Ring
   • To access the Haligtree, you’ll need both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion
   • Use the medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold to reach the Consecrated Snowfield
2. Navigate through the Consecrated Snowfield to reach the Haligtree
3. Make your way through Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree
   • This area is filled with powerful enemies, so be prepared for a fight at every turn
4. Reach the bottom of the area to find the Haligtree Roots Site of Grace
5. Descend the stairs to enter Malenia’s arena

“The Haligtree is a testament to the twisted beauty of Malenia’s power. Every step towards her is a challenge in itself.“ – Anonymous Tarnished

The journey to Malenia’s arena is not for the faint of heart. The Haligtree area is designed to test your skills and patience, with tough enemies and treacherous terrain. Consider this journey as the first part of your battle against Malenia if you can make it through the Haligtree, you’re already proving yourself worthy of facing the Blade of Miquella.

Malenia Boss Fight Overview

Understanding the structure of the fight is crucial. Malenia’s battle is divided into two distinct phases, each with its own set of challenges and strategies. Let’s break down what you can expect:

Phase 1: Blade of Miquella

In this phase, Malenia relies on swift sword techniques and her prosthetic arm. Her most dangerous attacks include:

• Consecutive Prosthetic Slashes: A rapid series of slashes that can quickly deplete your health bar
• Uppercut into Slam: A powerful upward slash followed by a devastating downward strike
• Charge into Spin: A rushing attack followed by a spinning slash
• Lunging Grab: A dangerous grab attack that can one-shot unprepared players
• The infamous Waterfowl Dance: A series of rapid, wide-reaching slashes that is notoriously difficult to dodge

Phase 2: Goddess of Rot

Upon reaching half health, Malenia transforms, gaining new abilities:

• Scarlet Aeonia: A powerful dive attack that creates a large flower of Scarlet Rot
• Scarlet Explosion: An area-of-effect attack that leaves behind pools of Scarlet Rot
• Flying Sweep into Thrust: An aerial attack combo that’s hard to predict
• Counter Kick: A quick counterattack used to interrupt your combos
• Phantom Scarlet Spirits: Summons clones of herself to attack you from multiple angles

Key Stats and Resistances

Understanding Malenia’s resistances is key to forming an effective strategy. Here’s a breakdown of her defenses:

Attribute	Resistance Level
Poison	High
Scarlet Rot	High
Magic	Moderate
Lightning	Moderate
Holy	Very High
Madness	Immune
Death Blight	Immune
Physical	Moderate

Malenia Weaknesses

While Malenia is a tough opponent, she does have exploitable weaknesses:

• Frostbite: Malenia is particularly susceptible to frost damage
• Hemorrhage: Bleed builds can be very effective against her
• Susceptible to Riposte after staggering: Her low poise means she can be staggered relatively easily

Understanding these strengths and weaknesses is crucial to forming a winning strategy. In the next sections, we’ll delve into how to prepare for the fight and exploit these weaknesses to your advantage.

Preparing for Battle

Before you face Malenia, it’s crucial to ensure you’re properly equipped. This isn’t just about having the right weapons it’s about optimizing every aspect of your character to give you the best chance of success.

Character Build

• Recommended Level: 120-150
  • While it’s possible to face Malenia at lower levels, being underleveled will make an already difficult fight even more challenging
• Key Stats:
  • Vigor: Aim for at least 40, preferably 60
  • Endurance: 30-40 for good stamina management
  • Your primary damage stat (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith): At least 60

Weapons and Armor

Choose your weapons based on your build, but consider options that inflict Bleed or Frost. Some top choices include:

1. Rivers of Blood: Excellent for Bleed builds, its weapon skill can deal massive damage
2. Blasphemous Blade: Great for Faith builds, offers good staggering potential and health recovery
3. Moonveil: Perfect for Intelligence builds, combines magic damage with bleed
4. Dual Frost infused weapons: Exploits Malenia’s Frostbite weakness

For armor, prioritize pieces with good physical defense and immunity to Scarlet Rot if possible.

Items and Consumables

Stock up on these essential items:

• Boluses: To cure Scarlet Rot
• Boiled Crab: Boosts physical defense
• Exalted Flesh: Increases physical attack power
• Freezing Grease: Adds frost damage to your weapon

Flasks and Physick

• Allocate more flasks to HP than FP, unless you’re a pure caster
• For your Wondrous Physick, consider these tears:
  • Opaline Hardtear: Boosts damage negation
  • Thorny Cracked Tear: Boosts attack power when taking damage

Talismans

Choose talismans that boost your survival and damage output:

• Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: Greatly boosts physical damage negation
• Ritual Shield Talisman: Provides 100% damage negation at full HP
• Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Increases attack power when blood loss occurs nearby
• Claw Talisman: Boosts jump attacks, which are great for staggering Malenia

Buffs and Incantations

Before entering the fight, consider applying these buffs:

• Black Flame’s Protection or Golden Vow: Increases defense and attack power
• Flame, Grant Me Strength: Boosts physical and fire damage

With these preparations, you’ll be in the best possible position to face Malenia. Remember, preparation is half the battle the more optimized your build, the better your chances of victory.

Phase 1: Blade of Miquella – Moves and Counters

Malenia’s first phase is all about sword mastery. Her speed and precision make her a formidable opponent, but with the right strategies, you can overcome her attacks. Let’s break down her most dangerous moves and how to counter them:

Consecutive Prosthetic Slashes

This rapid combo can shred your health bar in seconds.

• Tell: Malenia shortens her blade with a distinct “ping” sound
• Counter:
  1. As soon as you hear the sound, prepare to dodge
  2. Roll into her right side to avoid the slashes
  3. Immediately retreat to avoid the follow-up slam

Uppercut into Slam

A powerful two-part attack that can catch you off guard.

• Tell: Malenia holds her sword back
• Counter:
  1. Dodge backward to avoid the uppercut
  2. As she leaps for the slam, roll diagonally towards her
  3. This positioning allows for a quick counterattack

Charge into Spin

This move is typically used when you’re at a distance.

• Tell: Malenia holds her sword back and starts to run at you
• Counter:
  1. As soon as you see her run, prepare to dodge roll twice
  2. Time your rolls carefully to avoid both the charge and the spin
  3. The recovery time after this attack gives you a chance to punish

Lunging Grab

This move can one-shot you if it connects, making it one of her most dangerous attacks.

• Tell: Malenia raises her hand during the start of the attack animation
• Counter:
  1. Prepare to roll away immediately when you see her raise her hand
  2. In Phase 2, be ready for a potential follow-up attack
  3. Do not try to punish this move focus on avoiding it entirely

Waterfowl Dance

This is Malenia’s most feared attack, capable of destroying your entire health bar if it connects fully.

• Tell: Malenia leaps into the air and pauses briefly before attacking
• Counter:
  1. If at a distance, run away from the first two flurries
  2. For the third flurry, unlock your camera and run towards her, then roll through it
  3. Roll away from the final slash
  4. If caught at close range, consider using Bloodhound’s Step to escape

“The Waterfowl Dance is like a beautiful, deadly ballet. Learn its rhythm, and you’ll dance with death itself.“ – Veteran Elden Ring Player

Mastering these counters is crucial to surviving Malenia’s first phase. Practice recognizing the tells for each attack and drill the appropriate responses. With enough practice, you’ll find yourself naturally reacting to her moves, increasing your chances of reaching the second phase with plenty of healing items left.

Phase 2: Goddess of Rot – New Challenges

When Malenia enters her second phase, the fight becomes even more intense. She gains new rot-based attacks while retaining most of her moves from the first phase. Here’s how to handle her new abilities:

Scarlet Aeonia

This is Malenia’s opening move for Phase 2 and can be devastating if you’re not prepared.

• Tell: Malenia will dive at you as the second phase begins
• Counter:
  1. As soon as Phase 2 starts, run past her to avoid the initial impact
  2. Keep running to avoid the Scarlet Rot build-up from the flower
  3. Use this opportunity to heal or buff yourself

Scarlet Explosion

A powerful area-of-effect attack that leaves behind dangerous rot pools.

• Tell: Malenia will leap into the air and prepare to slam her sword
• Counter:
  1. Roll into her as she starts the slam animation
  2. Get behind her for some free hits
  3. Be careful not to step in the rot pools left behind

Flying Sweep into Thrust

This aerial attack combo can be tricky to dodge due to its unusual timing.

• Tell: Malenia takes to the air and sweeps in from the left
• Counter:
  1. Dodge left to avoid the sweep
  2. Immediately dodge left again or jump to avoid the thrust
  3. If she follows up with a Scarlet Explosion, dodge to the side

Counter Kick

While not as damaging as her other moves, this quick attack is used to interrupt your combos.

• Tell: Malenia quickly raises her leg during your attack
• Counter:
  1. Be prepared to back off if you see it coming
  2. Don’t try to trade hits the kick will interrupt you
  3. Use this moment to reset and prepare for her next move

Phantom Scarlet Spirits

This attack summons multiple projections of Malenia to assault you from different angles.

• Tell: Malenia flies into the air and creates a pool of rot below her
• Counter:
  1. Roll backward twice for the first two projections
  2. Roll forward twice for the next
  3. Roll left twice for the final projection and Malenia’s follow-up
  4. Maintain your composure and focus on the timing of your dodges

In addition to these new moves, remember that many of Malenia’s Phase 1 attacks can now inflict Scarlet Rot, making them even more dangerous. Always be ready to cure rot build-up with Preserving Boluses or incantations.

Malenia’s Weaknesses and How to Exploit Them

While Malenia is a formidable opponent, she’s not invincible. Understanding and exploiting her weaknesses can turn the tide of battle in your favor. Here’s how to take advantage of her vulnerabilities:

Frostbite and Hemorrhage

Malenia is particularly susceptible to these status effects.

• Frostbite Strategy:
  1. Use weapons infused with cold affinity or the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War
  2. Frostbite reduces her defense and stamina recovery
  3. After triggering Frostbite, use fire damage to reset the meter and build it up again quickly
• Hemorrhage (Bleed) Strategy:
  1. Weapons like Rivers of Blood or dual katanas with blood infusion are extremely effective
  2. The Seppuku Ash of War can dramatically increase your bleed build-up
  3. Lord of Blood’s Exultation talisman boosts your attack power when bleed occurs

Staggering and Critical Hits

Malenia has surprisingly low poise, making her vulnerable to staggering.

1. Use heavy weapons or skills like Glintblade Phalanx to stagger her
2. Aim for jump attacks, which do increased poise damage
3. Once staggered, move quickly to perform a critical hit

Parrying

For the truly skilled, Malenia can be parried, opening her up for massive damage.

1. It takes three successful parries to break her stance
2. The Golden Parry Ash of War gives you more parry frames, making it easier
3. Practice on easier enemies before attempting to parry Malenia

Punishing Her Attacks

Some of Malenia’s attacks leave her vulnerable if dodged correctly:

1. After her Waterfowl Dance, she has a brief recovery period
2. Her Scarlet Aeonia in Phase 2 leaves her open for several seconds
3. After a missed grab attack, you have a window for 1-2 hits

By focusing on these weaknesses and practicing your timing, you can turn Malenia’s aggression against her, creating opportunities for massive damage and eventually, victory.

General Tips for Beating Malenia

Defeating Malenia requires more than just knowing her moves and weaknesses. Here are some general strategies to increase your chances of success:

1. Manage your health:
   • Try to stay above 80% HP at all times
   • Don’t get greedy prioritize survival over damage

2. Use your summons wisely:
   • Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Redmane Knight Ogha can be invaluable
   • Remember that Malenia can heal by hitting your summons, so choose ones that can dodge effectively
   • Consider using summons to distract Malenia while you heal or buff
3. Be patient:
   • Don’t get greedy with attacks, especially after her combos
   • Look for clear openings rather than trying to squeeze in hits
4. Practice dodging:
   • Many of Malenia’s attacks can be avoided with well-timed rolls
   • Focus on learning the timing for her Waterfowl Dance in particular
5. Manage your stamina:
   • Always leave enough stamina for at least one dodge
   • Use the Chloranthy Talisman to improve stamina recovery
6. Utilize jump attacks:
   • Jump attacks do significant poise damage and can help stagger Malenia
   • They can also help you avoid some of her low sweeping attacks
7. Stay calm:
   • Malenia is designed to be intimidating, but panicking will lead to mistakes
   • Take deep breaths and focus on reading her moves
8. Learn from each attempt:
   • Every fight is a learning experience
   • Pay attention to which strategies work and which don’t
9. Cure Scarlet Rot immediately:
   • In Phase 2, always have Preserving Boluses ready
   • The “Flame, Cleanse Me” incantation is also effective if you have the Faith for it
10. Use the environment:
    • The arena has pillars that can sometimes be used to create distance
    • Be aware of your surroundings to avoid getting cornered

Remember, beating Malenia is as much about mental fortitude as it is about skill. Stay determined, and you will eventually prevail.

Read Also: Film Review: The Jester (2023)

Melee Build Strategies

Melee fighters have a tough but rewarding challenge against Malenia. Here are some detailed strategies for different melee builds:

Strength Builds

1. Weapon Choice:
   • Heavy weapons like the Greatsword or Giant-Crusher are excellent for staggering Malenia
   • Infuse with Cold for added Frostbite damage
2. Tactics:
   • Focus on jump attacks to break her poise
   • Be cautious with long wind-up attacks only use them during clear openings
3. Ash of War:
   • Lion’s Claw can stagger Malenia and has hyper armor
   • Bloodhound’s Step for evasion, especially against Waterfowl Dance

Dexterity Builds

1. Weapon Choice:
   • Katanas like Uchigatana or Nagakiba are excellent
   • Dual-wield for maximum damage output
2. Tactics:
   • Use quick attacks to interrupt Malenia’s moves
   • Exploit bleed build-up with blood infusion or Seppuku Ash of War
3. Ash of War:
   • Unsheathe for quick, powerful strikes
   • Bloodhound’s Step for mobility

Quality Builds

1. Weapon Choice:
   • Versatile weapons like Claymore or Bloodhound’s Fang
   • Switch between one-handed and two-handed as needed
2. Tactics:
   • Adapt your playstyle based on openings
   • Use a mix of quick attacks and power moves
3. Ash of War:
   • Determination for increased damage on critical hits
   • Storm Stomp for creating openings

Regardless of your build, the key to melee success against Malenia is knowing when to be aggressive and when to back off. Always be ready to dodge, and don’t overcommit to long attack animations.

Ranged and Magic User’s Guide

Spellcasters and archers have some unique advantages against Malenia, but also face their own challenges. Here’s how to make the most of a ranged strategy:

Sorcery Builds

1. Spell Selection:
   • Adula’s Moonblade: Great for Frostbite build-up
   • Comet Azur: Can punish Malenia’s Scarlet Aeonia in Phase 2
   • Night Sorceries like Night Comet: Harder for Malenia to dodge
2. Tactics:
   • Keep your distance and punish her approach
   • Use faster spells to interrupt her attacks
3. Equipment:
   • Lusat’s Glintstone Staff for maximum damage
   • Carian Regal Scepter for a balance of damage and FP efficiency

Incantation Builds

1. Incantation Selection:
   • Swarm of Flies: Excellent for building up Bleed quickly
   • Black Flame: Does percentage-based damage
   • Ancient Dragons’ Lightning Strike: High damage and good range
2. Tactics:
   • Mix close-range and long-range incantations
   • Use Black Flame to chip away at her large health pool
3. Equipment:
   • Erdtree Seal for overall incantation potency
   • Dragon Communion Seal if focusing on dragon incantations

Bow Builds

1. Weapon Choice:
   • Black Bow for quick shots and good scaling
   • Serpent Bow for applying poison (though less effective on Malenia)
2. Tactics:
   • Keep mobile and maintain distance
   • Use status effect arrows (Bleed or Frost) to exploit her weaknesses
3. Arrows:
   • Bleed Arrows for Hemorrhage build-up
   • Freezing Arrows for Frostbite

For all ranged builds, managing your FP or arrows is crucial. Make each shot count, and always have a melee backup plan for when Malenia closes the distance.

Conclusion: Rising to the Challenge

Defeating Malenia is no small feat. It requires patience, skill, and perseverance. But with the strategies outlined in this guide, you’re well-equipped to take on this legendary boss. Remember, every attempt is a learning experience. Study her moves, adapt your strategy, and victory will be yours.

As you stand over the fallen Goddess of Rot, you’ll know you’ve conquered one of gaming’s greatest challenges. The 480,000 Runes, Malenia’s Great Rune, and the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess are more than just rewards they’re proof of your mastery of Elden Ring.

“In my hands, I hold victory, hard-won and dearly paid for. Malenia was a worthy opponent, but in the end, determination prevailed.“ – Victorious Tarnished

Now go forth, Tarnished, and claim your place among the legends of the Lands Between! May your journey through Elden Ring be as rewarding as it is challenging, and may the memory of your triumph over Malenia, Blade of Miquella, forever remind you of your growth as a player and a warrior.

FAQs

Is Malenia the final boss of Blade of Miquella?

No, she’s an optional boss, but one of the most challenging.

How much HP does Malenia Blade of Miquella have?

Approximately 33,000 HP per phase, totaling around 66,000 HP.

What is the recommended level for Malenia, Blade of Miquella?

Most players tackle her between levels 120-150.

What is Malenia’s weakness in Elden Ring?

She’s most vulnerable to Bleed and Frost effects, and can be staggered relatively easily.

What damage is Malenia weak to?

Physical damage, particularly when combined with Bleed or Frost effects.

What is Malenia’s weakness in the second phase?

Similar to phase one, but she’s more vulnerable during recovery after Scarlet Aeonia.

What hurts Malenia the most?

Consistent application of Bleed and Frost, combined with high physical damage.

Can you scarlet rot Malenia?

While possible, she has high resistance to Scarlet Rot, making it less effective.

How do you beat Malenia easily?

There’s no truly easy way, but using Bleed/Frost builds with a strong summon like Mimic Tear can simplify the fight.

What is the best weapon to fight Malenia?

Rivers of Blood, Blasphemous Blade, or any weapon with high Bleed build-up.

What is the best summon against Malenia?

Black Knife Tiche or a well-equipped Mimic Tear.

How to dodge Malenia blade flurry?

For Waterfowl Dance, run away from the first flurry, towards her for the second, and through her for the third.

For more information visit: Latest Vogues

Dan Bernstein – 670 The Score Contract, Net Worth, Detailed Information

Understanding Skylar Vox’s Weight Gain