It is no small feat to defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in the Elden Ring. She is among the game’s hardest bosses. But don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner or an old Tarnished in need of a tip, this guide will teach you the tactics and weapons to win. We’ll break down how to beat Malenia.
Who is Malenia in the Elden Ring?
One of the most iconic and difficult bosses in Elden Ring is Malenia, Blade of Miquella. As a demigod and main figure in the lore, she is known for her combat power and mechanics. Malenia is beautiful – dressed in elaborate armor, a prosthetic arm and flowing red cape.
She carries a long katana and can heal herself after each successful strike to defeat them, making her an extremely formidable opponent. Her fight has two phases with different, deadly patterns of attack. To defeat Malenia you need quick reflexes, tactical thinking, and an understanding of Elden Ring’s combat system.
Understanding Malenia’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Know Malenia’s strengths and weaknesses before you take on her. This will enable you to tweak your plan and pick the best weapons and spells.
Weaknesses
You can exploit several key weaknesses in Malenia:
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- Bleed Damage: She is especially vulnerable to bleed – damaging weapons. Bleed contributes to her health with every hit, and once the gauge is complete it does a great deal of harm to her health. Some extremely effective weapons such as the Uchigatana or the Bloodhound’s Fang.
- Damage from Frostbite: Another status effect that Malenia is vulnerable to is frostbite. It deals massive burst damage and drops her defenses for a split second. Take advantage of frostbite – causing weapons such as the Icerind Hatchet or spells like Glintstone Icecrag.
- Fire Damage: Fire damage is also beneficial but not as effective as bleed or frostbite. Her health can be eroded by weapons and spells that deal fire damage, especially during the second phase.
Weapons
Pick weapons that best suit Malenia’s weaknesses. There are some suggestions:
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- Uchigatana: A katana that translates well with Dexterity and can be infused with bleed. Buildup of bleed damage is made easier with fast attack speed.
- Bloodhound’s Fang: A curved greatsword that suffers from bleed damage and has a unique ability called Bloodhound’s Finesse which allows for fast, fluid attacks and evasion.
- Icerind Hatchet: Great for frostbite damage, this can also slow Malenia down and lower her defenses.
Armor and Shields
Even if you don’t choose your weapon much, armor will give you enough protection to weather her relentless attacks. A medium to heavy armor Set such as the Raging Wolf set is balanced between defense and mobility.
Shields can help block her attacks but remember that not all of her moves are blocked due to their speed and multiple hit nature. A high stability shield with good elemental resistance can be useful.
Talismans and Consumables
Buy or equip talismans that increase damage output or increase survivability:
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- The Exultation of the Lord of Blood: increases attack power when nearby blood is lost.
- Radagon’s Scarseal: increases many stats but damage taken.
- Give Me Strength, Flame: Enhances fire attack power and physical defense.
Get some consumables such as Blood Grease or Freezing Grease to give your weapon bleed or frostbite damage.
Battle Strategy
Phase I
Malenia attacks quickly and relentlessly in the first phase. She specializes in melee combos and has a flurry attack that heals her on hit. How to control:
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- Stay Aggressive but Cautious: Hit-and-run tactics. Take some hits in, and then back off to duck her counterattacks.
- “Dodge and Roll”: Her attacks are swift but predictable. Time your dodges and learn her patterns. You can avoid getting hit by rolling into her attacks instead of away.
- Bleed/Frostbite: Build Up: Take quick, burst hits to build up bleed or frostbite damage.
Phase II
Once in the second phase, Malenia receives new abilities such as a massive AOE flower blast and more aggressive combos:
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- Keep Your Distance Initially: She will launch an AOE attack at the beginning of phase two. Stay far enough away to not be caught in it.
- Capitalize on Openings: She has ‘short moments of vulnerability ‘after her big attacks. In those moments take full damage and run with it.
- Do Not Do the Waterfowl Dance: You could die from this multihit attack if you are not careful. As soon as you see her prepping it, set up as much separation as possible.
Summoning Help
In case you are struggling alone, call for help. Spirit Ashes such as Mimic Tear or Lone Wolf Ashes will distract her and allow you to launch your attack. You can also call out other players to help you fight, it can be more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Fighting Malenia in Elden Ring is a battle of patience, skill and strategy. It is a must to study how to beat Malenia. Finding her weaknesses, equipping her with the proper equipment, and also learning her attack techniques can help you beat this beast. Remember, every attempt helps you learn and improve. Stay determined, Tarnished, and soon you’ll have Malenia’s remembrance as a testament to your victory. Happy hunting!
