We already know that FromSoftware‘s Elden Ring can be a challenging game, with normal mobs more than capable of ending your life in an instant. However, there are also several optional bosses that one can attempt to challenge to test their mettle, and if you are looking to best the Blade of Miquella, here is our guide on how to beat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring.
How to Beat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring
First off, know that Malenia is easily one of the toughest bosses ever in a FromSoftware game, and considering the many that have been responsible for players’ deaths over the years, that is saying something.
This is down to several factors. The first is that anytime you get hit by her attacks, she heals herself. Even if you are blocking successfully, Malenia gets to benefit from the healing. It is likely you will consume all of your healing flasks but she will still be in the pink of health.
The second is her Waterfowl Dance skill, which sees Malenia jump into the air before unleashing a torrent of blade attacks that is quite unblockable unless your timing is perfect, and even rolling continuously won’t help.
Phase 1
The best defense is the best offense when facing Malenia in Elden Ring, so learn her patterns. She has a few melee combos with swift slashes and sweeps, and dodging them just requires good timing that is quite forgiving compared to her other attacks.
If you see her prosthetic arm sparkle, be prepared. Winding up her sword means a pair of heavy and slow slashes are coming, if she pulls back, a thrust is coming your way. Lastly, if she does neither, Malenia will be leaping forward to unleash a four-slash combo. Malenia is also fond of grappling, so avoid being too close.
When you see the Waterfowl Dance skill coming, you need to ready to dodge three times. Dodge for the first set of slashes, wait a second or so before dodging for a second time. When she lands on the ground, get ready for one more set of attacks.
Whenever you successfully avoid damage, hit Malenia hard and fast and take advantage of her low poise. This can interrupt her until she decides to use her more special attacks. If you manage to stagger her, get the critical hit in, before charging up a heavy attack to hit her once more as she gets up. With enough luck, you will defeat the first phase of Malenia in Elden Ring.
Phase 2
In her true form now, the fight against Malenia is only getting tougher. In addition to the attacks in Phase 1, she has a few other moves up her sleeves. She will start the battle by trying to rush you and creating a massive flower capable of inflicting Scarlot Rot. Avoid her at all costs, and get far away from the blooming flower.
Another way she will try to hurt you is with a big swipe, followed by a Scarlet Rot explosion. Roll to avoid both and keep yourself healthy. Malenia will also start hovering in the air, and sending her familiars at you, which hurts quite a bit if they connect. Her Waterfowl Dance now causes Scarlet Rot as well.
Being patient and mastering your dodges will be key, and attacking in between her special moves will give you more of a chance to survive Malenia in Elden Ring. If you are more familiar with her attack windows and when to roll, Phase 2 will be over soon enough just like Phase 1.
That is all there is to it when it comes to learning about how to beat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring. Be sure to also check out our guide wiki to learn more important details about the game, including the list of all bosses in the game, upgrading your Spirit Ashes summons, and getting to Nokron, the Eternal City.
If there are any questions that you might have that are not answered, please leave them in the comments below and we will get back to you as soon as we can!
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