Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered one of the most punishing bosses in Elden Ring. She combines speed, grace, and lethal aggression with a passive healing mechanic that punishes even the most minor mistakes. Defeating her demands more than brute force. It calls for planning, discipline, and a deep understanding of her moveset. This guide breaks down how to beat Malenia with practical strategies and recommended builds.
Understanding Malenia’s Moveset
Malenia fights in two phases. In the first, she primarily uses elegant sword strikes with long, flowing combos. The real danger lies in her ability to heal a small amount of health with every strike she lands, even if the blow is blocked. Her infamous Waterfowl Dance is a flurry of multi-directional slashes that can easily shred through unprepared players. In the second phase, she becomes the Goddess of Rot, gaining access to scarlet rot explosions and aerial dive attacks that coat the battlefield in rot.
General Tips
- Patience is essential. Malenia often baits players into trading hits, but her healing means that every misjudged strike works in her favour.
- Never panic roll. Her combos are deliberately designed to catch spammed dodges. Learn her rhythm and dodge with precision.
- Rot resistance matters. In her second phase, equipping armour or talismans that improve rot resistance can help you survive longer and keep your healing items for real damage.
- Summons can help. Spirit Ashes, especially those that stagger or draw aggro, can buy crucial windows to heal or cast. Mimic Tear, upgraded to +10, remains a strong choice.
Read More: Elden Ring Tips
Recommended Builds
1. Bleed Build (Dexterity/Arcane Focus)
Bleed damage bypasses her healing mechanic by stacking Hemorrhage quickly. Weapons like Rivers of Blood, Reduvia, or Hookclaws perform well, especially when dual-wielded and infused with Blood affinity. Talismans such as Lord of Blood’s Exultation and White Mask boost damage further. Keep pressure on during safe moments and back away after triggering a bleed proc.
2. Strength Build (Colossal Weapons)
While slow, colossal weapons can stagger Malenia out of key animations. The Greatsword, Ruins Greatsword, or Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade (with the right Ashes of War) can interrupt her attacks, especially when powerstanced. Use Lion’s Claw or Flaming Strike to buff damage. Stack poise so you can survive light hits while trading.
3. Mage Build (Intelligence Focus)
Magic is high risk, high reward. Malenia closes distance fast, and many spells have long cast times. Still, Comet Azur with the Terra Magica setup can melt large chunks of her health if timed correctly after a stagger or during phase transitions. For a safer approach, use fast-casting spells like Glintstone Pebble, Night Comet, or Loretta’s Greatbow while keeping distance and relying on summons to distract her.
4. Faith Build (Black Flame and Rot Mitigation)
Black Flame spells scale with enemy max health and deal damage over time, helping counter her healing. Scouring Black Flame, Black Flame Blade, or Flame of the Fell God work well. Combine with Flame, Cleanse Me and Flame Grant Me Strength to manage rot and boost damage. Equip the Flock’s Canvas Talisman to amplify incantation strength.
Phase Two Strategy
When Malenia transitions into her Goddess of Rot form, get ready for a scarlet explosion. You can avoid the initial blast by sprinting away or using well-timed rolls. She gains a devastating dive attack that triggers multiple rot explosions. Keep your distance after she takes to the air and only re-engage when she lands. Her aggression increases, so stamina management becomes even more critical.
Rot buildup is near-constant in this phase. Use Preserving Boluses, equip the Mottled Necklace, and consider talismans that raise immunity. Shielding becomes less viable here, as her attacks can overwhelm even greatshields.
Spirit Ashes That Work
- Mimic Tear: Mirrors your build and weapons. Particularly effective with bleed or high stagger weapons.
- Black Knife Tiche: Agile and relentless, with a unique skill that reduces enemy max HP, which works well against Malenia’s healing.
- Latenna the Albinauric: Works well if you keep her distant and draw Malenia’s aggro. Her ranged output continues while safely behind cover.
Seven Swords final words…
Malenia is a test of everything you’ve learned throughout Elden Ring. Her fight is a dance of aggression and restraint. Trying to overpower her rarely works. She rewards methodical players who adapt to her timing and capitalise on her few recovery windows. Whether you favour brute strength, fast blades, or long-range sorcery, victory is possible with discipline, the right tools, and a bit of perseverance.
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