How to Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella/Malenia, Goddess of Rot in Elden Ring

Last Updated on: 18 January, 2024 | 11:58 AM

Elden Ring has numerous bosses to take down throughout the journey. Fortunately, not all are part of the main story. So, you can easily skip a few fights to reduce the playing time. Even if you are in a hurry to reach the climax, it is not recommended to skip the Malenia, Blade of Miquella boss fight. Despite being an option boss, she is one of the toughest bosses of the game that will make your Elden Ring journey memorable. So it is natural that you get stuck in the fight and look for some help to know how to defeat Malenia in the Elden Ring.

Malenia, Blade of Miquella Location in Elden Ring

malenia elden ring — Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring

From the introduction, you have probably got the point that Malenia is an option boss in the game whom you can skip fighting if you want. But if you want to fight her, she will test your fighting skills. So, if you have decided, you must have found her; otherwise, you may miss her entirely.

To find Malenia, players have to go to the secret legacy dungeon called Miquella’s Haligtree. This is the last legacy dungeon of Elden Ring, and Malenia is the final boss of the dungeon. Players can access this dungeon from the northern realm Consecrated Snowfield. As you explore the Haligtree, you will eventually encounter Malenia, the toughest boss of the game.

Malenia Fighting Preparation in Elden Ring

If you’ve read the previous sections carefully, you must have noticed that we have mentioned Malenia as the toughest boss of the game. So, this clearly states that you can’t jump into the fight without any prior preparation. Fighting Malenia randomly is equal to inviting your death. So, you must grind through the dungeon and reach level 120+ to challenge the boss. Don’t try to challenge her, if you are lower than level 120.

This fight requires you to have a strong spirit summon and Mimic Tear is the best option you can have. Though this item is nerfed, still it has the ability to distract Malrnia and allow you to start with a powerful attack. Additionally, don’t fight Malenia without a legendary Spirit Ash. We recommend going for the Black Knife Tiche. If you want a partner to hit hard on Malenia, nothing can be a better choice than Black Knife Tiche.

Now if you are a sorcerer, we recommend selecting your spells carefully. The game offers you a wide variety of spells. So, take your time to select the best you have. We suggest having Stars of Ruin as the projectiles will deal enough damage to the boss. Alternatively, you can consider Ranni’s Dark Moon. Anyway, you can choose any spell you want.

For the Faith base build, it is recommended to choose incantations carefully. Lightning Strike or the Gransax Bolt’s Ancient Lightning Spear are the two best incantations you can have for the fight, but the ultimate choice will be yours. Finally, if your build is based on melee weapons, you can consider Blood Tax and Waterfowl Dance abilities. Don’t go for weapons that are below level 22. Additionally, remember, shields are of no work in this fight.

Finally, before diving into the fight, note the point that Malenia is weak to Fire, Bleed, and Frost damage. But the boss is immune to the Holy and Poison damage. The fight will be divided into two phases and it is recommended to bring Immunizing Cured Meat or Preserving Boluses as the boss will inflict Scarlet Rot status effect in the later part of the fight.

How to Beat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring?

Phase 1 of the fight begins as soon as the boss locates you. Malenia has a sword that she will use to attack you. The boss has multiple attacks that you must watch out for if you want to survive. These attacks can instantly kill you. The first attack she uses is the dash attack where she slashes her sword twice, sometimes thrice. If you see her hand glowing, she is getting ready for the dash attack to deal tons of damage.

The second attack that the boss often launches is the kick attack where the kick is followed by a quick stun. Even sometimes she stabs after that. This is probably the highest damaging attack. The second highest damaging attack is the Grab and Stab where the boss grabs you before flinging you into the air and onto her sword. Finally, comes the signature move of Malenia, Waterfowl Dance. This is an AoE attack where the boss pauses in mid-air before dashing forward with a melee attack. She does this three times and generates an AoE damage. This is the deadliest move the boss has.

In the first phase, you have to play defensive and safe. Don’t try to rush the process by taking the wrong steps. A few of her attacks make her vulnerable for some seconds creating scopes for you to deal as much damage as possible. We recommend whenever you get the chance deal with two or three stabs. Not more than that. Otherwise, it will make you vulnerable. Don’t stay too close to the boss during the fight. She is agile enough to initiate attacks frequently. If you stay too close, you may not be able to dodge the attacks in time.

After you drain a certain amount of Malenia’s HP, a cutscene will show you her transformation to the Goddess of Rot. The second phase of the fight begins with that. In this phase as well, the boss will use the same sword attacks, but what she will add new is the Scarlet Bloom. This is a deadly attack that you must avoid at any cost. In this attack, she will jump in the air and launch an explosion of Rot which will create an AoE effect of Scarlet Rot. If you stay within the range, you will be affected by the Scarlet Rot status effect. So, start going backward whenever you find Malenia rising in the air.

In this phase as well, you must focus on your defense and then attack the boss. Whenever the boss gets stunned after an attack, use the chance to deal damage to her. This fight will take time and even the slightest mistakes will cause you death. So be patient and keep fighting the boss with utmost concentration.

That’s everything you can do to defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring. Once you defeat her, you will receive Malenia’s Great Rune. You can take it to Enia, at the Roundtable Hold, to have the Hand of Malenia sword or the Scarlet Aeonia Incantation. You can have only one of these two items, so choose wisely.