Is Malenia the Final Boss? Unraveling Elden Ring’s Endgame

No, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is not the final boss of Elden Ring. While she’s undoubtedly one of the most challenging and memorable encounters in the game, she resides within the optional Miquella’s Haligtree Legacy Dungeon, specifically in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. The true final boss is the Elden Beast, encountered after defeating Radagon of the Golden Order in Leyndell, Ashen Capital. Think of Radagon and the Elden Beast as a two-phase final encounter, with the Elden Beast representing the ultimate threat to the Lands Between.

Malenia’s Significance and Difficulty

Despite not being the final boss, Malenia’s influence on the Elden Ring community is undeniable. Her intricate lore, combined with her punishing moveset, has cemented her as a fan favorite and a symbol of the game’s challenging nature. The sheer number of attempts players have made against her (the article mentions 329 million!) is a testament to her difficulty and the dedication of players determined to overcome her.

Malenia’s signature ability, Waterfowl Dance, is infamous for its relentless barrage of attacks and near-instantaneous execution. This, coupled with her ability to heal with each hit, even when blocked, makes her a formidable opponent that demands precise timing, strategic builds, and often, the assistance of summons.

Understanding the Elden Ring Endgame

The path to the Elden Beast involves a series of critical boss encounters, each serving as a gatekeeper to the final confrontation. After progressing through the main storyline and completing key areas like the Mountaintops of the Giants, players will eventually reach Leyndell, Royal Capital. Once you transform Leyndell into the Ashen Capital, defeating Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Hoarah Loux) is essential. This opens the path to Radagon of the Golden Order, who immediately transitions into the fight against the Elden Beast. This climactic sequence truly signals the end of your journey in Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Malenia and the Elden Ring Endgame

Here are some frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive overview of Malenia, the final bosses, and related aspects of Elden Ring:

1. What makes Malenia so difficult to defeat?

Malenia’s difficulty stems from several factors: her Waterfowl Dance attack, her ability to heal with every hit (even blocked hits), her high damage output, and her aggressive AI. She requires precise timing and strong builds, often relying on summons or strategic item usage to defeat. She also is resistant to many status effects.

2. What are Malenia’s weaknesses?

Malenia is weak to Fire attacks and the Bleed status effect. Weapons that inflict bleed or deal fire damage can significantly aid in the fight. She is also somewhat susceptible to staggering, allowing openings for critical attacks.

3. What level should I be to fight Malenia?

The recommended level for fighting Malenia is at least 120, ideally 125+, with weapons upgraded to +23 or higher. However, some players have successfully defeated her at lower levels with optimized builds and exceptional skill. The article suggests even levels closer to 150.

4. Where is Malenia located?

Malenia is located at the very end of the Haligtree Legacy Dungeon, specifically in the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree area. The Haligtree is an optional area, meaning players don’t necessarily have to fight her to complete the game.

5. Is Malenia a mandatory boss?

No, Malenia is not a mandatory boss. While defeating her grants significant rewards, she is located in an optional area and does not block progress towards the game’s ending.

6. What rewards do I get for defeating Malenia?

Defeating Malenia rewards you with 480,000 runes, the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, and Malenia’s Great Rune. The Remembrance can be exchanged at the Roundtable Hold for powerful weapons or spells. Malenia’s Great Rune provides a significant boost to attack power upon taking damage, if you utilize a Rune Arc.

7. Who are the final bosses of Elden Ring?

The final boss encounters are Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. These two fights occur consecutively, with no break in between.

8. Where are Radagon and the Elden Beast located?

Radagon and the Elden Beast are located in the Leyndell, Ashen Capital area, accessible after defeating key bosses and progressing through the main storyline.

9. What are the weaknesses of Radagon and the Elden Beast?

Radagon is weak to Strike damage and somewhat vulnerable to Fire. The Elden Beast is weak to Fire and Physical damage (specifically, piercing and slashing attacks). Both are immune to Bleed.

10. Is the Elden Beast a God?

The text indicates that the Elden Beast is a God Boss. It is a manifestation of the Greater Will’s influence on the Lands Between and the vessel for the Elden Ring.

11. What is the Scarlet Rot affliction that affects Malenia?

The Scarlet Rot is an outer god’s influence, sealed within Malenia. This condition has greatly affected her life.

12. How does Malenia’s healing mechanic work?

Malenia heals a significant portion of the damage she deals with each attack, regardless of whether the attack connects with the player’s health or a shield. This makes blocking her attacks a risky strategy, as she will still regain health even if you successfully mitigate the damage.

13. What is the lore behind Miquella’s Haligtree?

Miquella’s Haligtree is an attempt by Miquella to create an unalloyed Haligtree to nurture himself and his followers outside the influence of the Erdtree and the Golden Order. He intended to cure himself and Malenia of their respective ailments using this new tree. You can explore more about game design, development, and the impact of games on learning at the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

14. What are some strategies for defeating Malenia?

Effective strategies against Malenia include:

• Utilizing weapons that inflict Bleed or deal Fire damage.
• Learning to properly dodge Waterfowl Dance.
• Employing summons to draw aggro and create openings.
• Using Spirit Ashes like the Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear.
• Equipping armor and talismans that increase Poise and resistance to damage.

15. What makes Elden Ring’s boss design so compelling?

Elden Ring’s boss design is compelling because it expertly balances challenging gameplay with engaging lore and stunning visual presentation. Each boss tells a story, and their mechanics are often deeply intertwined with their narrative and place in the world. This combination creates memorable and rewarding experiences for players who persevere and overcome these formidable challenges. Moreover, many bosses require strategic thinking and innovative approaches, fostering a sense of accomplishment upon victory.