Unmasking Maliketh’s Weaknesses: A Comprehensive Guide

Maliketh, the Black Blade, is one of the most challenging and formidable bosses in Elden Ring. His relentless attacks, unpredictable movements, and devastating power make him a significant hurdle for any player. Understanding his weaknesses is crucial for victory. In short, Maliketh’s primary weaknesses are Bleed and Scarlet Rot, despite his perceived resistance to them, and secondary weaknesses are Frost damage. This guide will delve into these exploitable vulnerabilities and provide a detailed breakdown of how to use them effectively.

Exploiting Maliketh’s Vulnerabilities

Bleed: The Surprisingly Effective Tactic

Despite in-game stats suggesting a resistance to Bleed, Maliketh’s health pool isn’t so massive as to make this resistance matter. His vulnerability to hemorrhage is his biggest weak point.. The key to exploiting this is to use weapons, spells, or items that inflict the bleed status. Faster weapons, dual wielding, or those with innate bleed buildup are particularly useful for quickly triggering the hemorrhage effect multiple times during the fight. This will cause massive damage bursts that can quickly deplete his health. Don’t be fooled by the numbers; you can stack Bleed on him efficiently making it one of the top strategies.

Scarlet Rot: A Slow and Steady Drain

Another key vulnerability is Scarlet Rot. Although not as rapid as Bleed, Scarlet Rot is a powerful status effect that inflicts consistent damage over time. Applying Scarlet Rot early in the fight can significantly reduce his health, even while you focus on dodging his attacks. Items like the Rot Pot, Rotten Breath incantation, or weapons imbued with the Scarlet Rot affinity can help you take advantage of this weakness. Keep in mind this is a consistent damage type that will slowly eat his HP while you focus on dodging.

Frost: A Secondary Advantage

While not as potent as Bleed or Scarlet Rot, Frost damage can still prove beneficial against Maliketh. Weapons with Frost buildup, such as the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War, can inflict Frostbite, reducing his damage absorption and inflicting a burst of damage. Using a faster weapon with frost will inflict frostbite at a faster pace, leading to more damage output. If you plan on running a Frost setup, make sure your weapon hits fast.

Avoiding Holy Damage and Other Pitfalls

Maliketh is highly resistant to Holy damage. Avoid using any holy-based spells or weapons as they will do significantly less damage than other forms. In addition, don’t try to rely on a parry for victory. Only a few of his attacks can be parried with Blasphemous Claw, and they aren’t the safest opportunities. Focus on dodging and hitting him when he is vulnerable.

Maliketh’s Behaviors and How To Counter Them

The Beast Clergyman

Maliketh’s first phase, the Beast Clergyman, shares the same weaknesses, but is not as aggressive. He still benefits from Bleed and Scarlet Rot, but is a much easier fight than his second phase. Use this first phase to your advantage to build up status effects and prepare for his transformation. Use the first phase to practice his moveset and get used to the timing of his attacks.

The Second Phase: Maliketh, the Black Blade

The second phase is where Maliketh truly shines as a challenging boss. He gains new, more aggressive moves that are difficult to dodge and punish. Keep an eye out for his glowing sword as this signals parry opportunities with the Blasphemous Claw, although these are few and far between. Don’t try to parry projectiles as they cannot be parried. Bait out his somersault, and quickly get behind him to punish. Focus on utilizing bleed and scarlet rot to quickly drain his HP.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Maliketh weak to Frost?

Yes, Maliketh has a notable vulnerability to Frost damage, though it is not his biggest weakness. Apply Frost to a faster weapon for a higher chance of building up frostbite.

2. What are Maliketh’s main weaknesses?

Maliketh is most vulnerable to Bleed and Scarlet Rot. These two status effects will be the most effective way to defeat him quickly.

3. What weapons work best against Maliketh?

Weapons that inflict Bleed or Scarlet Rot, like katanas with the bleed effect or a weapon imbued with Scarlet Rot. Fast hitting weapons are better for applying status effects.

4. Is Malekith harder than Malenia?

Many players find Maliketh harder than Malenia due to his unpredictable attacks and fewer openings. While Malenia is certainly challenging, her Waterfowl Dance is her main challenge.

5. Does Holy damage work on Malekith?

No, Maliketh is highly resistant to Holy damage, so avoid using weapons or incantations that inflict holy damage.

6. Can Maliketh be parried?

Yes, specific melee attacks from Maliketh can be parried using the Blasphemous Claw. His sword will glow yellow when a parry is possible. Projectile attacks with white sword glows cannot be parried.

7. Is Maliketh weak to rot?

Yes, Maliketh is highly susceptible to Scarlet Rot, making it a powerful way to deal damage over time.

8. Is Maliketh a wolf?

Yes, according to in-game lore, wolves are considered shadows of the Empyrean. Maliketh is Marika’s shadow beast, making him a wolf.

9. Is Malekith a bad guy?

While presented as a villain in Elden Ring, his actions are driven by his loyalty to Marika, which she later betrays. His character is more complex than a pure villain.

10. Why does Malekith eat Deathroot?

Maliketh has the Rune of Death embedded in him, which causes his hunger for Deathroot. These roots are connected to Godwyn’s death, and his hunger is likely driven by his desire to be complete.

11. What level should I be for Maliketh?

It’s generally recommended to be at least level 115 with weapons at +20 or higher before facing Maliketh.

12. Does killing Maliketh lock you out of anything?

Yes, killing Maliketh will cause Leyndell to be covered in ashes, locking you out of specific areas of the Royal Capital. This is necessary to progress further in the story.

13. Who is the easiest boss in Elden Ring?

The Soldier of Godrick is often considered the easiest boss, as he serves as a tutorial boss.

14. Who is the hardest boss in Elden Ring?

Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring due to her aggressive attacks and powerful healing.

15. What is the most unfair boss in Elden Ring?

Many players find Starscourge Radahn unfair due to his wide range of attacks and large arena. Commander Niall is also cited due to his summons mimicking the player.

Conclusion

Conquering Maliketh requires a comprehensive understanding of his weaknesses and a smart approach to combat. By utilizing the power of Bleed and Scarlet Rot, as well as exploiting his lesser weakness to Frost, you can significantly increase your chances of victory. Avoid holy damage and learn his patterns to capitalize on openings. With enough patience and strategic planning, you can overcome this formidable foe and progress further in the Elden Ring.