Facing the Blade of Miquella: What Level Should You Be to Fight Malenia?

So, you’re brave enough to face Malenia, Blade of Miquella, are you? Many consider her to be the most challenging boss in Elden Ring, and preparing for this fight is crucial. The recommended level to fight Malenia is at least 120, ideally 125 or higher, with a weapon upgraded to +23 or more (or +9 for somber weapons). This doesn’t guarantee victory, but it provides a solid foundation to withstand her relentless attacks and capitalize on your opportunities. Remember, with Malenia, being overleveled isn’t really a thing.

Preparing for the Unthinkable: Level and Weapon Considerations

Your character level dictates your overall stats, including health, stamina, damage output, and resistance to status effects. Malenia hits incredibly hard and has a habit of healing with every hit, even if you block. A higher level gives you the survivability to withstand her onslaught and deal sufficient damage to overcome her healing. A higher weapon level is crucial for inflicting substantial damage and shortening the overall fight.

Why Level Matters

• Health: More health means more opportunities to make mistakes and learn her attack patterns.
• Stamina: Essential for dodging Waterfowl Dance and other devastating attacks.
• Damage Output: A higher level allows you to allocate points to strength, dexterity, faith, or intelligence, significantly increasing your weapon damage.
• Resistances: Some levels will increase your resistance to specific damages.

The Weapon Upgrade Requirement

A fully upgraded weapon ensures you’re dealing maximum damage with each attack. Consider using Smithing Stones [7], Smithing Stones [8], or Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones to maximize your regular weapons. For Somber weapons, be on the lookout for Somber Stone [9] and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. This is especially crucial because Malenia heals with every hit, so doing enough damage and staggering her become critical to winning the encounter.

Strategies Beyond Leveling: More Important Considerations

While level and weapon upgrades are important, they’re not the only pieces of the puzzle. Your build, weapon choice, talismans, and spirit ashes all play a significant role in your success against Malenia.

• Build Optimization: Tailor your build to exploit Malenia’s weaknesses. Consider focusing on inflicting Frostbite or Bleed, as she is vulnerable to both. Respecing with Rennala is an option.
• Weapon Choice: Weapons with fast attack speeds can quickly build up status effects. Consider using dual katanas or curved swords. The Rivers of Blood katana is a popular choice for its bleed buildup.
• Talismans: Equip talismans that boost your attack power, stamina, or resistances. The Green Turtle Talisman, Erdtree’s Favor, and Marika’s Soreseal can be helpful.
• Spirit Ashes: A well-chosen spirit ash can distract Malenia, giving you openings to attack or heal. Black Knife Tiche is widely considered the best summon for this fight due to her dodging abilities and HP draining attacks. The Mimic Tear is a solid option as well.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fighting Malenia

1. What is Melania weak to?

Malenia is particularly vulnerable to Frostbite and Bleed. Inflicting these status effects can significantly damage her health bar.

2. Is Malenia stronger than Radahn?

Lore-wise, Malenia and Radahn were essentially equals at the time of their battle. Radahn might have surpassed her had he acquired more Great Runes.

3. What weapon is best against Malenia?

There’s no single “best” weapon, but weapons that inflict Frostbite or Bleed are highly effective. Also, Greatbows are effective in phase one because you can knock her down. Experiment with different weapons and find one that suits your playstyle.

4. Is Malenia the hardest boss ever?

Elden Ring data suggests Malenia is the most attempted boss fight in the game, indicating her high difficulty. Many players consider her the most challenging boss FromSoftware has ever created.

5. Did Malenia defeat Godrick?

Yes, Malenia easily defeated Godrick when she marched south, leaving him humiliated and begging for mercy.

6. Is Malenia immune to Scarlet Rot?

While she has high resistance, Malenia is not entirely immune to Scarlet Rot. However, it takes a significant buildup to inflict the status effect.

7. Has anyone beaten Malenia?

Many players have conquered Malenia. Some have even completed the fight using unconventional methods, like parrying only or at a low level, demonstrating the game’s flexibility and the skills of its community.

8. Did Malenia poison Caelid?

Yes, the battle between Malenia and Radahn in Caelid resulted in the unleashing of the Scarlet Rot, which corrupted the region and turned it into a poisonous wasteland.

9. Which stage of Malenia is harder?

Most players find Malenia’s second phase more challenging due to her Bloom Explosion attack and increased aggression. By the time you reach phase two you are also likely low on resources.

10. Should I use a shield for Malenia?

Using a shield against Malenia is a risky strategy. While it can block some attacks, she heals with every hit, even on your shield. If you use a shield, make sure it has high stability and consider using it sparingly.

11. What is the best summon to beat Malenia?

Black Knife Tiche is an excellent choice. Tiche is agile and dodges many of Malenia’s attacks, preventing her from healing excessively. Her cursed blade also deals significant damage, especially against high-health bosses.

12. Is Malenia blind?

Yes, Malenia is blinded by the Scarlet Rot that infects her body. This adds to her mystique and the tragic nature of her character.

13. What Talisman should I use to defeat Malenia?

Use talismans that increase your survivability and damage output. Good choices include:

• Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed.
• Erdtree’s Favor: Increases maximum HP, stamina, and equip load.
• Marika’s Soreseal: Increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane.
• Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Increases attack power when bleed occurs in the nearby area.

14. What incantations and sorceries should I use to defeat Malenia?

• Flame, Cleanse Me: Removes Scarlet Rot and poison buildup.
• Freezing Mist: Apply Frostbite status ailment on Melania.
• Black Flame: Inflicts black flame damage to melt away Melania’s HP.

15. How do I dodge Waterfowl Dance?

Mastering the dodge for Waterfowl Dance is critical. There are a few different ways to approach it:

• Run Away: As soon as she jumps in the air, run away. At the last moment, dodge INTO her first flurry and then dodge twice to the left and then slightly forward.
• Bloodhound’s Step: Use the Ash of War Bloodhound’s Step to avoid the full barrage.
• Blocking: Use a shield with 100 physical damage negation and high stability.

Final Thoughts: Persistence and Adaptation

Defeating Malenia is a true test of skill and patience in Elden Ring. While the recommended level provides a solid foundation, remember that your build, strategy, and ability to adapt to her attacks are just as important. Don’t be discouraged by initial failures; learn from your mistakes, adjust your approach, and eventually, you will emerge victorious. For more gaming insights and information about the educational aspects of video games, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, Tarnished!