Can You Use Summons in Malenia? A Tarnished Guide to Victory
Yes, you absolutely can use summons against Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring. Both Spirit Ashes and cooperative multiplayer summons are permitted for this challenging boss fight. However, whether or not summons make the fight easier is a subject of considerable debate within the Elden Ring community. Let’s delve into the intricacies of summoning for Malenia, exploring its pros, cons, and alternative strategies for achieving victory.
Understanding Summoning Mechanics in Elden Ring
Before we dive into the Malenia-specific strategies, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental summoning mechanics in Elden Ring. The game allows you to summon Spirit Ashes in areas designated by a small, white gravestone icon on the left side of your screen. These ashes summon AI-controlled allies to aid you in battle.
Simultaneously, you can use a Furlcalling Finger Remedy to reveal summoning signs left by other players. Interacting with these signs allows you to summon up to two other players to assist you in tackling bosses and exploring the open world (within the confines of the co-op session rules, of course).
Summoning for Malenia: A Double-Edged Sword
While the prospect of having allies fight alongside you against Malenia seems appealing, it’s important to consider the implications. Malenia’s primary mechanic revolves around healing with every hit she lands. This healing applies regardless of whether she’s hitting you, your Spirit Ashes, or your fellow Tarnished. This aspect can be frustrating.
Therefore, summoning allies who are unable to reliably dodge her attacks can inadvertently make the fight harder by providing Malenia with ample opportunities to replenish her health. Furthermore, summoning other players increases Malenia’s health pool, meaning you’ll need to deal significantly more damage to defeat her.
Spirit Ashes: A Calculated Risk
Certain Spirit Ashes can be quite effective against Malenia. Redmane Knight Ogha is frequently mentioned because of his greatarrows, which can stagger Malenia and even interrupt her infamous Waterfowl Dance. Another popular choice is Black Knife Tiche. Tiche’s agility allows her to dodge many of Malenia’s attacks, minimizing the healing she receives. Moreover, Tiche’s special ability inflicts damage over time, further contributing to Malenia’s demise.
However, even these powerful summons require careful management. If Malenia focuses solely on your summon, she’ll heal a significant amount of health without you being able to effectively damage her. Therefore, it’s crucial to maintain aggro and draw Malenia’s attention whenever possible.
Cooperative Multiplayer: The Strength of Numbers (Sometimes)
Summoning other players can be a viable strategy, especially if you’re playing with friends who are well-versed in Malenia’s moveset. Coordinated teamwork, with players focusing on staggering her and exploiting her weaknesses, can lead to a quicker victory.
However, random summons can be unreliable. If your summoned allies are not adequately equipped or skilled, they may die quickly, providing Malenia with free healing and leaving you at a disadvantage. Clear communication and strategic planning are key to maximizing the effectiveness of cooperative multiplayer against Malenia. You can learn more about multiplayer strategies and how games facilitate social interaction at the Games Learning Society website.
Alternative Strategies: Conquering Malenia Solo
For those seeking the ultimate challenge, defeating Malenia solo is a testament to skill and perseverance. Several effective solo strategies exist, including:
- Bleed Builds: Malenia is vulnerable to the bleed status effect. Weapons like Bloodhound’s Fang and dual katanas with bleed infusions can quickly build up bleed damage, dealing significant chunks of her health.
- Fire Damage: Malenia has a particular weakness to fire damage. Spells like Catch Flame and incantations like Flame, Grant Me Strength can significantly increase your damage output.
- Staggering: As mentioned previously, Malenia is susceptible to staggering, especially in her first phase. Using heavy weapons or jumping attacks can interrupt her attacks and create openings for critical hits.
- Bloodhound’s Step: The Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War is invaluable for dodging Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance and other fast-paced attacks. It provides invincibility frames, allowing you to phase through her strikes with ease.
- Parrying: For the truly skilled, parrying Malenia’s attacks is a viable (albeit extremely difficult) strategy. Successfully parrying her attacks leaves her open for critical hits, potentially shortening the fight considerably.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Summoning and Fighting Malenia
Here are some frequently asked questions about summoning for the Malenia fight:
1. Can I summon someone for Malenia?
Yes, you can summon both Spirit Ashes and other players for the Malenia fight.
2. Is Malenia harder with summons?
It can be. If your summons die quickly or fail to dodge her attacks, they can inadvertently heal Malenia more than they damage her. Proper summons choice and strategic play are crucial.
3. What is Malenia weak against?
Malenia is weak to Fire attacks, Bleed status effects, and being staggered by heavy weapons.
4. Why can’t I use summons in Elden Ring sometimes?
You can only summon in areas where the white gravestone icon appears on your screen. Other reasons include network issues or another player summoning the same cooperator before you.
5. Can you use summons anywhere in Elden Ring?
No, summoning is restricted to specific areas, primarily boss arenas and open-world regions.
6. Why can’t I use my Lone Wolf Ashes?
Ensure you are within the boss arena and that the white gravestone icon is visible.
7. What summon can beat Malenia?
Black Knife Tiche and Redmane Knight Ogha are popular choices due to their survivability and ability to stagger her.
8. What is the easiest way to beat Malenia?
There’s no definitively “easiest” way, but staggering her, using Bloodhound’s Step to dodge, and exploiting her weaknesses to bleed and fire are common strategies.
9. What is the best weapon to beat Malenia?
Greatswords and weapons with bleed buildup are effective. Bloodhound’s Fang is a particularly popular choice.
10. What level should I be at Malenia?
The recommended level is at least 120, ideally 125+, with weapons upgraded to +23 or higher.
11. Does Malenia heal from hitting summons?
Yes, Malenia heals from every hit she lands, regardless of whether she’s hitting you, a summon, or even scenery.
12. Can Malenia be rotted?
Yes, Malenia can be afflicted with Scarlet Rot, but she has high resistance to it. It requires a significant buildup to trigger.
13. Can I parry Malenia?
Yes, Malenia’s attacks can be parried, but it requires precise timing and is considered an extremely difficult challenge.
14. What armor is best against Malenia?
Armor with high physical resistance is generally recommended. The specific armor set is less critical than your ability to dodge her attacks using tools like Bloodhound’s Step.
15. What spells should I use against Malenia?
Spells that inflict Fire and Frostbite are effective. Combining these two can repeatedly trigger frostbite, dealing significant damage.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Path to Victory
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use summons against Malenia is a matter of personal preference and playstyle. While summons can provide valuable assistance, they also come with inherent risks. Carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before summoning, and choose a strategy that aligns with your skills and resources. Whether you choose to conquer her solo or with the aid of allies, remember that perseverance and adaptability are key to overcoming this formidable foe. And for more in-depth analysis of gaming strategies and their impacts, don’t forget to visit GamesLearningSociety.org.