Mastering the Rot: A Tarnished’s Guide to Dodging Malenia’s Scarlet Aeonia

Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is arguably the most challenging boss in Elden Ring, and her Scarlet Rot attacks are a significant part of what makes her so fearsome. Understanding how to avoid these attacks is crucial for any Tarnished hoping to claim victory. The key to dodging Malenia’s Scarlet Aeonia is distance and timing. When she leaps into the air to initiate the attack, immediately sprint away from her. As she descends, time a roll towards her, but slightly to the side, just as she lands. Following this, continue sprinting away from the explosion and be prepared to roll a second time if necessary to completely evade the blast radius. The timing of the initial roll is critical; too early, and you’ll be caught in the landing; too late, and the explosion will engulf you.

Understanding Malenia’s Scarlet Rot Arsenal

Malenia’s Scarlet Rot attacks come in a few different forms, each requiring a slightly different strategy to avoid. Let’s break them down:

Scarlet Aeonia (Flower Dive Bomb)

This is perhaps her most visually striking and dangerous Scarlet Rot attack. As described above, the initial strategy involves sprinting away to create distance. Don’t underestimate the explosion range – it’s deceptively large. Focus on creating space between yourself and Malenia.

The Initial Scarlet Rot Blast

At the start of phase two, Malenia will unleash an initial Scarlet Rot blast followed by an explosion. To dodge this, roll away from Malenia when she lands, and then roll away again to avoid the explosion.

Other Instances of Scarlet Rot Application

Malenia’s standard attacks can also inflict Scarlet Rot buildup. While dodging the attack itself is the primary focus, consider using equipment and consumables that increase your resistance to the status effect.

Advanced Dodging Techniques and Considerations

Beyond the basic strategy of sprinting and rolling, here are some advanced techniques and considerations for dodging Malenia’s Scarlet Rot:

• Unlock the Camera: Unlocking the camera can give you better control over your movement and allow you to sprint in a straighter line away from Malenia. This is particularly useful for maximizing distance during the Scarlet Aeonia attack.
• Pay Attention to Visual Cues: Malenia’s animations provide clear telegraphs for her attacks. By learning to recognize these cues, you can anticipate her Scarlet Rot attacks and prepare to dodge accordingly.
• Stamina Management: Sprinting and rolling consume stamina, so be mindful of your stamina bar. Avoid over-committing to attacks that leave you with low stamina, as you’ll need it to dodge Malenia’s Scarlet Rot.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Malenia is a challenging boss, and mastering her attack patterns takes time and practice. Don’t be discouraged if you struggle at first. Keep practicing, and you’ll eventually learn to consistently dodge her Scarlet Rot attacks.
• Utilize Summons Strategically: While summons can be helpful in distracting Malenia and creating openings for attack, be aware that they can also make it more difficult to predict her movements. Choose your summons carefully and consider their survivability against Scarlet Rot. A great option is Black Knife Tiche, this spirit ash is able to dodge enough so Malenia will not auto-feed health off of her on-hit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is Malenia immune to Scarlet Rot?

No, Malenia is not immune to Scarlet Rot, but she has incredibly high resistance. It takes a significant amount of buildup to inflict the status effect on her.

2. What is the best way to inflict Scarlet Rot on Malenia?

While difficult, using weapons or spells that inflict Scarlet Rot, like Rotten Breath or Ekzyke’s Decay, is the way to go. However, prepare for a lengthy fight as the buildup will be slow. Consider incorporating items and stats that boost your Arcane. This will make your Arcane scaling weapons and spells much more effective.

3. What are some good talismans to use against Malenia?

Talismans like the Green Turtle Talisman (to increase stamina recovery) and the Erdtree’s Favor (to increase HP, stamina, and equip load) can be helpful. For survivability, consider talismans that boost physical defense.

4. What armor is best against Malenia?

Prioritize armor with high physical defense. While heavier armor may slow you down, the added protection can be crucial for surviving her powerful attacks. The Mushroom Set is also a strong choice against Scarlet Rot buildup in Elden Ring.

5. Should I use a shield against Malenia?

Shields can be helpful for blocking some of Malenia’s attacks, but they consume stamina. Consider your playstyle and whether you can effectively manage your stamina while using a shield. Many players opt for dual-wielding or two-handing their weapon for increased damage output.

6. What level should I be to fight Malenia?

Most players recommend being at least level 120, ideally closer to level 150, before attempting the fight. Ensure your weapons are fully upgraded as well.

7. Can Malenia be parried?

Yes, Malenia can be parried, but it requires precise timing and a strong understanding of her attack patterns. Some players have even defeated her using only parries!

8. What is Malenia’s Great Rune good for?

Malenia’s Great Rune restores HP after taking damage, but it also decreases your max HP. It’s a risky choice and not generally considered one of the best Great Runes.

9. Is Black Knife Tiche a good summon for Malenia?

Yes! Black Knife Tiche is widely considered one of the best summons for this fight. Tiche will dodge enough so Malenia will not auto-feed health off of her on-hit, and her cursed blade move will do significant DPS.

10. Which phase of the Malenia fight is harder?

Many players find the second phase more challenging due to the addition of Scarlet Aeonia and the increased aggression.

11. What does Malenia say when she dies?

Malenia’s dying words are: “O, dear Miquella… O, dearest Miquella, my brother… I’m sorry, I finally met my match…”

12. What do you get for killing Malenia?

You receive the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess (which can be used to acquire her weapon), Malenia’s Great Rune, and a sense of immense satisfaction.

13. Does Rivers of Blood work well against Malenia?

Yes, Rivers of Blood can be effective against Malenia, especially with a build focused on Bleed.

14. Is there a way to cheese Malenia?

While some strategies exploit certain AI behaviors, “cheesing” Malenia isn’t easily done. Her aggressive AI and healing mechanic make her resistant to many common tactics. One gamer shares an easy method to cheese one of the most brutal bosses, Malenia, with a Greatsword.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and difficulty scaling?

You can find valuable resources and research on game design, difficulty scaling, and player experience at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource.

Conclusion

Malenia is a test of skill, patience, and strategic thinking. By mastering the dodging techniques outlined in this guide, understanding her attack patterns, and preparing your build accordingly, you can overcome this formidable boss and claim your place among the Elden Lords. Good luck, Tarnished!