How to Obtain Malenia’s Sword: A Comprehensive Guide

Malenia’s katana, the Hand of Malenia, is one of the most sought-after weapons in Elden Ring, renowned for its unique weapon art, Waterfowl Dance, and its stylish design. To obtain it, you must defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the game’s most challenging bosses, and then trade her Remembrance at Roundtable Hold for the weapon.

Defeating Malenia: A Trial by Fire

Malenia is located in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, which is reached after progressing through the Consecrated Snowfield and using the Haligtree Secret Medallion at the Grand Lift of Rold. Before you even consider facing her, ensure your character is adequately leveled (at least level 100 is recommended) and equipped with a build that can withstand her relentless attacks.

Preparing for Battle: Essential Strategies

• Level and Stats: Aim for at least 50 Vigor for sufficient health, and allocate points to Strength and Dexterity according to your chosen weapon and build.
• Weapon Choice: Weapons that inflict status effects like Bleed or Frostbite are highly effective against Malenia. Katanas, curved swords, and weapons buffed with appropriate incantations or greases are popular choices.
• Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes can be invaluable in drawing Malenia’s aggression. Mimic Tear is a powerful option, as it creates a copy of your character that can deal significant damage. Other viable choices include Black Knife Tiche and Lhutel the Headless.
• Armor: While heavy armor provides more protection, it can hinder your mobility. Opt for armor that balances defense and agility, allowing you to dodge Malenia’s attacks effectively.
• Talismans: Equip talismans that enhance your survivability and damage output. Examples include the Crimson Amber Medallion (increases HP), Green Turtle Talisman (increases stamina recovery), and Marika’s Soreseal (increases Mind, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane).

Mastering the Fight: Understanding Malenia’s Attacks

Malenia’s attack patterns are aggressive and unpredictable. Her most notorious move is Waterfowl Dance, a flurry of rapid sword strikes that can quickly deplete your health.

• Waterfowl Dance: The key to surviving Waterfowl Dance is to distance yourself from Malenia when she initiates the attack. Rolling away repeatedly can create enough space to avoid most of the strikes. Alternatively, using a shield with high stability and guard boost, like the Fingerprint Stone Shield, can block some of the damage. Certain Ashes of War, such as Bloodhound’s Step, also provide invincibility frames to dodge the attack.

• Lifesteal: Every time Malenia hits you, she regains health, making it crucial to avoid her attacks. Summons can take the heat off of you and allow you to get some hits in.

• Phase Two (Scarlet Rot): Upon reaching half health, Malenia transforms, unleashing a powerful Scarlet Rot explosion. This attack deals significant damage and inflicts Scarlet Rot status. Be prepared to heal and cleanse the rot immediately. In her second phase, she also gains new moves, including summoning phantom clones that attack you.

Victory: Claiming Your Reward

After a grueling battle, defeating Malenia will grant you the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess. This Remembrance is the key to obtaining the Hand of Malenia.

Trading the Remembrance: Obtaining the Hand of Malenia

Head back to Roundtable Hold and speak to Enia, the Finger Reader. Interacting with her allows you to trade the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess for one of two items:

• Hand of Malenia: The iconic katana with the Waterfowl Dance weapon art.

• Malenia’s Great Rune: Increases attack power after successive attacks.

Choose the Hand of Malenia to add this powerful katana to your arsenal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What level should I be to fight Malenia?

It’s recommended to be at least level 100 to comfortably face Malenia. A higher level allows for better stats and access to more powerful equipment.

2. What are the best weapons to use against Malenia?

Weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite, such as katanas, curved swords, and weapons buffed with appropriate greases or incantations, are generally effective. Rivers of Blood and Moonveil are popular choices, but any well-upgraded weapon can work with the right strategy.

3. Can I summon help for the Malenia fight?

Yes, you can summon other players for co-op assistance. Utilizing spirit ashes can also provide valuable support. Coordinate with your summons to maximize your chances of success.

4. How do I dodge Waterfowl Dance?

Distancing yourself from Malenia is crucial. Rolling away repeatedly can create space. Using Bloodhound’s Step or a shield with high guard boost can also help. Practice your timing to consistently avoid the attack.

5. What armor should I wear for the Malenia fight?

Prioritize mobility over pure defense. Armor that allows you to medium roll is often the best choice. Balancing defense and agility will help you dodge effectively while providing some protection.

6. What talismans are recommended for the Malenia fight?

Useful talismans include the Crimson Amber Medallion (HP), Green Turtle Talisman (stamina recovery), Erdtree’s Favor (HP, stamina, equip load), and talismans that boost your damage output.

7. How do I deal with Malenia’s lifesteal?

The best approach is to avoid getting hit. Employing summons to draw her aggro, using ranged attacks, and timing your dodges perfectly are all effective strategies.

8. How do I cure Scarlet Rot?

Use Preserving Boluses to cure Scarlet Rot. You can craft these using the Armorer’s Cookbook [6], which is found in Siofra River.

9. Is the Hand of Malenia worth getting?

Yes, the Hand of Malenia is a powerful weapon, especially for players who enjoy katana-based builds. Its weapon art, Waterfowl Dance, is iconic and can deal immense damage.

10. Can I get both the Hand of Malenia and Malenia’s Great Rune in one playthrough?

No, you can only choose one item per Remembrance. To get both, you would need to defeat Malenia again in New Game Plus or trade the Remembrance with another player.

11. Where is the Consecrated Snowfield?

The Consecrated Snowfield is a hidden area located north of the Mountaintops of the Giants. You need to obtain both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion to access it.

12. Where can I find the Haligtree Secret Medallion pieces?

One half is located in the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia of the Lakes, and the other is held by Commander Niall at the top of Castle Sol in the Mountaintops of the Giants.

13. What stats does the Hand of Malenia scale with?

The Hand of Malenia primarily scales with Dexterity (D) and Strength (E), and also has a small scaling with Arcane (E).

14. What is the weapon skill of the Hand of Malenia?

The unique weapon skill is Waterfowl Dance, which performs a series of rapid sword strikes that can deal massive damage.

15. Can I upgrade the Hand of Malenia?

Yes, the Hand of Malenia can be upgraded to +10 using Somber Smithing Stones.

By understanding Malenia’s attack patterns, preparing your character effectively, and utilizing the right strategies, you can overcome this formidable foe and claim the coveted Hand of Malenia. Good luck, Tarnished!