Claiming Victory: A Comprehensive Guide to Obtaining the Hand of Malenia in Elden Ring
To obtain the coveted Hand of Malenia katana in Elden Ring, you must first defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella. After you successfully vanquish her, you will receive the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess. Take this Remembrance back to the Roundtable Hold and speak with Enia, the Finger Reader. She will allow you to trade the Remembrance for either the Hand of Malenia or Malenia’s Scarlet Rot incantation. Choose the Hand of Malenia, and it will be added to your inventory. That’s it! But wielding it effectively and understanding its nuances requires a deeper dive. Let’s explore further.
The Journey to Acquiring the Hand of Malenia
Facing the Blade of Miquella
The path to claiming the Hand of Malenia begins, inevitably, with the boss fight itself. Malenia is located at the very end of Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, a challenging optional area accessible after reaching the Concecrated Snowfield. Be warned: this is widely regarded as one of the toughest boss fights in the entire game. Preparation is key. Consider these points:
- Level: Aim for a level between 120-150 before attempting this fight. This will provide a reasonable foundation in terms of health, damage output, and overall survivability.
- Weaponry: Weapons that inflict bleed or frostbite are highly effective against Malenia. The Bloodhound’s Fang is a popular choice, as are weapons infused with frost. Remember that she adapts quickly, so vary your attacks.
- Spirit Ashes: The Mimic Tear remains a valuable asset, even after nerfs. Other strong options include Black Knife Tiche due to her dodging abilities and the health-draining effect of her weapon. Remember, some summons can also heal her if she hits them, so make sure you pick summons with good spacing and dodging abilities.
- Armor: Prioritize armor with high physical defense. Malenia’s attacks deal tremendous damage, and even a slight increase in defense can make a significant difference.
- Learn her Moveset: Above all, understand Malenia’s attack patterns. Her infamous Waterfowl Dance can one-shot many players, but it can be dodged with precise timing. There are many videos online showing how to dodge this attack specifically. Practice makes perfect.
- Scarlet Rot: While Malenia uses Scarlet Rot, do not forget that you can too. You can use spells like Rot Breath or the Rotten Stray ashes. It is very effective.
Claiming Your Reward: Remembrance of the Rot Goddess
Once Malenia is defeated, she will drop the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess. This is a key item necessary to acquire the Hand of Malenia. Do not consume it for Runes! Instead, teleport back to the Roundtable Hold.
Trading the Remembrance with Enia
At the Roundtable Hold, locate Enia, the Finger Reader. Speak to her and select the option to “Receive power from Remembrance.” You’ll be presented with two options:
- Hand of Malenia: The legendary katana.
- Malenia’s Scarlet Rot: A powerful incantation.
Choose the Hand of Malenia. Congratulations, you now possess the weapon!
Maximizing the Hand of Malenia
Stat Requirements and Scaling
The Hand of Malenia requires 16 Strength and 48 Dexterity to wield effectively. It scales primarily with Dexterity (S scaling), making it an excellent choice for Dexterity-focused builds. It also has some scaling in Strength and Arcane, however minimal.
Unique Weapon Skill: Waterfowl Dance
The Hand of Malenia possesses the Waterfowl Dance weapon skill, which is very similar to the one Malenia uses in her boss fight. This skill allows you to perform a series of rapid slashes, dealing significant damage and potentially inflicting bleed buildup. While the skill looks powerful, it is difficult to use effectively. It leaves you vulnerable at the end, so practice spacing before going into PvP battles.
Upgrading the Hand of Malenia
The Hand of Malenia is upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. Fully upgrading it to +10 will significantly increase its damage output and scaling. Fully upgraded it deals over 500 AR.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Hand of Malenia the best katana in Elden Ring?
That depends on your playstyle. The Hand of Malenia boasts a unique weapon skill and excellent Dexterity scaling. However, other katanas, like the Rivers of Blood, may be more suitable for specific builds focused on bleed.
2. Is the Hand of Malenia worth getting?
If you are looking for a unique and powerful katana with a high Dexterity requirement, then yes. Its weapon skill, Waterfowl Dance, can be devastating in both PvE and PvP.
3. Can you get two Hand of Malenias in one playthrough?
Yes, but you would have to go to New Game Plus. You can get two Hand of Malenias in the same game if you trade with another player who also defeated Malenia, or use a duplication glitch, although glitches can be inconsistent.
4. What is the best build for the Hand of Malenia?
A Dexterity-focused build is ideal. Prioritize leveling Dexterity to at least 80. Consider incorporating talismans that boost attack power or Dexterity, such as Marika’s Soreseal, Radagon’s Soreseal, or the Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear in your Flask of Wondrous Physick.
5. Does the Hand of Malenia inflict Scarlet Rot?
No, the Hand of Malenia itself does not inflict Scarlet Rot. However, Malenia’s second phase of the fight will inflict Scarlet Rot with some of her attacks.
6. How long does it take to get the Hand of Malenia?
The time it takes to get the Hand of Malenia depends on your skill and progress in the game. Reaching Malenia requires progressing through a significant portion of the game, including multiple challenging areas and bosses.
7. Can I use the Hand of Malenia early in the game?
No, due to the high stat requirements and the fact that Malenia is located in a late-game area, it’s not possible to obtain the Hand of Malenia early in the game.
8. What are some alternative weapons to the Hand of Malenia?
If you’re looking for alternative katanas, consider the Rivers of Blood, Moonveil, or Uchigatana. Other Dexterity-based weapons, such as the Bloodhound’s Fang or Nagakiba, are also excellent choices.
9. Is the Waterfowl Dance weapon skill effective in PvP?
The Waterfowl Dance can be effective in PvP, but it requires careful timing and spacing. Skilled players can easily punish its lengthy animation. Practice using it against enemies to master its range and timing.
10. Does the Hand of Malenia benefit from any specific talismans?
Talismans that increase attack power, Dexterity, or bleed buildup can enhance the Hand of Malenia’s effectiveness. Consider using talismans like Marika’s Soreseal, Radagon’s Soreseal, Lord of Blood’s Exultation, or Winged Sword Insignia.
11. How does the Hand of Malenia compare to the Nagakiba?
The Hand of Malenia and Nagakiba are both excellent katanas, but they cater to different playstyles. The Nagakiba offers longer range and greater versatility, while the Hand of Malenia boasts a unique weapon skill.
12. Is Malenia immune to bleed?
Malenia is not immune to bleed, but she has high resistance to it. Weapons that inflict bleed, such as the Bloodhound’s Fang or the Rivers of Blood, can be effective against her, but be prepared for a protracted fight.
13. What level should I be to fight Malenia?
A level between 120-150 is generally recommended for fighting Malenia. This provides a reasonable balance of health, damage output, and survivability.
14. Can I summon help for the Malenia boss fight?
Yes, you can summon other players or use Spirit Ashes to assist you in the Malenia boss fight. Summoning help can significantly increase your chances of success.
15. What is the lore behind the Hand of Malenia?
The Hand of Malenia is a katana that once belonged to Malenia, Blade of Miquella. It is said to be infused with the power of the Scarlet Rot, a devastating disease that afflicts the Lands Between. This intriguing lore is just one element that makes Elden Ring such a compelling game. Exploring the rich world through games promotes creativity and critical thinking, and it is something that the Games Learning Society encourages. Discover more about the intersection of games and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.