Claiming Victory: Obtaining the Hand of Malenia Katana in Elden Ring
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The Hand of Malenia is one of the most coveted weapons in Elden Ring, not only for its stunning design but also for the challenge required to obtain it. Getting your hands on this legendary katana requires defeating one of the most difficult bosses in the entire game: Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Once victorious, you’ll acquire the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, which can then be exchanged for the Hand of Malenia at the Roundtable Hold. This process demands skill, patience, and a good understanding of Elden Ring’s intricate world.
The Path to Malenia: A Haligtree Pilgrimage
Before even thinking about wielding the Hand of Malenia, you’ll need to find her. Malenia resides at the bottom of Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, a late-game area hidden within the Consecrated Snowfield. Reaching the Consecrated Snowfield requires collecting both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion.
- Left Haligtree Secret Medallion: Found in the Village of the Albinaurics in Liurnia of the Lakes.
- Right Haligtree Secret Medallion: Located at Castle Sol in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
Once you possess both halves, head to the Grand Lift of Rold and select the option to “Hoist secret medallion” to access the Consecrated Snowfield. Navigating this area can be tricky due to a constant blizzard. Follow the guidance of the spectral apparitions and aim to reach Ordina, Liturgical Town. Solve the puzzle within Ordina by lighting four statues while fending off invisible Black Knife Assassins. Successfully completing this puzzle will grant you access to the portal that leads to Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree.
Conquering Elphael: Descending to Malenia
Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree is a challenging area filled with formidable enemies and intricate level design. Expect to face off against Cleanrot Knights, Putrid Avatars, and other tough adversaries. This area tests your skills in both combat and exploration. Progressing through Elphael involves navigating complex structures, overcoming platforming challenges, and defeating mini-bosses. Be sure to explore thoroughly, as hidden corners often contain valuable items and shortcuts.
After navigating through layers of the Haligtree, you’ll eventually reach the boss arena where Malenia, Blade of Miquella awaits. Prepare for a grueling battle, as she is known for her aggressive attacks, healing ability (gained with every hit), and the infamous Waterfowl Dance attack.
The Boss Fight: Malenia, Blade of Miquella
Malenia is notorious for being one of the most difficult bosses in Elden Ring. Her unique ability to heal with every attack, even when blocked, makes her a relentless opponent. Her Waterfowl Dance is a flurry of rapid strikes that can quickly deplete your health bar.
Here are a few strategies to consider when facing Malenia:
- Staggering: Malenia is vulnerable to staggering, especially in the first phase. Use heavy weapons or jump attacks to break her poise.
- Status Effects: While she has decent resistance, Bleed and Frostbite can be effective. Use weapons or skills that inflict these status effects.
- Spirit Ashes: Summoning a powerful spirit ash, such as Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear, can provide valuable assistance and distract her attacks. Black Knife Tiche is particularly useful because of her high mobility and ability to dodge many of Malenia‘s attacks. Her health-draining abilities are an added bonus.
- Learn to Dodge Waterfowl Dance: The Waterfowl Dance is her most devastating move. Practice dodging it consistently. There are multiple techniques, including running away and then rolling into the final sequence, or using the Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War to phase through the attack.
- Fire Damage: Malenia is weak to Fire attacks.
Defeating Malenia requires patience, persistence, and a well-prepared build. Don’t be discouraged by multiple attempts; learning her attack patterns is crucial.
Claiming the Prize: Remembrance of the Rot Goddess
Upon defeating Malenia, you’ll be rewarded with the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess. This item is key to obtaining the Hand of Malenia. Take the Remembrance back to the Roundtable Hold and speak with Enia, the Finger Reader. She will offer you the choice to exchange the Remembrance for either the Hand of Malenia katana or Malenia’s Winged Helm. Choose the Hand of Malenia to add this legendary weapon to your arsenal.
Wielding the Hand of Malenia
The Hand of Malenia is a unique katana that scales primarily with Strength and Dexterity. It requires 16 Strength and 48 Dexterity to wield effectively. It also deals Scarlet Rot buildup, making it a powerful option for inflicting this debilitating status effect on enemies. The weapon’s skill, “Waterfowl Dance,” is a unique and visually stunning attack that mimics Malenia’s signature move, allowing you to unleash a flurry of strikes on your opponents. Mastering the timing and range of this skill is essential for maximizing its effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the stat requirements for the Hand of Malenia?
The Hand of Malenia requires 16 Strength and 48 Dexterity. It’s a weapon primarily for Dexterity-focused builds.
2. Where is Malenia located in Elden Ring?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is located at the bottom of Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree, which is accessed via the Consecrated Snowfield.
3. How do I get to the Consecrated Snowfield?
You need to collect both halves of the Haligtree Secret Medallion and use them at the Grand Lift of Rold.
4. Is the Hand of Malenia a good weapon?
Yes, the Hand of Malenia is a powerful katana, especially for builds focused on Dexterity and Bleed. Its unique skill, Waterfowl Dance, can deal significant damage.
5. Can I get two Hand of Malenias in one playthrough?
Yes, by duplicating the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess at a Walking Mausoleum, you can obtain a second Remembrance and exchange it for another Hand of Malenia.
6. What is the best Spirit Ash to use against Malenia?
Black Knife Tiche is an excellent choice due to its mobility and health-draining abilities. The Mimic Tear is also a strong contender as it can copy your build and fight alongside you.
7. What are Malenia’s weaknesses?
Malenia is weak to Fire attacks and Bleed status effects. She is also vulnerable to staggering, particularly in the first phase.
8. What level should I be to fight Malenia?
It is recommended to be at least level 120, ideally 125+, with weapons upgraded to at least +23.
9. Does blocking Malenia’s attacks prevent her from healing?
No, Malenia heals with every hit, even when her attacks are blocked. This makes her a very challenging opponent.
10. What is the best way to dodge the Waterfowl Dance?
The Waterfowl Dance is Malenia’s most devastating move. The optimal method is to use Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War, which allows you to easily phase through the attacks. A cheaper option is to run away from the first flurry, then roll into the subsequent sequences. Practice is key.
11. Can I respec my character to better fight Malenia?
Yes, you can respec your character by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
12. What talismans are useful against Malenia?
Useful Talismans include the Ritual Shield Talisman, which reduces damage when you have full health, and the Dragoncrest Shield Talisman +2, which provides significant physical damage reduction.
13. Does Malenia drop anything else besides the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess?
Yes, she also drops Malenia’s Great Rune, which can be activated at the Isolated Divine Tower in Liurnia of the Lakes.
14. How do I duplicate the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess?
You can duplicate the Remembrance at a Walking Mausoleum that has a bell. These mausoleums can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between.
15. Is the Rivers of Blood katana better than the Hand of Malenia?
This depends on your build and playstyle. The Rivers of Blood is powerful for Bleed builds and has a strong weapon skill, but the Hand of Malenia offers unique moveset with the Waterfowl Dance and scales well with high Dexterity. Each katana has advantages.
Obtaining the Hand of Malenia is a testament to your skill and perseverance in Elden Ring. It’s not just a powerful weapon, but a symbol of victory over one of the game’s greatest challenges. Equip it with pride and continue your journey through the Lands Between.
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