The Agony and the Ecstasy: How Many Attempts Does it Take to Kill Malenia?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer? It varies. Wildly. For some, it’s a miraculous one-shot. For others, it’s a Sisyphean nightmare stretching into the hundreds, even thousands, of attempts. One player documented over 1,800 attempts spanning 38 hours before finally felling the Blade of Miquella. The reality is that the number of attempts to conquer Malenia, arguably the most challenging boss in Elden Ring, depends on a multitude of factors, making a definitive answer impossible. But let’s delve into why this fight is so notoriously difficult and explore the elements that contribute to the vast range of attempts players experience.
Understanding the Malenia Gauntlet
Malenia isn’t just a tough boss; she’s a masterclass in FromSoftware’s design philosophy, pushing players to their absolute limits. Here’s a breakdown of what makes her such a formidable opponent:
- Aggression and Speed: Malenia is relentlessly aggressive, constantly pressuring the player with rapid attacks and minimal downtime. This forces players to be constantly on guard, reacting quickly and precisely.
- Waterfowl Dance: This iconic attack is the bane of many Tarnished. A flurry of blindingly fast slashes that can easily one-shot unprepared players. Mastering the dodge timing is crucial, and even then, it’s incredibly demanding.
- Lifesteal: Every hit Malenia lands heals her, even if you block. This means you can’t afford to simply tank her attacks; you must actively avoid them to prevent her from recovering health.
- Scarlet Rot: In the second phase, Malenia gains the ability to inflict Scarlet Rot, a debilitating status effect that rapidly drains your health.
- High Damage Output: Even individual attacks from Malenia can deal significant damage, making even a single mistake potentially fatal.
- Unpredictable AI: While her moveset is finite, Malenia’s AI is dynamic, adapting to the player’s actions and making her difficult to predict.
Factors Influencing Attempt Count
The number of attempts it takes to defeat Malenia isn’t solely dependent on player skill. Several factors dramatically impact the difficulty and, therefore, the number of tries:
- Player Skill and Experience: Experienced Soulsborne players will naturally have an advantage due to their familiarity with the genre’s combat mechanics, timing, and enemy attack patterns.
- Character Build: A well-optimized build, tailored specifically to counter Malenia’s strengths and exploit her weaknesses, can significantly reduce the difficulty. Utilizing weapons that inflict bleed or frostbite, exploiting her vulnerability to elemental damage, and using appropriate talismans are crucial.
- Level and Equipment: Being adequately leveled (ideally 120+ with weapons of +23 or higher) is essential. Under-leveled players will struggle to deal sufficient damage and will be much more vulnerable to Malenia’s attacks.
- Summons and Spirit Ashes: Utilizing summons, particularly the Mimic Tear Ash, can provide a valuable distraction and create opportunities for attack. However, relying too heavily on summons can hinder learning Malenia’s moveset.
- Playstyle: A patient and calculated playstyle, focused on learning Malenia’s attack patterns and exploiting openings, is generally more effective than a reckless, aggressive approach.
- “Cheese” Strategies: While some players frown upon them, certain strategies, often involving specific weapons or spells, can exploit weaknesses in Malenia’s AI and make the fight significantly easier. The article even mentions an Elden Ring Greatsword cheese.
- Luck: Even with the best preparation, a degree of luck is involved. Malenia’s attack patterns are somewhat random, and sometimes she’ll simply chain together attacks that are difficult to avoid.
The Psychological Toll
Beyond the technical aspects, the Malenia fight can take a significant psychological toll. The constant defeats, the near-misses, and the frustration of dying repeatedly can lead to burnout and discouragement. Maintaining a positive mindset and being persistent are crucial for overcoming this challenge.
Embracing the Learning Process
Ultimately, the journey to defeating Malenia is a learning experience. Each attempt, even if unsuccessful, provides valuable information about her moveset, timing, and weaknesses. Analyzing your mistakes, adapting your strategy, and persevering through adversity are key to finally emerging victorious. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games, including challenging ones like Elden Ring, can foster valuable learning experiences such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and resilience.
FAQs: Taming the Blade of Miquella
1. What percentage of players have beaten Malenia?
Approximately 31.7% of human Elden Ring players on PS5 have defeated Malenia. This statistic underscores her status as one of the most challenging encounters in the game.
2. What is the recommended level for fighting Malenia?
The recommended level is at least 120, ideally 125+, with weapons of +23 or higher.
3. What are Malenia’s weaknesses?
Malenia is particularly susceptible to Frostbite and Bleed damage. She also has a notable vulnerability to Fire which can be used in tandem with Frost to repeatedly trigger and remove the status.
4. What are some good talismans to use against Malenia?
The Ritual Shield Talisman, which reduces damage when you have full health, and the Dragoncrest Shield Talisman +2, which provides significant physical damage reduction, are both excellent choices.
5. Is there a way to “cheese” the Malenia fight?
Yes, certain strategies, often involving specific weapons or spells, can exploit weaknesses in Malenia’s AI. Some examples include using the Greatsword or other powerful weapons in combination with specific Ashes of War.
6. What is the best weapon to use against Malenia?
There isn’t a single “best” weapon, but weapons that inflict bleed or frostbite are generally very effective. The Bloodhound’s Fang and weapons that can be infused with Frostbite are popular choices.
7. Can Malenia be parried?
Yes, Malenia can be parried. However, it requires precise timing and is a very risky strategy. One player defeated her using only the parry mechanic without taking any damage.
8. Is Malenia immune to Scarlet Rot?
No, but she has a very high resistance to it. Building up the status effect requires dealing a significant amount of Scarlet Rot damage. To trigger rot on Malenia you need to build up 1,481 points of scarlet rot.
9. Who is harder, Radahn or Malenia?
Malenia is generally considered to be the harder boss. Her aggressive attacks, lifesteal, and Scarlet Rot buildup make her a much more challenging opponent than Radahn.
10. What makes Waterfowl Dance so difficult to dodge?
The speed and unpredictability of the Waterfowl Dance make it difficult to dodge consistently. The timing is extremely tight, and even slight errors can result in being hit multiple times.
11. What is the best spirit ash to use against Malenia?
The Mimic Tear Ash is a popular choice. It creates a copy of your character that can distract Malenia and provide opportunities for attack.
12. How does Malenia heal herself?
Malenia heals herself with every hit she lands, even if you block. This makes it crucial to avoid her attacks and prevent her from recovering health.
13. What happens if Malenia inflicts Scarlet Rot on me?
Scarlet Rot is a status effect that rapidly drains your health. It’s important to cure it quickly using items like Preserving Boluses or spells like Flame Cleanse Me.
14. What are some effective sorceries to use against Malenia?
Sorceries like the dark/full moon sorceries and incantations such as Flame of the Fell God can be effective, especially when Malenia is distracted by a summon.
15. Is it worth summoning other players to help fight Malenia?
Summoning other players can make the fight easier, but it also increases Malenia’s health. The decision depends on your playstyle and preference. Having another player to draw aggro can be extremely helpful.
Conquering Malenia is a testament to a player’s skill, patience, and determination. Whether it takes one attempt or one thousand, the sense of accomplishment is undeniable. So, embrace the challenge, learn from your mistakes, and never give up. The Blade of Miquella awaits, ready to test your mettle.