Decoding Malenia: How Many Tarnished Truly Conquered the Blade of Miquella?
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The question of how many players defeated Malenia in Elden Ring is complex. While precise figures are elusive and vary across platforms, some data points provide insights. On the PS5, initial reports suggested that only about 31.7% of players had defeated her. This figure, however, is a snapshot in time and doesn’t account for subsequent playthroughs or changes in player skill. A more general estimate, extrapolating across all platforms, suggests a success rate of roughly 2% of total Elden Ring players. However, this number doesn’t account for players who bought the game and never reached Malenia. It is vital to consider that the statistic is a dynamic figure, changing with time, game updates, and community strategies. The real answer is not a simple number, but a spectrum of estimates reflecting the difficulty and optional nature of the Malenia encounter.
Understanding Malenia’s Legacy
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is more than just a boss; she’s a legend. Her infamous Waterfowl Dance, relentless aggression, and ability to heal with every hit have cemented her place as one of the most challenging encounters in FromSoftware’s history. She is an optional boss, tucked away in the late-game area of the Haligtree, making her a feat only attempted by the most dedicated Tarnished. It’s her optionality and late-game placement that make accurate percentages tricky to pin down, as not everyone will even encounter her.
The Difficulty Factor
Malenia’s notoriety directly impacts the completion rate. Her design is a masterclass in punishing mistakes. Her attacks are fast, unpredictable, and can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. Unlike many bosses, Malenia can heal with each hit, regardless of whether the attack connects with the player or a summon. This mechanic demands precise dodging and aggressive playstyles to overcome her. This difficulty has led many players to seek assistance from online communities and even dedicated individuals like “Let Me Solo Her,” further complicating accurate solo completion statistics.
The Optional Nature of Malenia’s Fight
Malenia is not essential to completing the main storyline of Elden Ring. Players can technically finish the game without ever venturing into the Haligtree. This optionality naturally filters out a significant portion of the player base. Those who choose to engage with her are generally more experienced and persistent, leading to a skewed representation of the overall player skill level. It’s therefore important to consider the percentage of people who actually reached Malenia before calculating the percentage that beat her.
Platform Variations
The reported completion rates also differ across platforms. Achievements and trophies are often used as proxies for these statistics, but they can be unreliable. Players might start a game on one platform and then switch to another, leaving incomplete achievement data. PS5 figures are often cited due to PlayStation’s robust achievement tracking system, but these don’t necessarily reflect the experiences of players on PC or Xbox. Steam achievement statistics, for instance, are another source of data, but may have variations as well.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Malenia Phenomenon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that will provide additional valuable information for the Elden Ring readers:
1. Has anyone beaten Malenia at level 1?
Yes, it’s been done! The Elden Ring community is filled with talented and determined players. Several individuals have successfully defeated Malenia at level 1 using unupgraded weapons and strategic gameplay. These achievements require incredible skill, perfect timing, and an intimate understanding of Malenia’s attack patterns.
2. What summon can beat Malenia?
Several summons can be effective against Malenia, but Black Knife Tiche is often considered one of the best. Tiche’s dodging ability prevents Malenia from constantly healing, and her unique cursed blade attacks deal significant damage over time. Mimic Tear is also a popular choice, providing a second Tarnished to draw Malenia’s aggro. Other summons may work depending on play style and weapon choices.
3. What melee weapon is best against Malenia?
Weapons that inflict bleed or frostbite are highly effective against Malenia. Bloodhound’s Fang is a popular choice due to its bleed buildup and unique weapon skill. Frostbite weapons can also deal significant damage, but be mindful of Malenia’s resistance to repeated frost applications.
4. Is Miquella a girl?
Miquella is Malenia’s twin brother. Both are children of Queen Marika the Eternal and King Consort Radagon.
5. Did Godrick and Malenia fight?
Yes, Godrick challenged Malenia but was soundly defeated and humiliated. This event further fueled Godrick’s inferiority complex and desire for power.
6. How many times does Malenia bloom?
The game lore suggests that Malenia has bloomed twice before the player encounters her. With the third bloom, she is said to become a true goddess. The fight itself triggers what appears to be the third bloom.
7. Who is Malenia’s daughter?
The lore suggests that Millicent and her sisters are akin to budding flowers off of Malenia, the Scarlet Aeonia. Therefore, Millicent is considered both a daughter and an extension of Malenia.
8. What is Malenia’s weakness?
Malenia is particularly vulnerable to status effects such as bleed and frostbite. Utilizing these status effects can drastically increase your damage output and control of the fight.
9. Why is Malenia blind?
The Scarlet Rot has visibly affected Malenia’s eyes, suggesting she is blind. She also has prosthetic limbs, possibly due to the effects of the rot.
10. What level should I be to fight Malenia?
It’s generally recommended to be at least level 120, and ideally level 125+, before attempting to fight Malenia. Your weapons should be upgraded to +23 or higher to maximize your damage output. Being a higher level provides an edge.
11. Should you fight Malenia after beating the game?
Absolutely! Defeating Malenia is a rewarding challenge for any Elden Ring player. While she’s optional, her fight is considered one of the most memorable and difficult encounters in the game.
12. What level should I be for Malenia?
Reiterating the previous point, aim for at least level 120, and ideally level 150, with fully upgraded weapons. This will give you the best chance of success.
13. Would Malenia beat Mohg?
In a straight fight, many believe Malenia would win against Mohg. Her superior combat skills and healing ability give her a significant advantage. Mohg, however, is still a formidable opponent.
14. What does killing Malenia give you?
Defeating Malenia rewards you with the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, which can be used to acquire her powerful katana or a unique incantation. You also receive Malenia’s Great Rune, which restores HP after attacking after taking damage, and, of course, immense satisfaction.
15. Is Malenia dead after you defeat her?
After her first phase, Malenia transforms into the Goddess of Rot, indicating a rebirth and continued influence of the Scarlet Rot. While she collapses after the second phase, her ultimate fate remains ambiguous.
The Impact of “Let Me Solo Her”
No discussion about Malenia is complete without mentioning the legendary player known as “Let Me Solo Her”. This individual gained fame for offering assistance to struggling players by single-handedly defeating Malenia. While it wasn’t necessarily “cheating,” this unique method of co-op altered the statistics of the player base that actually defeated Malenia. “Let Me Solo Her” is a testament to the Elden Ring community’s spirit of cooperation and the impact one player can have on the overall player experience. To date, “Let Me Solo Her” has stated they have killed Malenia well over 4,000 times.
Learning Through Games
The struggles and triumphs experienced in games like Elden Ring offer valuable insights into learning, problem-solving, and perseverance. The dedication required to overcome challenges like Malenia reflects the potential for game-based learning and the development of crucial life skills. The Games Learning Society understands this and promotes the exploration of these educational opportunities. For more information about the intersection of games and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Ultimately, determining the exact number of players who have defeated Malenia remains an inexact science. However, the data we have paints a clear picture: she is a formidable challenge that only a fraction of Elden Ring players have conquered. Her legacy as one of the most difficult and memorable bosses in gaming history is secure, and her influence on the Elden Ring community will continue to be felt for years to come.