Malenia, Blade of Miquella: The Deadliest Boss in Elden Ring
The answer is definitive: Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is the boss who has claimed the most lives in Elden Ring. This infamously challenging encounter has been attempted a staggering 329 million times, accounting for 5.5% of all boss fights initiated in the game. With an overall player base attempting to conquer bosses a collective 5.9 billion times, Malenia’s kill count is a significant portion of the game’s total death toll, solidifying her place as the most deadly boss in the Lands Between.
The Reign of Terror: Why Malenia is so Deadly
Malenia’s notoriety isn’t just about raw numbers. Her reputation as a relentless and unforgiving boss is well-earned, stemming from a complex moveset, punishing attacks, and the notorious Scarlet Rot status effect she inflicts. Here’s why she’s consistently ranked as the hardest boss in Elden Ring and a major source of player frustration:
Unpredictable and Aggressive Combat
Malenia is incredibly fast and aggressive, making it difficult for players to find openings to attack. Her movements are fluid and unpredictable, often incorporating quick dashes, sweeping strikes, and aerial assaults that make it challenging to anticipate her next move.
The Dreaded Waterfowl Dance
Perhaps her most infamous attack is the Waterfowl Dance, a flurry of rapid, multi-hit slashes that can devastate even the most resilient player. This attack is notoriously difficult to dodge consistently, often requiring precise timing and directional inputs. It’s a move that has ended countless runs and is a constant source of anxiety for players facing her.
Lifesteal Mechanic
Compounding her aggressive moveset is her lifesteal ability. With each successful hit, Malenia regains a portion of her health, forcing players to be both offensive and extremely defensive. This makes the encounter a desperate race against her healing and damage output.
Second Phase Transformation
Just when players think they have Malenia under control, she transforms into Malenia, Goddess of Rot, introducing a second phase with even more potent attacks and devastating AOE rot explosions. This second phase further amplifies the challenge, pushing players to their limits in terms of skill and game knowledge.
Low Poise and Stagger Resistance
While Malenia is devastating offensively, she is not easily staggered. She maintains a low poise which can make it challenging to open up space by breaking her flow. Players need to find and leverage key moments, rather than relying on overwhelming her with staggers.
More than just Kills: Malenia’s Impact on the Elden Ring Community
Malenia is not just a boss; she’s a phenomenon. Her difficulty has created a unique experience for Elden Ring players, fostering a strong sense of community as they share tips, builds, and strategies to overcome her. The sheer number of deaths attributed to her has contributed to the lore and mystique surrounding this difficult fight.
The Legend of “Let Me Solo Her”
The most notable testament to Malenia’s difficulty is the emergence of “Let Me Solo Her,” a player known for helping others defeat Malenia by consistently soloing her for other players. This player, known as KleinTsuboiOW and Jarnished, claims to have defeated Malenia nearly 1,000 times, demonstrating an incredible level of mastery over the fight and the game itself.
A Test of Skill and Perseverance
Malenia is a symbol of Elden Ring’s difficulty. Successfully defeating her is a badge of honor for many players, signifying a high level of skill, game knowledge, and perseverance. It demonstrates mastery over the game’s mechanics and a willingness to overcome some of the most difficult challenges in video gaming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to further elaborate on the deadly nature of Malenia and related aspects of Elden Ring:
1. How many times has Malenia been attempted in Elden Ring?
Malenia has been attempted a staggering 329 million times by Elden Ring players.
2. What percentage of all boss fights does Malenia account for?
Malenia’s fights account for 5.5% of all boss fights initiated by players.
3. What is Malenia’s most difficult attack?
Her most difficult attack is arguably the Waterfowl Dance, a rapid multi-hit flurry that is very difficult to dodge.
4. Is Malenia the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Yes, Malenia is widely considered the hardest boss in Elden Ring due to her aggressive moveset, lifesteal mechanic, and challenging second phase.
5. What level should I be to fight Malenia?
It’s recommended to be at least level 120, ideally 125+, with weapons at +23 or more when attempting to fight Malenia.
6. Does Malenia have any weaknesses?
While she doesn’t have glaring weaknesses, some players find success with Bloodhound’s Step Ash of War to dodge her attacks and weapons with stagger potential.
7. What does killing Malenia reward the player with?
Defeating Malenia grants the Remembrance of the Rot Goddess, Malenia’s Great Rune, and a sense of accomplishment.
8. Who was “Let Me Solo Her”?
“Let Me Solo Her” is the online alias of KleinTsuboiOW (also known as Jarnished), who became famous for repeatedly helping other players defeat Malenia.
9. Has Malenia ever been defeated without getting hit?
Yes, some players have accomplished no-hit runs against Malenia, showcasing mastery over the fight’s mechanics.
10. What is Malenia’s connection to Miquella?
Malenia is the twin sister of Miquella, another demigod Empyrean cursed to be forever young, who attempted to cure Malenia of her Scarlet Rot.
11. Is Malenia a good or evil character?
Malenia is a complex character, driven by her loyalty to her brother, her ambition to claim Great Runes, and the corruption of the Scarlet Rot. She can be seen as a warlord, but one driven by a sense of purpose and dedication to Miquella.
12. What is the Scarlet Rot?
The Scarlet Rot is a debilitating status effect inflicted by Malenia and other enemies, causing continuous damage over time.
13. Is Malenia stronger than Radahn?
Malenia and Radahn were relatively equal in power, though the article details that she may have had the edge, due to his deteriorating mind and body. She was unwilling to allow him to further gain power at the expense of Miquella’s safety.
14. What’s the hardest zone in Elden Ring?
The hardest zone in Elden Ring is considered to be Crumbling Farum Azula, the location of both Maliketh and Dragonlord Placidusax.
15. How many people have beaten Malenia?
Only 31.7% of human Elden Ring players on PS5 have successfully defeated Malenia, highlighting her extreme difficulty.
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, stands as a testament to Elden Ring’s challenging gameplay and rewarding victories. She is the most lethal boss, a significant hurdle for players to overcome, and a crucial element of the game’s enduring appeal. Her impact on the community and the millions of failed attempts solidify her position as one of the most formidable bosses in gaming history.