Mastering Malenia: The Ultimate Shield for Parry Perfection

The best shield for parrying Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is undoubtedly the Buckler. While it offers minimal physical protection, its exceptionally generous parry window makes it the ideal choice for deflecting her relentless attacks. The Buckler allows players a wider margin of error when timing their parries, making it the most forgiving option against Malenia’s unpredictable moveset.

Why the Buckler Reigns Supreme for Malenia

Malenia is notorious for her speed and aggression, making precise timing crucial for survival. The Buckler excels because it doesn’t demand frame-perfect parries like some other options. This forgiveness allows players to learn her attack patterns more effectively and consistently land crucial parries, opening her up for devastating counter-attacks. While shields like the Red Thorn Roundshield are also viable parrying options, the Buckler’s superior parry window gives players a distinct advantage, especially in the heat of battle against this challenging boss.

Understanding Parry Windows

The parry window refers to the duration in which your character can successfully deflect an incoming attack. Different shields and weapons have varying parry windows. Small shields like the Buckler generally offer larger parry windows compared to medium or greatshields. Weapons like daggers can also parry, but their parry windows tend to be even smaller than those of small shields. Mastering the timing for a specific parry tool is key to successfully deflecting attacks in Elden Ring.

Barricade Shield Ash of War: A Defensive Alternative

While parrying is a potent strategy, some players prefer a more defensive approach. In this case, a shield equipped with the Barricade Shield Ash of War can prove invaluable. This skill temporarily boosts a shield’s guard boost, allowing it to withstand even Malenia’s most devastating attacks, including the dreaded Waterfowl Dance. While not a parry strategy, it offers a solid alternative for mitigating damage and creating openings.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does parrying Malenia actually work?

Yes, parrying is a viable strategy against Malenia. While challenging, successfully parrying her attacks staggers her, creating opportunities for critical hits and dealing significant damage. It requires practice and precise timing, but it is a highly effective method for skilled players.

2. Can I parry Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance?

While theoretically possible, parrying the entire Waterfowl Dance is exceptionally difficult and not recommended. The timing is incredibly tight and unforgiving. It’s generally more effective to dodge or block the attack using Barricade Shield.

3. What are the best talismans to use when parrying Malenia?

Consider using talismans that boost your critical hit damage, such as the Dagger Talisman, to maximize the damage dealt after a successful parry. Also, talismans that increase stamina recovery, like the Green Turtle Talisman, can be beneficial as parrying consumes stamina.

4. What stats should I focus on for a parry build against Malenia?

Focus on Dexterity to increase your weapon attack speed and casting speed (if you’re using spells). Endurance is crucial for stamina management, allowing you to parry more frequently and maintain your ability to dodge and attack. Also, ensure you have enough Strength to wield your chosen shield effectively.

5. Is it better to parry with a shield or a weapon?

Against Malenia, a shield (specifically the Buckler) is generally preferred for parrying due to its larger parry window. While weapons like daggers can parry, their tighter timing makes them less forgiving against her rapid attacks.

6. What level should I be to comfortably parry Malenia?

It’s recommended to be at least level 120-150 before facing Malenia. This ensures you have sufficient health, stamina, and weapon upgrades to withstand her attacks and deal meaningful damage.

7. What are Malenia’s weaknesses that I can exploit besides parrying?

Malenia is vulnerable to Frostbite and Bleed. Inflicting these status effects can significantly damage her health pool and create openings for attacks. Ranged options, especially Greatbows and Hand Ballista, can knock her down in Phase One, but this doesn’t work in Phase Two.

8. Is Malenia’s armor any good for my character?

Malenia’s Set is a Light Weight armor set made of unalloyed gold, worn by Malenia. Statistically speaking, Malenia’s set is one of the best armor sets in the game. The armor offers decent protection and excellent immunity and robustness. It’s a solid choice if you prefer a lighter armor set.

9. What are some alternative strategies to beat Malenia besides parrying?

Alternative strategies include using spirit ashes like Black Knife Tiche to distract Malenia and deal significant damage. Ranged builds utilizing spells or bows can also be effective, especially when combined with status effects like Frostbite. The Barricade Shield Ash of War is also effective.

10. What are the best spirit ashes to use against Malenia?

Black Knife Tiche is widely considered the best spirit ash for Malenia. Her agility and cursed blade attacks can inflict significant damage and disrupt Malenia’s healing. Other viable options include Mimic Tear and Lhutel the Headless.

11. What is the easiest weapon to use against Malenia?

There is no single “easiest” weapon. However, weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite, such as katanas or weapons infused with frost spells, can be highly effective. Weapons with good range and stagger potential, like Greatswords and Colossal Weapons, can also be useful.

12. How do I dodge Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance effectively?

Dodging Waterfowl Dance requires precise timing and spacing. The most common technique involves rolling inward and slightly towards Malenia as she initiates the attack. This allows you to pass under her and avoid the initial flurry of strikes. Be prepared to roll multiple times to evade subsequent lunges.

13. What is the best way to deal with Malenia’s healing ability?

Malenia heals herself with every hit she lands. To counter this, focus on dealing consistent damage and creating opportunities for burst damage. Spirit ashes can help distract her and absorb some of her attacks, reducing the amount of healing she receives. Weapons that inflict Bleed or Frostbite can also mitigate her healing through burst damage.

14. Can I use the Golden Parry Ash of War against Malenia?

The Golden Parry Ash of War enhances the parry window of your shield, making it easier to land parries. While it can be helpful against Malenia, it consumes FP and may not be as efficient as simply mastering the timing with the Buckler.

15. Where can I learn more about advanced Elden Ring strategies and gameplay mechanics?

For a deeper dive into game mechanics, strategy development, and the science behind gaming, explore resources like the Games Learning Society. This organization provides valuable insights into the educational and cognitive aspects of gaming: GamesLearningSociety.org.

Ultimately, defeating Malenia requires patience, practice, and a mastery of the game’s mechanics. The Buckler, combined with a solid understanding of her attack patterns and the strategic use of talismans and spirit ashes, provides the best foundation for parrying your way to victory.