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Which Boss Has the Best Weapon in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive

If you’re a Tarnished traversing the Lands Between, you’re constantly on the hunt for the best weapons to conquer the challenges Elden Ring throws your way. While “best” is subjective and depends heavily on your build and playstyle, one boss consistently drops a weapon that finds its way onto countless “best-of” lists: Malenia, Blade of Miquella and her Rivers of Blood katana. While Rivers of Blood is mentioned in the source article as a great weapon versus dragons it is not a boss weapon. This is why this weapon is a mistake. Malenia’s weapon, Malenia’s Blade, holds the position. Malenia’s Remembrance allows you to obtain it in Roundtable Hold.

The Case for Malenia’s Blade

Malenia’s Blade, or Hand of Malenia, is a katana that scales primarily with Dexterity (Dex), Strength (Str), and Arcane (Arc). What makes it exceptional, however, isn’t just its scaling but its unique weapon skill: Waterfowl Dance.

The Power of Waterfowl Dance

Waterfowl Dance is an aggressive, multi-hit combo that unleashes a flurry of attacks upon your foes. Here’s why it’s so effective:

High Damage Output: When executed correctly, Waterfowl Dance delivers significant damage, capable of staggering or even outright killing many enemies and bosses.
Bleed Buildup: Each hit applies bleed buildup, potentially inflicting massive burst damage when the bleed status procs. This makes it especially potent against enemies vulnerable to bleed.
Mobility: The move involves rapid dashes, allowing you to reposition quickly and avoid incoming attacks while dealing damage.
Style and Flashiness: Let’s be honest, Waterfowl Dance looks absolutely spectacular. Style points count for something, right?

Who Benefits from Malenia’s Blade?

Characters specializing in Dexterity and Arcane builds will find Hand of Malenia to be a natural fit. The katana’s scaling allows for substantial damage output with the right stat allocation. However, even characters with moderate Dex and Arc can still make good use of it, especially if they focus on building around Waterfowl Dance.

Honorable Mentions

While Malenia’s Blade is a strong contender, other boss weapons deserve recognition. The following have incredible potential:

Godrick the Grafted’s Axe of Godrick: A colossal axe boasting a unique weapon skill that buffs attack power and poise.
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy’s Blasphemous Blade: A greatsword that heals the user and deals fire damage with its weapon skill, Taker’s Flames. It is also mentioned in the article as one of the strongest weapon.
Astel, Naturalborn of the Void’s Wing of Astel: A curved sword that deals magic damage and has a unique weapon skill that fires a projectile. It is also mentioned in the article as one of the great boss weapons.
Radahn’s Starscourge Greatsword: Two colossal swords wielded simultaneously, boasting a unique weapon skill that pulls enemies towards the user.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring Boss Weapons

1. What is the most powerful weapon against the Elden Beast?

The Black Flame incantations are generally considered powerful against the Elden Beast due to their percentage-based damage over time effect. This bypasses the Elden Beast’s high health pool and deals consistent damage.

2. Where do I get the Remembrance of the Grafted?

You receive the Remembrance of the Grafted by defeating Godrick the Grafted in Stormveil Castle. You can then trade this Remembrance for his axe or other rewards at the Roundtable Hold.

3. What level should I be to fight Malenia?

It is recommended to be around level 120-150 with a fully upgraded weapon (+25 regular or +10 somber) before challenging Malenia. Her difficulty is notoriously high.

4. How do I respec my character in Elden Ring?

You can respec your character by defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, at the Academy of Raya Lucaria. After defeating her, you can speak with her and respec your stats using a Larval Tear.

5. Where can I find Larval Tears?

Larval Tears can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, including Nokron, Eternal City, and purchased from certain merchants.

6. What are the best talismans for a Dex/Arc build using Hand of Malenia?

Consider talismans like:

Millicent’s Prosthesis: Increases Dexterity and attack power on successive attacks.
Rotten Winged Sword Insignia: Greatly boosts attack power after successive attacks.
Lord of Blood’s Exultation: Boosts attack power when bleed occurs in the vicinity.
Green Turtle Talisman: Increases stamina recovery speed.

7. Can Hand of Malenia be infused with Ashes of War?

No, Hand of Malenia cannot be infused with Ashes of War. Its unique weapon skill, Waterfowl Dance, is fixed.

8. What is the hardest weapon to get in Elden Ring?

The Noble’s Estoc and Noble’s Slender Sword are among the rarest weapons to obtain, with a drop rate of only 0.5% from specific enemies.

9. What’s the difference between katanas and other weapon types?

Katanas generally offer a balance of speed, damage, and bleed buildup. They often have unique weapon skills and scaling that makes them desirable for Dex-focused builds. They’re not as heavy-hitting as colossal weapons, but they’re significantly faster.

10. Is it worth using a shield with Hand of Malenia?

It depends on your playstyle. Some players prefer to two-hand katanas for increased damage and faster attacks. Others find a shield helpful for blocking or parrying incoming attacks. Experiment and see what works best for you.

11. What are the best stats for using Hand of Malenia?

Prioritize Dexterity and Arcane. Aim for at least 60 Dex and 40-50 Arcane for optimal damage and bleed buildup. Invest in enough Vigor for survivability and Endurance for stamina.

12. Where can I find Smithing Stones to upgrade Hand of Malenia?

Smithing Stones can be found throughout the Lands Between, in mines, dungeons, and as drops from certain enemies. Consult online guides for specific locations. Since Hand of Malenia is a somber weapon use Somber Smithing Stones.

13. Should I use Rivers of Blood instead of Hand of Malenia?

Rivers of Blood is another powerful katana, but it leans more heavily on Arcane. The choice between the two depends on your stat allocation and preference. Rivers of Blood weapon skill, Corpse Piler, is amazing as well!

14. How do I unlock the Powerstancing moveset?

To unlock the Powerstancing moveset, equip two weapons of the same type in both hands (e.g., two katanas). The attack buttons will then perform unique dual-wielding attacks.

15. What makes Elden Ring so popular?

Elden Ring’s popularity stems from its vast open world, challenging combat, intricate lore, and the freedom it gives players to create their own builds and experiences. The game encourages exploration and experimentation, making it a truly rewarding experience. Furthermore, researchers also explore the educational benefits of video games such as Elden Ring; you can find some of them in the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

In conclusion, while the “best” boss weapon in Elden Ring is subjective, Malenia’s Blade (Hand of Malenia) stands out as a top contender due to its powerful Waterfowl Dance weapon skill, bleed buildup, and scaling with Dexterity and Arcane. However, other boss weapons offer unique strengths and may be better suited for different builds and playstyles. Experiment, explore, and discover the weapons that resonate with you as you carve your own legend in the Lands Between.

Which boss has the best weapon in Elden Ring?