Malenia Blade of Miquella is the toughest boss in Elden Ring. She has multiple phases, each more challenging than the last. This guide covers her attack patterns, the dreaded Waterfowl Dance, and the best strategies for victory.
Boss Overview
Stats
- HP: 18,517 (Phase 1), 18,517 (Phase 2, regenerates)
- Defense: 110
- Resistance: 40% to all elements, immune to rot
- Weakness: Bleed, Frost
- Stagger: Low poise damage
Recommended Level
- Level: 120-150
- Vigor: 50+
- Weapon: +24 to +25
Drops
- 480,000 Runes (she is one of the highest rune payouts)
- Remembrance of Malenia
- Malenia's Great Rune
Attack Patterns
Phase 1 Attacks
Waterfowl Dance
The most dreaded attack in the game. Malenia leaps into the air and performs a 3-wave scythe combo.
Tells: Malenia leaps and the camera zooms out.
Counter for Wave 1: Run away from Malenia. Counter for Wave 2: Roll sideways as soon as the first wave ends. Counter for Wave 3: Roll sideways twice.
Practice this attack. It kills most players on their first attempt.
Scarlet Aeonia
Malenia leaps into the air and crashes down, creating a massive rot flower.
Tells: Malenia leaps and the camera zooms out.
Counter: Roll away from the impact zone. The rot cloud lingers.
Rapid Slash Combo
Malenia performs a 5-hit scythe combo. Each hit deals massive damage.
Tells: Malenia swings her scythe to the side.
Counter: Roll back, then forward after the last swing.
Walking Slash
Malenia walks slowly and performs a single slash.
Tells: Malenia walks forward.
Counter: Roll sideways.
Phantom Slash
Malenia creates a phantom that performs a delayed slash.
Tells: Malenia glows red.
Counter: Wait, then roll.
Lunge Slash
Malenia lunges forward with her scythe.
Tells: Malenia leans forward.
Counter: Roll sideways.
Phase 2 Attacks (at 0 HP)
After Phase 1, Malenia's HP regenerates and she gains new attacks.
Divine Frost
Malenia creates a frost explosion that deals massive damage and frostbite.
Tells: Malenia raises her wings.
Counter: Roll away from the explosion.
Spirit Attack
Malenia summons multiple phantom blades that track the player.
Tells: Malenia glows blue.
Counter: Roll continuously to dodge.
Enhanced Waterfowl Dance
Same as Phase 1 but with frost added.
Counter: Same as Phase 1 but watch for frost.
Weaknesses
Bleed
Malenia is highly weak to bleed. Apply bleed with:
- Rivers of Blood
- Seppuku Ash of War
- Bloody Finger Hunter Spirit Ash
Frost
Malenia is weak to frost. Apply frost with:
- Freezing Grease
- Frostbite Pots
- Icerind Hatchet
Strategy
Solo Strategy
For solo players:
- Use a bleed build with Rivers of Blood or Seppuku
- Level up to 130+
- Bring 8-10 healing flasks
- Practice Waterfowl Dance extensively
Bleed Strategy
- Apply a bleed weapon (Rivers of Blood or Seppuku)
- Land 2-3 hits to trigger bleed
- Bleed deals 15% max HP per proc
- Malenia heals on hit, so bleed is essential to offset
- Repeat until Malenia is dead
Frost Strategy
- Apply frost with Freezing Grease or Icerind Hatchet
- Frostbite deals 10% max HP
- Repeat until Malenia is dead
Co-op Strategy
For co-op players:
- Tank player keeps Malenia's attention
- Damage dealer uses bleed weapons
- Tank can use high-poise armor
Recommended Builds
Bleed Build
- Weapon: +25 Rivers of Blood or Uchigatana with Seppuku
- Armor: Bull-Goat Set or Land of Reeds Set
- Talismans: Lord of Blood's Exultation, Kindred of Rot's Exultation, Erdtree's Favor
- Spirit Ash: Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche
Strength Build
- Weapon: +25 Giant-Crusher with Lion's Claw
- Armor: Bull-Goat Set
- Talismans: Axe Talisman, Erdtree's Favor, Two-Headed Turtle Talisman
- Spirit Ash: Mimic Tear
Mage Build
- Weapon: +25 Carian Regal Scepter
- Armor: Juvenile Scholar Set or Bull-Goat Set
- Talismans: Magic Scorpion Charm, Radagon Icon
- Spells: Comet Azur, Stars of Ruin
- Spirit Ash: Mimic Tear
Common Mistakes
- Don't try to heal during Waterfowl Dance. You will get hit.
- Don't get greedy. Malenia punishes every greedy attack.
- Don't forget Bloodhound's Step. It is essential for dodging Waterfowl Dance.
- Don't use slow weapons. Fast weapons are better for landing hits.
FAQ: Malenia
Q: Can I summon help for Malenia?
A: Yes. NPC summons and spirit ashes are available.
Q: What level should I be for Malenia?
A: Level 120-150 is recommended.
Q: Are there cheese strategies for Malenia?
A: Yes. Some builds can cheese her, but most players want a fair fight.
Q: Can I parry Malenia?
A: No. Malenia cannot be parried.
Q: Is Malenia the toughest boss in Elden Ring?
A: Yes. Most players consider her the toughest.
With this guide, you will defeat Malenia. Practice Waterfowl Dance, use a bleed build, and be patient.