One of Elden Ring's most difficult and iconic bosses is Malenia, Blade of Miquella, because of her incredible speed, healing abilities, and devastating attacks. The game's toughest challenge, Malenia, Blade of Miquella, can be defeated but rewards you with powerful items as well as a sense of triumph. Here's a comprehensive guide to overcoming her.
Preparation
•Level: Aim for at least level 130 or higher due to Malenia's high damage output and complex moveset.
•Spirit Ashes: Use high-level spirit ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear (at +10 if possible) for their ability to both distract Malenia and deal significant damage.
•Weapons: Weapons with Bleed or Frostbite effects are particularly effective. The Rivers of Blood katana or any weapon imbued with bleed via the Black Whetblade can be beneficial.
•Consumables: Craft or bring Freezing Pots to interrupt her Waterfowl Dance. Also, consider bringing items that cure Scarlet Rot for phase two.
•Armor and Talismans: Equip armor with high physical defense and talismans that boost vigor or reduce damage taken.
Phase 1: General Strategy
Keep your distance to bait out her more predictable attacks, allowing for safer counterattacks. Use the space in the arena to your advantage, especially to manage her Waterfowl Dance.
Key Attacks:
•Waterfowl Dance: If you're close, rolling into her might help, but the safest method is to run away from the first two flurries and then dodge through the last one. Alternatively, using a shield with high guard boost or throwing a Freezing Pot when she starts can interrupt this move.
•Grab Attack: This has significant range but can be dodged by timing your roll correctly or by maintaining distance when she winds up.
•Standard Swings: Most of her sword attacks can be dodged or blocked, but be wary of her healing if she hits your shield.
Phase 1 Strategy Tips 
•Dodge the Waterfowl Dance: Run away from the first two volleys if at a distance. For the last volley, roll through it. If close, some players find rolling into her can work, but this requires precise timing.
•General Dodging: Most of her sword attacks can be dodged to the side. Learning the timing for her attacks is crucial.
•Healing: Only heal when you've successfully dodged an attack sequence or when she's distracted by your summon.
•Attack Openings: Attack after her combos, especially after dodging her big moves like the grab attack or after she finishes a flurry.
Phase 2 - Malenia, Goddess of Rot
Transition: After reaching zero health in phase one, she transforms, gaining new abilities and retaining her old ones with added rot effects.
New Mechanics:
•Scarlet Rot: All her attacks can now inflict Scarlet Rot. Use items or spells to cure or prevent this.
•Aerial Attacks: She'll fly more often, leading to wide-area attacks. Keep moving and prepare to dodge or run when she takes to the air.
Phase 2 Strategy Tips 
•Transition: Be prepared for her initial attack when transitioning to phase two; roll under or away from her when she lands to avoid the initial Scarlet Rot explosion.
•Rot Management: All her attacks now inflict Scarlet Rot, so keep your curing items handy or use spells to prevent buildup.
•New Attacks: Watch for new aerial attacks and the large flower bloom attack which also causes Scarlet Rot. Distance yourself when she does this.
•Continue What Worked: The strategies from phase one still apply, but be more cautious due to increased aggression and rot effects.
Additional Tips
•Stagger and Critical Hits: Use heavy attacks or specific incantations/spells like Aspect of the Crucible or Dragonmaw to knock her down for critical hits.
•Night Sorceries: If you're a sorcery user, Malenia can't dodge Night Sorceries, making them very effective when she's not actively attacking.
•Stay Mobile: Keep moving to manage the distance, especially useful for avoiding her grab and setting up for your attacks.
•Patience: Don't rush. Malenia punishes greed severely. Attack conservatively.
Conclusion
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is one of Elden Ring's most difficult bosses. In Elden Ring, defeating this formidable foe is one of the most rewarding achievements. If you know her attack patterns, use the right gear, and stay calm, you can defeat her. Good luck, Tarnished!
