Maliketh, the Black Blade is one of the most challenging and visually striking bosses in Elden Ring. As the guardian of Destined Death, Maliketh awaits you in Crumbling Farum Azula and is essential to defeating in order to progress the main story. This fight is a true test of your skills, requiring sharp reflexes and careful strategy. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you defeat Maliketh.
Location and Importance
Location: Maliketh is found in Crumbling Farum Azula, after going through the Beside the Great Bridge site of grace. You'll have to proceed to where the boss arena is located.
Preparation
•Level: Recommended to be at least level 110 or higher due to Maliketh's aggressive nature and damage output.
Equipment:
•Blasphemous Claw: This item can parry some of Maliketh's attacks, specifically when his blade glows yellow, offering a window for counterattack.
•Weapons: Utilize weapons with bleed or ones you're most comfortable with for rapid attacks. Upgraded weapons with good scaling in your primary stat will help.
Spirit Ashes:
•Mimic Tear: Highly recommended for this fight as it duplicates your equipment and can tank and distract Maliketh.
•Talismans: Choose talismans that increase your damage negation, especially against holy damage, or enhance your attack capabilities.
Phase 1 - Beast Clergyman
Attacks:
•Ground Rupture: Watch for him reaching into the ground; dodge the emerging rocks by observing where dust columns appear.
•Stone Toss: He might throw stones; these can be dodged or blocked.
•Slam Attacks: Roll into these to avoid damage and get behind him for counterattacks.
Phase 1 Strategy Tips: 
•Dodge Rock Throws: When he digs into the ground, prepare to dodge or move aside from the rock eruptions.
•Close the Distance: After his longer combos, close in for some hits, but be ready to back off quickly.
•Exploit Openings: Attack when he's finished with his more prolonged attack sequences.
Phase 2 - Maliketh, the Black Blade
•Transition: After reducing his health to around 60%, a cutscene will play, transitioning to this phase.
New Attacks:
•Black Blade: He shoots blades from his sword; distance yourself or roll through them towards him.
•Destined Death: A large AOE attack where he stabs the ground. Roll towards him and attack from behind.
•Spinning Slashes and Piledriver: Dodge through these or away depending on the attack's nature. The Piledriver has an AOE follow-up; stay close but not too close to punish after dodging.
Phase 2 Strategy Tips:
•Manage Space: Keep medium distance to bait out attacks you can punish, but be wary of his leap attacks.
•Black Blade Attacks: When he does the overhead slash that leaves a trail of black flame, dodge towards him to get behind for attacks. For his rapid slashes, rolling into him might help you avoid getting hit and position you well for a counter.
•Destined Death: When he plunges his sword into the ground causing an AOE, get close to him; it's safer near him, and you can land hits after the attack.
•Health Management: His attacks reduce your max HP temporarily and deal damage over time. Use items or spells to mitigate this or heal promptly.
•Parry with Claw: Use the Blasphemous Claw during his glowing sword attacks. A successful parry not only blocks damage but also staggers him.
•Be Aggressive but Cautious: Maliketh punishes greed. Hit him several times after his attacks but then prepare for his retaliation.
•Summoning: If you're struggling, summon Spirit Ashes like the Mimic Tear. It can take some of the heat off you, especially if it uses the same gear as you.
Conclusion
Maliketh, the Black Blade is a challenging and intense boss fight that requires quick reflexes, patience, and careful observation. By learning his attack patterns, upgrading your gear, and using Spirit Ashes to your advantage, you can overcome this daunting foe. Stay mobile, stay calm, and keep chipping away at his health until victory is yours. Good luck!
