How to Defeat Malenia Like a Man

Learn to beat Malenia the right way – no cheats or tricks. This guide is for the true warriors, keeping it simple with just swords clashing. No summon signs, no magic – just skill. I'll share what worked for me in 7 hours of suffering, so you can beat Malenia with honor.

Cheers for the Effort!

If this guide helps you tackle Malenia, a little recognition would mean a lot. Feel free to drop an award to show your appreciation. Your support keeps the guides coming!

Stats

The recommended level for facing Malenia can vary based on your skills and progression. If you've explored and tackled all areas in your first playthrough, reaching at least level 150 is feasible without farming. Therefore, for the purpose of this guide, we'll assume a level of 150 as the baseline for allocating stats.

Keep in mind, the stats you should focus on might change based on your starting class. Assuming that those leaning towards pure dexterity took the 'Samurai' class, and those favoring pure strength took the 'Hero' class, I'll suggest specific stats for both.

Dexterity Build‎

Vigor 60
Mind 14
Endurance 40‎
Strength 18
Dexterity 72‎
Intelligence 9
Faith 8
Arcane 8

Strength Build

Vigor 60
Mind 16
Endurance 45
Strength 70
Dexterity 12
Intelligence 7
Faith 8
Arcane 11

Note: If you find yourself beyond the level 150 mark, think about where to allocate those extra points. Consider investing in Mind for more Ash of War attempts, or channeling them into Strength (STR) or Dexterity (DEX) for increased damage. Arcane could also be a wise choice, particularly for the dexterity build.

Essential Equipment

Great Rune

GODRICK'S GREAT RUNE
A Great Rune of the shardbearer Godrick.
Its blessing raises all attributes

This Great Rune is known as the anchor ring, found in the center of the Elden Ring.

Raises all attributes by +5

1.Dexterity Build‎

1.1.Armaments

• Right Hand: Blood Nagakiba 25+[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] Ash of War: Spinning Slash[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com])
• Left Hand: Blood Nagakiba 25+[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] Ash of War: Braggart's Roar[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]



In case you lack a Nagakiba or two, consider substituting with Blood Uchigatanas 25+ with the same AoW, though it comes at the cost of damage and range compared to the Nagakiba setup.

1.2.Armor

Light Load
Traveler's Set[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

Med. Load
Scaled Set[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] + Banished Knight Helm[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

1.3.Talismans

• Shard of Alexander[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Viridian Amber Medallion +2[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Millicent's Prosthesis[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Claw Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

1.4.Items

• Flask of Crimson Tears
• Flask of Cerulean Tears
• Flask of Wondrous Physick (Greenburst Crystal Tear[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] + Thorny Cracked Tear[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com])
• Boiled Crab[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

2.Strength Build‎

2.1.Armaments

• 2-Hand: Heavy Greatsword 25+[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]Ash of War: Lion's Claw[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

This combination transforms your weapon into a true powerhouse against Malenia. The Lion Claw Ash of War not only inflicts substantial damage but also allows you to deliver punishing blows that can knock Malenia to the ground, creating valuable windows for additional devastating attacks.

2.2.Armor

Scaled Set[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] + Banished Knight Helm[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

2.3.Talismans

• Shard of Alexander[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Viridian Amber Medallion +2[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Bull-Goat's Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]
• Claw Talisman[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

2.4.Items

• Flask of Crimson Tears
• Flask of Cerulean Tears
• Flask of Wondrous Physick (Greenburst Crystal Tear[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com] + Strength-knot Crystal Tear[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com])
• Boiled Crab[eldenring.wiki.fextralife.com]

Execution

Mastering Malenia's Deadly Move: Waterfowl Dance

While most of Malenia's attacks become predictable with practice, there's one move that demands special attention – the notorious "Waterfowl Dance." This attack is notorious for its swiftness and lethality, capable of catching even seasoned players off guard.

No matter your health or the damage dealt, a mistimed response to Waterfowl Dance can swiftly lead to death. In this guide, we'll focus on mastering the dodge technique for this perilous move during Phase 1 of the boss battle.

Successfully dodging Waterfowl Dance requires two critical elements: focus and impeccable timing. Execute a precisely timed roll the moment Malenia concludes her aerial animation and transitions into the attacking phase. Roll away from her in the opposite direction to not only preserve your health but also minimize the number of hits received, allowing you the opportunity to heal. For an in-depth visual guide on mastering this crucial dodge, please watch the following videos:

1.If shes away from you:

2.If you are close to her when she performs the attack:

The Ash of War Advantage

the Ash of War holds the key. Regardless of whether you've crafted a dexterity or strength build, both Lion's Claw and Spinning Slash Ash of War abilities emerge as the best and most effective options.

Picture this: with Lion's Claw, you can literally bring her to the ground three times in succession. Meanwhile, the Spinning Slash Ash of War can stagger her when utilized twice with R1 attacks. The strategic use of these Ash of War abilities becomes your secret weapon, providing the means to control the battlefield and tip the scales in your favor. However, it's crucial to exercise strategic timing. Know when to unleash these potent Ash of War abilities and keep a close eye on your FP bar.

In the heat of the battle against Malenia, remember two crucial tactics: First, avoid being greedy with your attacks. Patience is key to survival. Second, seize opportunities for jump attacks when openings arise.

Take advantage of Malenia's Scarlet Aeonian attack. When she's vulnerable on the ground, unleash a flurry of hits before she stands up. This strategy remains effective, whether you're wielding a dexterity or strength build. By following these simple yet strategic guidelines, victory against Malenia is well within your grasp.

Phantom Spirits

「Phase two only. Malenia will fly into the air, creating a pool of scarlet rot on the ground below her, and consecutively fire out four phantom versions of herself that will do two horizontal sweeps, a vertical slam, a third horizontal sweep followed by a quick thrust, one final thrust, before Malenia herself comes down with a high speed flying thrust to player, dealing high damage. The first and last phantom will stay longer in order to do a single thrust attack each, occurring after the fourth's sweep attack.」 - Fextralife

Even though dodging Phantom Spirits is easy, there's a catch. If you lose track of how many spirits Malenia throws and get too greedy, the final thrust can be deadly. Keep it simple: stay cautious, focus, and resist the urge to be overly aggressive. By playing it smart, you'll navigate the Phantom Spirits attack without risking unnecessary damage.

Stand proud. You are strong.

In the relentless struggle against Malenia, where deaths and challenges may seem insurmountable, take pride in the fact that you've chosen the path of honor. This guide guides you through an honorable 1v1 encounter, excluding the use of spirit ashes, cheese tactics, long-range magic, or summon signs.

No matter the hardships, your commitment to a fair fight against Malenia is commendable. Thank you for reading this guide, and I appreciate your support.

[ProMeTheus]

Magic is cool, some builds are overpowered magic or not depends on the boss etc. I like using summons, they expand on build possibilities a lot in this game. Anyway on Malenia, the summons will die rather quick and also heal Malenia so they're more of a style choice. Pure melee builds may focus more on dodging and retaliating, but you still need to do that with more magic builds. Also specialized melee builds deal more damage per hit and stagger much more easily. Anyway all these builds are cool and Malenia hard : o Yes a few builds will destroy her probably, I killed her easiest based on Bolt of gransax ash of war. Basically, I would say that magic takes skill, too. Nicely made guide in any case.

[NotUrDailyDoseOfInternet]

just use mohgs sacred spear ability lol

[Balcebub]

Naah bro. The only honorable thing to do is kill her without ever leveling and with a plain straight sword that has no upgrades. Then you are a true warrior. (Never done it myself) +(

[TTGatt]

good

[mohdd]

if using bleed considered equal to magic builds then playing the game with your eyes open is equal to cheating.

[KURESU]

cry about it @Silverado4286

[Silverado4286]

using blood builds is far from honorable. about the same level of cheese as any magic build.