Elden Ring Malenia Is Underwhelming

Caroline Mae

2 min read

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06-01-2025

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The hype surrounding Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in FromSoftware's Elden Ring, was immense. Considered by many to be the game's ultimate boss challenge, her reputation preceded her, painting a picture of an insurmountable, almost mythical foe. But is the reality of the fight truly deserving of the legendary status bestowed upon it?

The Unwavering Hype

Before delving into my own experience, it's crucial to acknowledge the context surrounding Malenia's notoriety. Countless videos showcasing her devastating attacks, her near-unstoppable flurry of scarlet rot-infused blades, and her seemingly impossible health regeneration fueled the frenzy. This created an almost mythical expectation, casting her as a truly insurmountable challenge only conquerable by the most skilled and dedicated players.

My Experience: A Challenging Fight, Not an Unfair One

While Malenia certainly presents a significant challenge, I found the hype to be somewhat overblown. The fight is undeniably difficult, requiring precise timing, skillful dodging, and a strategic understanding of her moveset. Her Waterfowl Dance, often cited as the bane of many players' existence, is indeed a formidable attack. However, with careful observation and practice, its patterns become predictable and manageable.

The key, I found, was less about brute force and more about strategic play. Understanding her attack animations, utilizing effective parries and counters, and employing appropriate Spirit Ashes proved to be more effective than simply relying on raw damage output.

Re-evaluating the "Ultimate Boss" Title

This is not to diminish the difficulty of the fight. Malenia is certainly a demanding opponent, requiring patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the game's mechanics. However, the fight, while challenging, isn't inherently unfair. Her attacks, while deadly, are telegraphed well enough to allow for effective counterplay.

The sheer level of hype may have inadvertently inflated the perceived difficulty, setting an almost unattainable expectation for the fight. The difficulty is formidable, but not insurmountable with proper preparation and understanding of the mechanics.

The Verdict: A Difficult Boss, Not an Impossible One

Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is a difficult boss fight in Elden Ring. It demands skill, strategy and patience. While the hype surrounding her is undeniable, I believe it's ultimately overstated. With sufficient preparation and understanding, the fight, while challenging, is certainly conquerable. It's a testament to the game's design that such a difficult boss fight exists, but it shouldn't necessarily be considered the ultimate test of skill in the game, just a very challenging one.