Response: Defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in Elden Ring requires a combination of strategic planning, the right equipment, and effective execution. Here’s a detailed overview to help you conquer this challenging boss:

Preparation

1. Level and Equipment:
– Level: Ensure you are at least level 120, ideally higher, with a strong weapon of +23 or more.
– Equipment: Choose a weapon that deals Fire or Bleed damage, as Malenia is weak to these attacks. Additionally, consider using armor that provides resistance to Slashing, Piercing, and Scarlet Rot.

2. Summoning Allies:
– Summoning aggressive NPCs can help distract Malenia and create opportunities for attacks.

Phase 1: Malenia, Blade of Miquella

1. Initial Approach:
– Start by dodging her sword attacks. Malenia uses a basic sword slash combo of two strikes and an overhead slash. The overhead slash leaves her vulnerable for a couple of seconds, allowing you to land a strike or two.

2. Dodging Techniques:
– Basic Slash Combo: Dodge away from her slashes, and then use a jump attack when she finishes her combo. Malenia staggers for a second, giving you enough time to flee.
– Upward Thrust Attack: Malenia’s hand gleams before she swings her sword up, jumps, and brings it back down in a slash. Attack her after the move ends, as it’s easy to get caught in it if you strike before.

3. Waterfowl Dance:
– Malenia’s deadliest move is Waterfowl Dance. She jumps and lingers in the air before crashing down and unleashing a whirlwind of sword slashes. She then leaps forward and unleashes the same whirlwind two more times before standing still and generating two more whirlwinds. Never try to attack during this move; focus on running and dodging.

4. Vulnerabilities:
– Malenia is vulnerable to Frost and Bleed, but Blood loss is more effective since it takes a significant chunk from her HP. Use Bloodhound Step Ash of War for better dodging and Flame Cleanse Me Incantation to cure Scarlet Rot.

Phase 2: Malenia, Goddess of Rot

1. Transition:
– After Phase 1, Malenia transforms into the Goddess of Rot. She becomes more aggressive and uses ranged attacks, making the fight more challenging.

2. Ranged Attacks:
– Malenia will use a more ranged form of combat, which is harder to counter. Focus on dodging her attacks and creating distance to avoid her Scarlet Rot-infused attacks.

3. Strategies:
– Defensive Play: Play more defensively in Phase 2. Use a high Guard Boost shield to block attacks and sprint in the opposite direction to avoid the initial barrage of Waterfowl Dance.
– Precise Dodges: When Malenia initially jumps, immediately walk to the left around her back. Dodge forward through the initial attack, then roll backward to create more space. When she re-directs for the second flurry, dodge backward again. Roll into the final sweep of Waterfowl Dance as it comes down, and she will finish the attack with plenty of space and be vulnerable for a second.

Additional Tips

1. Fire and Bleed Damage:
– Use weapons that deal Fire or Bleed damage to exploit Malenia’s weaknesses. These attacks can significantly reduce her HP.

2. Summoning Allies:
– Summoning aggressive NPCs can help distract Malenia and create opportunities for attacks. This can be particularly useful in Phase 2 when she becomes more aggressive.

3. Patience and Strategy:
– The key to defeating Malenia is patience and strategy. Avoid taking unnecessary risks and focus on dodging her attacks while looking for opportunities to strike.

By following these steps and strategies, you should be able to defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, in Elden Ring. Remember to stay patient, use the right equipment, and exploit her weaknesses to emerge victorious.