How to Cheese Malenia in Elden Ring: Defeating the Blade of Miquella with Minimal Effort
The most reliable ways to cheese Malenia involve leveraging the *Mimic Tear *Spirit Ash* in conjunction with * specific weapon arts or ranged attacks, exploiting her * predictable AI and vulnerabilities to stagger and status effects (particularly Frostbite and Bleed).
Introduction: The Malenia Challenge and the Allure of Cheese
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely considered one of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring. Her relentless aggression, * Waterfowl Dance attack, and ability to heal herself on every hit make her a formidable opponent even for seasoned players. For those struggling to overcome this hurdle, “cheesing” Malenia – employing strategies that exploit her weaknesses or AI to achieve victory with minimal risk – becomes an appealing option. This guide will explore several effective cheese strategies, offering a practical approach for claiming victory over this iconic boss.
Why Cheese Malenia? The Benefits of a Strategic Victory
The decision to cheese Malenia often stems from one or more of the following reasons:
- Overcoming Frustration: Repeatedly dying to Malenia can be incredibly frustrating. Cheese strategies offer a path to victory when conventional methods prove insufficient.
- Accessibility: For players with limited time or skill, cheese tactics can make the game accessible and enjoyable, allowing them to progress further in the storyline.
- Experimentation: Cheesing provides a unique perspective on the game’s mechanics and encourages experimentation with different builds and strategies.
- Completionism: Players aiming for full completion may resort to cheesing to defeat challenging bosses and acquire rare items.
The Mimic Tear and its Strategic Role
The * Mimic Tear Spirit Ash is a cornerstone of many Malenia cheese strategies. This powerful summon creates a clone of the player, equipped with their weapons and armor. Its effectiveness is amplified by the fact that it can effectively draw Malenia’s aggro, allowing the player to deal damage relatively safely. Here’s why it’s so effective:
- Diversion: It distracts Malenia, buying you time to heal, buff, or reposition.
- Damage Output: The Mimic Tear duplicates your damage output, effectively doubling your offensive capabilities.
- Stagger Potential: The combined attacks of the player and the Mimic Tear significantly increase Malenia’s stagger build-up.
Effective Weapon Arts and Spells for Cheesing
Certain weapon arts and spells are particularly effective at cheesing Malenia. Here are some popular options:
- Rivers of Blood (Weapon Art: Corpse Piler): Its rapid attack rate and Bleed build-up can quickly trigger Bleed procs on Malenia, dealing significant damage.
- Eleonora’s Poleblade (Weapon Art: Bloodblade Dance): Similar to Rivers of Blood, Bloodblade Dance inflicts Bleed and deals high damage.
- Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear (Weapon Art: Bloodboon Ritual): Bloodboon Ritual deals Fire damage and applies Blood Loss, offering another viable option.
- Freezing Mist (Spell): Applying Frostbite is incredibly effective.
Step-by-Step Guide: Rivers of Blood and Mimic Tear Strategy
This strategy leverages the * Rivers of Blood katana *and the * Mimic Tear Spirit Ash to quickly deplete Malenia’s health.
- Preparation: Obtain Rivers of Blood and upgrade it as much as possible. Level up your Arcane stat for increased Bleed build-up. Summon the Mimic Tear and equip it with Rivers of Blood.
- Phase 1: Summon the Mimic Tear before entering the boss arena. Then, focus on using Corpse Piler repeatedly to inflict Bleed. Maintain distance when Malenia uses Waterfowl Dance.
- Phase 2: Repeat the same strategy from Phase 1. The Mimic Tear’s Bleed application and your own damage should quickly bring Malenia down.
Alternative Strategies: Frostbite and Ranged Combat
While Rivers of Blood is popular, other approaches exist:
- Frostbite Build: Use weapons or spells that inflict Frostbite. The * Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War can quickly apply Frostbite, leaving Malenia vulnerable to additional damage.
- Ranged Cheese: Stay at a distance and use powerful sorceries like * Comet Azur *or Incantations like * Black Flame Tornado *while the Mimic Tear draws aggro. This requires careful positioning and timing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with cheese strategies, certain mistakes can lead to failure:
- Low Level: Attempting these strategies at too low of a level can significantly reduce their effectiveness. Aim for at least level 100 before tackling Malenia.
- Poor Weapon Upgrade: Upgrading your weapons is crucial for maximizing damage output. Ensure your weapons are at least +9 or +24.
- Neglecting Armor: While offense is important, don’t neglect your armor. Equip armor with high physical resistance to mitigate damage.
- Panic Rolling: Waterfowl Dance is devastating if not properly dodged. Avoid panic rolling and learn the timing of the attack.
Table: Comparing Common Cheese Strategies
| Strategy | Weapon/Spell | Spirit Ash | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivers of Blood | Rivers of Blood | Mimic Tear | High Bleed build-up, rapid damage | Vulnerable to Waterfowl Dance if mistimed |
| Frostbite | Hoarfrost Stomp, Cold weapons | Mimic Tear | Frostbite debuff increases damage taken | Requires precise timing on Frostbite application |
| Ranged Combat | Comet Azur, Black Flame Tornado | Mimic Tear | Safe damage from a distance | Requires high FP, vulnerable if caught |
| Sleep Pot Cheese | Sleep Pots | Mimic Tear | Staggers Malenia, allowing critical attacks | Limited number of Sleep Pot |
FAQs: Addressing Common Questions About Cheesing Malenia
Q1: Is cheesing Malenia considered “dishonorable”?
Cheesing is a subjective matter. Some players view it as an acceptable way to overcome a challenging boss, while others consider it less rewarding than a traditional victory. Ultimately, it depends on your personal preferences and goals. The game itself offers these mechanics, suggesting an intended route for player agency.
Q2: What level should I be before attempting to cheese Malenia?
Ideally, you should be * at least level 100 before attempting any Malenia cheese strategies. A higher level allows you to allocate more points to vital stats like Vigor, Mind, Endurance, and damage-scaling stats, increasing your overall effectiveness.
Q3: Does the Mimic Tear work with all weapons and builds?
The Mimic Tear works best with * weapons that deal high damage or inflict status effects, * such as Bleed or Frostbite. It’s less effective with builds that rely heavily on specific skills or positioning.
Q4: How do I obtain the Rivers of Blood katana?
Rivers of Blood is obtained by defeating the * Bloody Finger Okina invader at the Church of Repose in the Mountaintops of the Giants. This location becomes accessible after defeating Morgott, the Omen King.
Q5: What is the best way to dodge Waterfowl Dance?
Dodging Waterfowl Dance requires precise timing and understanding of Malenia’s attack pattern. The most effective method involves * rolling away during the first flurry, * then * rolling through the remaining attacks, * but its difficult and requires practice. Staying far away at the start can also help.
Q6: Can I cheese Malenia in co-op?
Yes, you can cheese Malenia in co-op, but it requires coordination. Designate one player to draw aggro while the other player focuses on dealing damage or applying status effects.
Q7: Are there any alternative Spirit Ashes besides the Mimic Tear?
While the Mimic Tear is generally considered the best, other options include the * Black Knife Tiche *and the * Lhutel the Headless. These Spirit Ashes are resilient and can draw aggro effectively.
Q8: How important is upgrading my Spirit Ash summons?
Upgrading your Spirit Ash summons is crucial for their survivability and damage output. Use * Grave Glovewort *to upgrade your summons at the Roundtable Hold.
Q9: What talismans should I use for these cheese strategies?
Useful talismans include the * Lord of Blood’s Exultation *(increases attack power when Bleed is inflicted), * Marika’s Soreseal/Scarseal *(increase stats at the cost of damage reduction), and * Green Turtle Talisman *(increases stamina recovery speed).
Q10: Is it possible to cheese Malenia without using Spirit Ashes?
Yes, it’s possible, but significantly more challenging. This often involves using ranged attacks, terrain exploits, or highly specialized builds focused on staggering or inflicting status effects.
Q11: Will FromSoftware patch these cheese strategies in future updates?
It’s possible that FromSoftware may adjust certain aspects of Malenia’s AI or the effectiveness of specific weapons or skills in future updates. However, the fundamental principles of exploiting her weaknesses and vulnerabilities will likely remain viable.
Q12: I’ve tried these strategies and still can’t beat Malenia. What should I do?
If you’re still struggling, consider leveling up further, experimenting with different builds, or seeking assistance from other players online. Don’t be afraid to adjust your strategy and adapt to Malenia’s attack patterns. Remember, persistence is key.