Malekith, The Black Blade: A Comprehensive Guide to the Elden Ring's Shadow

Introduction

In the vast and unforgiving world of Elden Ring, few foes pose as formidable a challenge as Malekith, The Black Blade. This enigmatic demi-god wields the power of darkness and fire, testing the strength and resolve of even the most seasoned Tarnished. This guide will delve into the intricacies of facing Malekith, providing strategies, tips, and insights to aid you in your quest to vanquish this formidable adversary.

Stats and Abilities

• Health: 52,000 HP
• Attack Power: 250-400
• Defense: 100-150
• Move Speed: 1.5
• Special Abilities: Black Flame Ritual, Destined Death, Blade of Maliketh, Death's Omen

Phase 1: The Black Blade

This phase typically lasts around 3 minutes. Malekith will primarily rely on his swordsmanship and Black Flame incantations.

• Black Flame Sweep: Malekith sweeps his sword in a wide arc, creating a lingering cloud of Black Flame.
• Black Flame Barrage: Malekith launches a series of three homing Black Flame projectiles.
• Abyssal Slash: Malekith performs a spinning slash, releasing a wave of Black Flame that travels across the arena.

Strategy:

• Stay on the move: Malekith's attacks have a wide range, so it's crucial to maintain distance and roll through his attacks.
• Use cover: The arena is dotted with pillars and debris. Position yourself behind these to block projectiles and avoid getting backed into a corner.
• Punish after attacks: After Malekith completes an attack sequence, he will leave an opening for a few seconds. Use this time to land some quick hits.

Phase 2: The Beast of Death

Phase 2 begins when Malekith reaches around 50% health. His appearance will shift as he transforms into a demonic beast.

• Destined Death: Malekith slams his sword into the ground, summoning a wave of red mist that inflicts heavy damage and status effects.
• Blade of Maliketh: Malekith channels the power of death into his sword, imbuing it with a dark aura. His attacks become significantly faster and more damaging.
• Death's Omen: Malekith targets a nearby target with a homing skull projectile. After a short delay, it explodes, causing severe damage.

Strategy:

• Be wary of the red mist: Avoid standing in the path of the Destined Death attack to prevent being overwhelmed by its damage.
• Dodge the Omen: The Death's Omen projectile is relatively slow-moving. Pay attention to Malekith's movements and dodge the skull projectile when it's fired.
• Use holy damage: Malekith is vulnerable to holy damage. Weapons and incantations that deal holy damage can be highly effective in this phase.

Phase 3: The Final Assault

After depleting Phase 2's health, Malekith will enter his final phase. His attacks will become more relentless and unpredictable.

• Black Blade Storm: Malekith summons a cluster of Black Flame swords that rain down on the arena.
• Destined Death's Despair: Malekith unleashes a powerful AOE attack that deals heavy damage and inflicts the Destined Death status effect, which gradually saps the player's health.
• Beastly Charge: Malekith charges forward in a deadly dash, inflicting severe damage on contact.

Strategy:

• Stay close: Malekith's long-range attacks are more dangerous than his melee attacks in this phase.
• Use your ashes: Summoning Spirit Ashes can distract Malekith and create an opening for attacks.
• Heal aggressively: The Destined Death status effect can be lethal if left untreated. Carry plenty of healing items and use them whenever possible.

Tips and Tricks

• Utilize Spirit Ashes: Spirit Ashes, such as Lhutel the Headless or Black Knife Tiche, can provide valuable support by drawing Malekith's attention and dealing damage.
• Enchanted Weapons: Weapons enchanted with the Black Flame affinity deal bonus damage to Malekith.
• Poison and Rot: Malekith is susceptible to poison and rot status effects. Consider using weapons, incantations, or consumables that inflict these ailments.
• Avoid Overconfidence: Even if you're confident in your abilities, don't get careless. Malekith can quickly punish mistakes with his devastating attacks.
• Learn His Patterns: Study Malekith's attack patterns and anticipate his next move. This will give you the advantage in dodging and timing your attacks.

Conclusion

Malekith, The Black Blade, is a formidable foe, but with the right strategies and unwavering determination, you can overcome his deadly embrace. Master the art of dodging, utilize Spirit Ashes wisely, and exploit his weaknesses. As you emerge victorious, the dark flames of Malekith will be extinguished, and you will have proven your mettle as a true Tarnished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can Malekith be parried?
A: No, Malekith's attacks cannot be parried.

Q: Is it possible to cheese Malekith?
A: While it's not recommended, it is possible to cheese Malekith by using the "Let Me Solo Her" strategy. However, this requires a high level of patience and skill.

Q: What is the best Spirit Ash to use against Malekith?
A: Black Knife Tiche and Lhutel the Headless are considered the most effective Spirit Ashes against Malekith.

Q: Is it important to level up before fighting Malekith?
A: Yes, it's highly recommended to have a character level of at least 120-150 before attempting to face Malekith.

Q: Can I use Scarlet Rot to defeat Malekith?
A: Yes, Malekith is susceptible to Scarlet Rot. Using weapons or incantations that inflict this status effect can be highly effective.

Q: What rewards do I get for defeating Malekith?
A: Upon defeating Malekith, you will receive the Remembrance of the Black Blade, which can be exchanged for two powerful weapons or incantations.

Q: Can I fight Malekith multiple times?
A: Yes, you can challenge Malekith multiple times by resting at a Site of Grace and selecting the "Replay Boss" option.