Beating Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring with Summons

Few bosses in Elden Ring command as much respect-and frustration-as Malenia. Known for her lifesteal mechanic, lightning-fast combos, and Elden Ring Runes devastating second phase, she's a true test of patience and skill. But with the right strategy and effective use of summons, even this legendary foe can be brought down.

This guide blends promotion and practical gameplay advice to help you win one of the game's toughest battles.

Why Summons Change the Fight

Summons aren't just a crutch-they're a strategic advantage. Malenia heals every time she hits you or your allies, so managing aggro becomes critical.

Key Benefits of Summons:

Aggro splitting: Gives you breathing room to heal or attack

Openings for punishment: While Malenia focuses on your summon

Status buildup: Some summons apply bleed or frost passively

The right summon turns the fight from overwhelming to manageable.

Best Summons to Use

Choosing the right Spirit Ash makes a massive difference.

Top Picks:

Mimic Tear

Copies your build, doubling your damage potential and survivability

Black Knife Tiche

Highly aggressive and deals percentage-based damage over time

Lhutel the Headless

Durable and evasive, great for long fights

Pro Tip: Upgrade your summon to at least +9 or +10. A weak summon will just feed Malenia free healing.

Phase 1: Control the Tempo

Malenia's first phase is all about discipline and spacing.

What to Focus On:

Let your summon engage first

Attack from behind or after her combos

Avoid panic rolling-her delays punish early dodges

Watch for Waterfowl Dance

This is her most infamous move-a flurry of rapid slashes.

How to survive:

Sprint away immediately when she jumps

Roll into her on later flurries

Use your summon as a distraction if positioned well

Supporting Points:

Don't get greedy-one or two hits per opening

Heal only when she's targeting your summon

Bleed builds are especially effective here

Phase 2: Adapt to Scarlet Rot Chaos

Once Malenia transforms, the fight becomes more aggressive and chaotic.

New Threats:

Scarlet Rot explosions

Clone attacks

Faster combos

Strategy Adjustments:

Stay mobile at all times

Re-engage only after her big attacks

Use ranged or quick strikes while she's distracted

When she opens Phase 2 with her dive bomb attack:

Sprint away immediately

Reposition and let your summon draw aggro again

Supporting Points:

Keep anti-rot items ready

Don't stand in lingering AoE effects

Maintain patience-this phase punishes recklessness

Build Tips for Easier Victory

While skill matters, your build can significantly reduce difficulty.

Recommended Approaches:

Bleed builds (Rivers of Blood, katanas): Fast and high damage

Frost builds: Slow her and increase burst potential

Tanky builds: Survive longer while your summon deals damage

Gear Essentials:

High Vigor (40–60 recommended)

Fast weapons for quick punish windows

Talismans that boost stamina or survivability

Master the Rhythm, Claim Victory

Defeating Malenia isn't about brute force-it's about control, patience, and smart use of summons. By letting your Spirit Ash handle pressure while you capitalize on openings, you turn one of the hardest fights in Elden Ring into a calculated duel.

Final Takeaways:

Upgrade and rely on strong summons

Attack only when safe

Learn her patterns, especially Waterfowl Dance

Stay calm in Phase 2 chaos

With persistence and the right strategy, you'll overcome the Blade of Miquella-and cheap Elden Ring Runes earn one of the most satisfying victories the game has to offer.