Elden Ring Maliketh the Black Blade tips and strategy

How to prepare for the Maliketh the Black Blade

Summoning in an ally for Maliketh the Black Blade is pretty much compulsory. The Mimic Tear Ash Summon works a treat here, if you've upgraded it a few times using materials located back at the Roundtable Hold.

Additionally, the boss is weak to Frost damage, so the Hoarfrost Stomp Ash of War works an absolute treat here for decimating its health.

However, since the Hoarfrost Stomp has effectively been nerfed by FromSoftware, you might want to consider taking in a weapon with Bleed damage instead. The Hoarfrost Stomp still deals some hefty damage, but it now takes longer to cast, meaning you're a sitting duck for longer against the imposing boss. Alternatively, you might want to take in a strong Sorcery attack - the Blasphemous Blade works an absolute treat here, for example.

Maliketh the Black Blade tips: How to beat Maliketh the Black Blade

Yes, Maliketh the Black Blade actually goes by a different name during its first phase. You'll encounter the Beast Clergyman here, which sprints towards you, claws out.

This phase of the boss can be pretty quick, and you'll want to sprint away from it when you enter the arena, position yourself behind a pillar, and then summon in an ally like the Mimic Tear.

The Beast Clergyman has two ranged attacks to watch out for. Both involve it bringing back its left hand, before pelting you with either one massive rock, or a lot of debris.

These are relatively easy to dodge however, as rolling to either side when the boss brings its arm forward can almost always guarantee you safety.

Otherwise, you'll really want to time your dodge rolls around the outstretched claw of the Beast Clergyman.

Dodge rolling through the boss in this phase is a must, and if it pauses with its claw in the ground, be ready to dodge roll straight away, as it's about to unleash a strike that sends lines through the ground towards you in a cone formation.

At roughly half health, a cutscene plays out, and surprise! The Beast Clergyman is now none other than Maliketh the Black Blade.

As soon as the second phase of this fight begins, be ready to dodge roll, or even sprint away from, a series of attacks where the boss slices with its massive sword, and sends arcs spinning towards you through the air.

We'd actually recommend getting behind one of the many pillars in the arena in this phase, as this is one sure fire way to avoid the attacks completely.

The gigantic slices are basically Maliketh the Black Blade's only attacks during this phase, but they hit bloody hard.

The Hoarfrost Stomp will deal major damage to the boss while it's on the ground, and don't be afraid to use the pillars to your advantage during this phase. Some might call it cheesing, but FromSoftware put them there for a reason.

Maliketh the Black Blade reward

Maliketh the Black Blade drops 220,000 Runes upon defeat, a sizeable reward for your efforts. It'll also grant you the Remembrance of the Black Blade item, which can be exchanged at the Roundtable Hold for some powerful items and abilities.

Now it's time to continue the fight through Leyndell, Ash Capital, because the finish line of Elden Ring is in sight.

Next up on the list of main bosses in order - assuming you are following the critical path - is Sir Gideon Ofnir.