At the end of Crumbling Farum Azula in Elden Ring is the Maliketh, The Black Blade boss fight. For those who’ve yet to beat Malenia, Maliketh will likely be one of the toughest fights you’ll have faced so far. The guarder of Destined Death uses black flame strikes that deal immense damage, burn you, and reduce your maximum health.
Fortunately for those who want to know how to beat Maliketh in Elden Ring, the Black Blade leaves plenty of openings too. Our Elden Ring Maliketh guide will teach you the key tips and tricks required to overcome Queen Marika’s brother and release the Rune of Death.
Elden Ring: How to beat Maliketh, The Black Blade

The Elden Ring Maliketh boss fight is a two-stage battle which begins with you facing his Beast Clergyman form before moving on to Maliketh, The Black Blade. The former deals high damage but is extremely predictable and easily taken down once you’ve learned a few tricks. The latter is a far more serious affair, but follow the advice below and you’ll be ready for all the attacks he throws at you.
Maliketh tips and tricks

Avoid Holy damage: Maliketh is highly resistant to Holy damage, and has strong resistances to Bleed and Frost build up. The latter two can still trigger, but we’d highly recommend changing weapon or affinity if you’re primarily using a Holy weapon at this stage.
Dodge towards and under him: Maliketh’s main blind spot in both phases is underneath him and to his side. Stick close, dodging towards most attacks he throws out and you’ll have far more opportunities to hit back. Many of his sword swings will miss you in these positions, and they’re far easier to dodge than his ranged black flame strikes.
Get the Blasphemous Claw:Maliketh has a unique weakness in that any of his attacks which flash golden can be parried using the Blasphemous Claw. This key item can be obtained very close to the fight itself. As you come up onto the large stairway from the Site of Grace, turn left and follow the path down to jump over the gap.

You’ll eventually be able to turn right and climb down to a bridge across to a tower in the position shown above. As you near the end of the bridge, you’ll be invaded by Recusant Bernahl. Defeat him and he’ll drop an armor set along with the Blasphemous Claw.
We recommend equipping the Blasphemous Claw in one of your quick three item slots, accessed by holding Triangle on PlayStation or Y on Xbox. Activate it as Maliketh strikes following a golden flash and you’ll stagger him for a significant time. It has a generous parry window, but be aware that Maliketh will flail his sword twice while staggered, so avoid getting hit by these swings as you approach. Read more about how to use it here.
Use the Crimsonburst Crystal Tear: Unless your build relies on using a specific Flask component, we recommend using the Crimsonburst Crystal Tear which offers healing over time. Down this when struck by a black flame attack and its healing effect will offset the damage over time dealt by the fire.
Ranged builds should use fast, low-cooldown abilities: Maliketh’s ranged attacks are some of his most dangerous, and the openings to strike back are short. If you’re using a purely ranged build, we recommend equipping fast-casting Sorceries or Incantations with little cooldown like Lightning Spear to capitalize on openings. You may also have time during the opening to unleash powerful spells like Comet Azur as the Clergyman approaches.
Beast Clergyman moves to watch out for

In the first phase, the Beast Clergyman will use a number of Beast infancations along with a dagger. You’ll have time at the start of the fight to summon Spirit Ashes (we recommend Black Knife Tiche or the Mimic Tear), but we highly recommend sprinting into the main arena after doing so. You do not want to fight the Beast Clergyman on the small bridge at the entrance.
Most of the Clergyman’s incantations have massive tells like him sticking his fist in the ground. Almost all can be dodged by rolling towards him. Focus on closing the distance with dodges and then punishing him after he does a dagger slam which pokes down into the ground.
Bestial Sling: The Clergyman hurls a handful or rocks in a cone forward. There are several triggers for Bestial Sling, some coming at the end of a move sequence. This is the hardest incantation to dodge but once you recognize it, dodge towards and to the side as the rocks are about to be flung to avoid getting hit.
Stone of Gurranq: The Clergyman grabs a stone from the ground in one hand and hurls it forward. Dodge forward or to the side as the rock approaches.
Beast Claw: Beat Clergyman raises a paw up, sticks it in the ground, then unleashes waves of claw blades along the ground which will launch the player into the air. This can either be unleashed forwards or in a circle. Dodge forwards through the attack, not to the side.
Ground rupture: Beast Clergyman sticks his blade in his mouth, raises both hands up, and slams them into the ground. This hurls lumps of rock up which crash down after a short delay. Back up when you see the initial animation, rolling backwards. Spot the patches of dust and rubble on the ground as he strikes to see where the rocks will launch from and land. This attack is often followed by Stone of Gurranq or Bestial Sling.
Maliketh moves to watch out for

At around 50% HP, you’ll need to beat Maliketh, The Black Blade. In this phase you need to stay patient, and only strike at key openings to beat Maliketh. He’s most dangerous when you’re far away from him, as he’ll unleash more black flame attacks which reduce your max HP. If you’re a melee build, stick close and try to get under/behind him to force him into using easily avoidable sword swipes. Watch for the golden glow on his sword to know when you can parry with the Blasphemous Claw.
Opening slice: At the start of the phase, he’ll always perform a sweeping slice. If you dodge this, he’ll usually leap onto a pillar and either slam or unleash a black blade flame attack. You have enough time to heal at the opening, but you can also run directly toward him as the phase starts to get behind the hit.
Sword swipes: Stay near and Maliketh will usually attempt to hit you with several sword swipes. The most common and easily punishable is a low sweep followed by a slow overhead slam.
Black Blade: Maliketh jumps in the air and unleashes 2 - 3 Black Blade flame attacks. Hold your nerve and only dodge to the side when the flame is incoming. If he fires two, he’ll follow with a slam that does an AoE explosion. This can usually be parried with the Blasphemous Claw, though if you go too late the AoE explosion will still hit.
If he does three flame attacks, the third will come out delayed, so slow your dodge timing. He’ll then spin twice along the ground toward you as the final hit. The spin attack can be parried with the Blasphemous Claw or dodged by rolling towards his direction.
Slam ‘n’ Slice: Maliketh jumps into the air and drives his sword into the ground. Sometimes he will do one impact which leaves a small AoE explosion. Other times he’ll leap up again and land to summon a zone of slices similar to Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance. Move backwards and to the side to avoid getting caught in the center.
Elden Ring Maliketh rewards

Overcome the wielder of Destined Death and you’ll earn the following Maliketh rewards in Elden Ring:
- 220,000 Runes
- Remembrance of the Black Blade
The Remembrance of the Black Blade can be traded to obtain Maliketh’s terrifying weapon, along with a Black Blade incantation. You’ll also find yourself teleported to the royal capital once more, though this time things will look significantly different to how they used to…
That’s all we can teach you about how to beat the Maliketh boss fight in Elden Ring. If you’ve taken him down, you might feel brave enough to venture into the Haligtree and face Malenia, Blade of Miquella, Elden Ring’s toughest opponents by far. Follow our Malenia boss fight guide tips for a helping hand there.
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FAQs
How do you beat Malekith easily? ›
If Malekith is on the ground, melee characters can use the jumping heavy attack they used on the Beast Clergyman. Malekith's posture can be broken this way, allowing players to get in massive damage with a single click. Players will also want to use any close-range Ash of War they have at their disposal.
What is the recommended level for Maliketh? ›Maliketh, the Black Blade is not a demigod or Shardbearer, but defeating it will earn you a bounty of Runes. This is a fight you should attempt at around character level 120-130, preferably with a fully upgraded weapon, so +22/+25.
What is Malekith weak to? ›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.
What is the best weapon to use against Malekith? ›We recommended players fight Maliketh with a melee weapon, but be sure to also equip a shield. Summoning an ash spirit will help tremendously in keeping Maliketh occupied and distracted. The most imperative item to bring to the fight is the Blasphemous Claw, a tool that is specifically used to overthrow Maliketh.
What LVL should I be to fight Malekith? ›In any case, aim to be at least level 120 (ideally closer to 150 or so), with at least 40 points invested into Vigor. Get your weapon leveled up to the max, as well. If you're running a range-focused build, this fight is going to be a nightmare to take on solo.
Does killing Malekith end the game? ›The second "point of no return" comes after players kill Malekith, The Black Blade. Doing this will actually cover Leyndell in ashes, locking players out of certain areas in the Royal Capital. However, this is necessary to face the final boss.
What spirit ash is best for Malekith? ›Any Spirit Ash summon that can hold his attention will be a big help. The Mimic Tear is always a top option, but anything that can survive his onslaught will do.
Is Malekith the hardest boss? ›Maliketh, the Black Blade is one of the hardest mandatory bosses in Elden Ring. He's quick, he's strong and he's aggressive. He's one of the hardest bosses in Elden Ring but whether you're level 1 or 300, this boss guide will have you making short work of Maliketh.
Is Malekith weak to Scarlet Rot? ›Maliketh is highly susceptible to Bleed and Scarlet Rot, so use weapons, spells, or items that inflict these statuses if you can. You'll score a ton of bonus damage against him this way, making the fight go much faster.
How do you Parry Malekith? ›The primary attacks Maliketh uses which can be parried by the Blasphemous Claw are a leaping slam when jumping off a pillar, and attacks which follow his aerial Black Blade projectiles. In both cases, Maliketh's weapon will glow yellow ahead of the strike, so prepare to use the Blasphemous Claw in advance.
Is Malekith a necessary boss? ›
Maliketh, Gideon, And Godfrey
Maliketh is a very difficult mandatory boss, and his second phase is able to shorten the players' health bar. He is immune to Sleep, Madness, Death Blight, and nearly fully immune to holy-type damage. For both phases, pillars can be used to help avoid his hard-hitting attacks.
Elden Ring: Gurranq and Maliketh are One and The Same
Players would be forgiven for thinking that the first time they meet Maliketh is on Farum Azula, where they kill him and restore Destined Death to the Lands Between.
The Soldier of Godrick is, by far, the easiest boss in Elden Ring and many players constantly joke online that he is the hardest. The boss serves as the tutorial boss and is about as easy as fighting any normal enemy.
Is Malekith weak to holy damage? ›Avoid Holy damage: Maliketh is highly resistant to Holy damage, and has strong resistances to Bleed and Frost build up. The latter two can still trigger, but we'd highly recommend changing weapon or affinity if you're primarily using a Holy weapon at this stage.
Is Beast Clergyman immune to bleed? ›The first thing you have to know is that defeating the Beast Clergyman in Elden Ring requires the level of 115, with weapons at +20 or higher. This beast is also resistant to Holy and Bleed damage, so try to avoid using them.
Can you poise break Malekith? ›A successful parry stuns Maliketh for few seconds and deals minor damage to him. Also makes his damage resistance lower for the duration of stun (around 20 percent).
How much HP does Malekith have? ›Both phases share the same HP pool of ~10500 (in NG). He will do an unreactable double-slash with his dagger if you stay in melee-range for too long. At long-range he can send shockwaves your way and throw rock projectiles.
What is the Beast Clergyman weak to? ›...
Beast Clergyman | |
---|---|
Drops | |
HP | ≈ 10,620 (Field Boss) |
Strong VS Holy Hemorrhage Frostbite | Weak to Fire Lightning Magic |
Alright so for some context to this statement, I played a dex bleed build and used bloody slash and the mimic tear for both boss fights.
Does sacrificing Melina end the game? ›During regular playthroughs, Melina the Kindling Maiden makes her way to the Mountaintops of the Giants to be sacrificed and ignite the Erdtree. While this noble deed helps the Tarnished progress further, her storyline ends there, and you will have to carry on unaccompanied until the end.
Why is Malekith so powerful? ›
Also, like his fellow Dark Elves, the Accursed one can easily be felled by iron. However, he also studied the supernatural and became the most powerful sorcerer in Svartalfheim. Malekith is also a master manipulator thanks to both his silver tongue and his ability to actually take the form of another.
Can you still turn in Deathroot after killing Malekith? ›Yes, you can.
What is the tankiest spirit ash? ›Lhutel the Headless Ashes
Lhutel the Headless is arguably the best tanking summon you'll find in the game. She won't dish out as much damage as some other spirit ashes, but the sheer survivability of this ally is unmatched.
When upgraded, the Mimic Tear is incredibly tanky and can dish out plenty of damage, making it an invaluable summon that we highly recommend using in Elden Ring's challenging boss fights. Note that using the Mimic Tear uses 50% of your HP instead of your mana, so make sure you drink a healing potion after summoning it.
What is the best Ash summon for Malenia? ›As Malenia has attacks that can easily one-shot you, it's highly recommended using spirit ash summons for this fight just to give you some breathing room.
Is Maliketh or Malenia harder? ›maliketh is harder than malenia :: ELDEN RING General Discussions.
What armor is immune to Scarlet Rot? ›The Mushroom Set will boost its wearer's Immunity, Focus, Robustness, and Vitality by a considerable margin. For example, the armor can mitigate the buildup of Scarlet Rot in Elden Ring, allowing players to traverse hazardous environments with ease.
How do you become immune to crimson rot? ›Use Preserving Boluses geared towards the rot which can remove and prevent any effects. These can be found, purchased, or crafted with the right recipes. There are also consumables called White Cured Meat that will boost immunity entirely. These can also be crafted.
How do you beat Malekith as a mage? ›Go melee, dodge under his feet, attack when you can and dodge again to avoit the combo, mages have melee options too. Dragon rot breath, hit it 3 times, he will prob die but you have to find your openings and then survive.
Why do you have to fight Malekith? ›Maliketh, the Black Blade, is a mandatory boss in Elden Ring who serves as the last opponent in Crumbling Farum Azula. Defeating him is the key to triggering the world event that transforms Leyndell into the Capital of Ash, granting access to the Erdtree's interior and the game's final boss fight.
What item do you need to parry Malekith? ›
Blasphemous Claw use in Elden Ring
Can parry specific melee attacks from Maliketh. His sword will briefly glow yellow before attacks that can be parried.
Considering his father, Aenarion, fought against them and died repelling their forces from the world, Malekith's hatred towards Chaos is also more personal than one might expect and the idea of them wanting to destroy the world doesn't really sit well with him.
Is Malekith the good guy? ›Malekith the Accursed is the cruel leader of the Dark Elves, a race older than the universe itself. Thousands of years ago, he'd led the Elves in a war against the Asgardians, with his sole purpose being eternal darkness for the universe.
Can Malenia get Scarlet Rot? ›Malenia was a tall, well-built yet fairly slender woman with free flowing long red hair that reached down her back. Her body was infected by the scarlet rot which caused cracks to appear on various parts of her body.
Does hand of Malenia heal you? ›Although what's annoying about her is that when she lands attacks on you, she will heal from every single hit she lands. Once you best her first phase, she will turn into Malenia, Goddess of Rot, making her more powerful and more unpredictable due to her wide range of attacks.
What weapon is best against Melania? ›Colossal Sword is probably the most straightforward way to kill Malenia. However, using just a Colossal Sword alone is going to take a long time, and each mistake you make — and of course you're going to make a lot, this is Malenia we're talking about — is going to hurt you big time.
What happens when you give Gurranq all the Deathroot? ›In exchange for each deathroot you give him, he'll reward you with a seal and several bestial incantations, along with other beast-themed rewards.
How many deathroots does Gurranq need? ›A total of nine Deathroot can be given to him to finish his questline. Once all nine Deathroot have been given to him, he will tell the player that, despite their hard work, his hunger is still not satiated and that he will go on hunt them down alone.
Should you hand over Deathroot? ›It'll take some time to find them all, but you'll unlock a unique range of Incantations for your trouble. Even if you're not keen on using Faith-based spells, it's worth giving all the Deathroot away. The final spell you unlock is powerful and has a low Faith requirement.
What are the least fun bosses in Elden Ring? ›Many players claim that the terrifying Death Rite Birds are their least favorite bosses in Elden Ring, with several also mentioning the fight against the two Valiant Gargoyles. Crystalians are named a few times along with Erdtree Burial Watchdogs, probably because these two boss types can come in groups.
Who is the weakest main boss in Elden Ring? ›
- 7) Morgott, the Omen King. ...
- 6) Godfrey, First Elden Lord. ...
- 5) Dragonlord Placidusax. ...
- 4) Mohg, Lord of Blood. ...
- 3) Maliketh, the Black Blade. ...
- 2.5) Godskin Duo. ...
- 2) Radagon of the Golden Order/The Elden Beast. ...
- 1) Malenia, Blade of Miquella.
Talismans capable of improving your survival, such as that of crimson amber, or the legendary talisman of dragon shield help you not to die at the slightest combo. If you're having real difficulty, preparing ranged weapons and projectiles capable of inflicting a dot is a good way to win.
Does killing Malekith lock you out? ›The second "point of no return" comes after players kill Malekith, The Black Blade. Doing this will actually cover Leyndell in ashes, locking players out of certain areas in the Royal Capital.
How do you survive Malekith? ›- Stay behind the Beast Clergyman.
- Watch for ground effects in the Clergyman phase.
- Roll through attacks, not away from them.
- Use the Crimsonburst Crystal Tear to counter damage over time.
- Parry Maliketh with the Blasphemous Claw.
The primary attacks Maliketh uses which can be parried by the Blasphemous Claw are a leaping slam when jumping off a pillar, and attacks which follow his aerial Black Blade projectiles. In both cases, Maliketh's weapon will glow yellow ahead of the strike, so prepare to use the Blasphemous Claw in advance.
What is the strongest Talisman in Elden Ring? ›- Radagon's Soreseal.
- Marika's Soreseal.
- Great-Jar's Arsenal.
- Shard of Alexander.
- Erdtree's Favor +2.
- Radagon Icon.
- Rotten Winged Sword Insignia.
- Graven-MassTalisman.
Physical Augmentation: Malekith could use the Aether to augment his own strength, durability, and healing.
Is Maliketh's sword any good? ›Maliketh's Black Blade is a Colossal Sword in Elden Ring. The Maliketh's Black Blade scales primarily with Strength, Dexterity and Faith. A good Weapon for inflicting holy-based damage.
What is the best summon against Malenia? ›Black Knife Tiche (get her here)– This is one of the best summons in the game and a perfect counter to Malenia. She will dodge enough so Malenia will not auto-feed health off of her on-hit, and her cursed blade move will do significant DPS and offset a lot of her healing.
What is Malenias weakness? ›Malenia, Blade of Miquella | |
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HP | = 33,251 (Demigod) |
Strong VS Poison Rot Holy | Weak to Fire Frostbite Hemorrhage |