Frederic Melton
Beating Malenia, Goddess of Rot in *Elden Ring* can be a daunting challenge, especially when players resort to cheese strategies to exploit her AI. To counter these tactics, it's essential to understand her attack patterns and weaknesses. Malenia's aggressive combos and Scarlet Aeonia phase demand patience and precision. Players should focus on dodging her sweeping attacks, punishing her during brief openings, and managing Scarlet Rot buildup. Utilizing tools like Flask of Crimson Tears and Scarlet Flask can mitigate damage, while equipping Bloodhound Step or other mobility-enhancing skills can create distance. By mastering her rhythm and staying calm, even the most frustrating cheese strategies can be overcome, ensuring a fair and rewarding victory.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss | Malenia, Goddess of Rot (Elden Ring) |
| Cheese Strategy | Exploits mechanics to defeat her unfairly |
| Primary Method | Poison/Rot Build: Utilize weapons and skills that inflict poison or rot damage, exploiting her vulnerability to these status effects. |
| Key Items | Rotten Stray Ashes (summon for rot damage), Poison Mist (skill for poison), Poisonous Mist (incantation for poison), Rotten Breath (incantation for rot) |
| Secondary Method | Ranged Spam: Use long-range attacks (bows, spells) to avoid her melee and Scarlet Aeonia attacks. |
| Key Items | Any strong ranged weapon (e.g., Greatbow, Carian Slicer), Golden Vow (buff for damage), Carian Regal Scepter (for Carian Slicer) |
| Other Tactics | Summons: Use summons to distract her while you attack from afar. Environment: Lure her into tight spaces to limit her movement and Scarlet Aeonia range. |
| Weaknesses | Poison, Rot, Fire |
| Resistances | Physical, Magic, Lightning |
| Phase 2 Trigger | Below 50% health |
| Scarlet Aeonia | Her most dangerous attack, a sweeping wave of rot. Dodge or block it carefully. |
| Bloom | When she blooms, she becomes more aggressive and gains new attacks. |
| Difficulty | Extremely challenging, even with cheese strategies |
| Ethical Considerations | Using cheese strategies is considered by some to be "cheap" and not in the spirit of the game's intended challenge. |
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What You'll Learn
- Phase 1: Dodge & Punish - Learn her slow, predictable attacks; roll through gaps, then counter with 1-2 hits
- Phase 2: Scarlet Aeonia - Stay close, dodge the bloom, and punish her vulnerable animation after the attack
- Scarlet Rot Management - Use Antspur Rapier or Rotten Stray ashes to negate rot damage
- Summon Strategy - Use Rotten Stray or Black Knife Tiche to distract her while you attack
- Scarlet Flame Optimization - Bait her flame attack, dodge early, and punish her long recovery window
Phase 1: Dodge & Punish - Learn her slow, predictable attacks; roll through gaps, then counter with 1-2 hits
Melania's Phase 1 attacks are methodical, almost deliberate, making them deceptively easy to exploit once you recognize their patterns. Her slow wind-up for the scythe swing, for instance, leaves a noticeable gap between her initial movement and the actual strike. This predictability becomes your greatest ally. Instead of panicking, focus on the rhythm: observe how her blade arcs, note the slight pause before her scarlet aeonia projectiles launch, and identify the split-second she’s fully committed to an attack. These moments are your openings.
Mastering the dodge-roll timing is crucial here. Unlike faster bosses, Melania’s attacks often have a "dead zone" – a brief period where she’s fully extended and unable to adjust. Roll *through* these gaps, not away from them. A well-timed roll should position you directly behind her or at her side, where her scythe’s reach can’t follow. Practice this until muscle memory takes over; the goal is to make your evasion feel less like a reaction and more like a deliberate repositioning for punishment.
Counter-attacks in this phase should be surgical: 1-2 hits, maximum. Greed will punish you. Her poise breaks easily during these slow attacks, but only if you strike during her recovery frames. Light, fast weapons excel here – a dagger’s quick R1 or a thrusting sword’s running attack can punish without overextending. Heavier weapons should focus on a single charged R2, timed to land as she completes her swing. Always prioritize consistency over damage; a reliable 200 damage per punish is better than a risky 500 that leaves you vulnerable.
A common mistake is treating this phase as a damage race. Resist the urge. Melania’s health pool is deceptive – Phase 1 is about conditioning her attack patterns into your reflexes, not depleting her stamina bar. Use this phase to practice your roll timing, learn her tells (like the slight lean before a scarlet rot projectile), and build confidence. The real battle begins in Phase 2, and surviving that requires the precision you’re honing here.
Finally, environmental awareness is key. Position yourself near the center of the arena to avoid getting cornered. Scarlet rot buildup is minimal in Phase 1, but it’s still a ticking clock. If you’re struggling with timing, use the pillars for temporary cover during her aeonia flurry, though this should be a last resort – staying mobile is safer. Remember: every attack she misses is an opportunity. Make her predictability your weapon.
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Phase 2: Scarlet Aeonia - Stay close, dodge the bloom, and punish her vulnerable animation after the attack
In the Scarlet Aeonia phase, Malenia's arena transforms into a hazardous garden of death, with blooming flowers that deal massive damage if you're caught in their explosion. To survive this phase, you must master the art of proximity and timing. Staying close to Malenia might seem counterintuitive, but it's the key to minimizing the bloom's impact. When she initiates the attack, the flowers will grow and explode in a radial pattern, leaving safe spots only in close proximity to her. This tactic requires precision and courage, as you'll be within striking distance of her deadly combos.
The bloom attack is a visually stunning yet deadly spectacle. As the flowers grow, they create a mesmerizing display of petals and colors, but don't be fooled by its beauty. The explosion radius is deceptively large, and the damage is severe. To dodge effectively, focus on Malenia's movements rather than the flowers. She will leap into the air, and the bloom will follow a set pattern, starting from her landing point. Practice recognizing this cue, and you'll be able to anticipate the safe zones. A well-timed roll or sprint can carry you through the narrow gaps between the blooms, ensuring your survival.
Now, let's break down the punishment strategy. After the bloom attack, Malenia is left in a vulnerable animation, a brief moment of weakness that you must exploit. This is your opportunity to deal significant damage and regain control of the fight. The key is to strike a balance between aggression and caution. As she lands, quickly close the distance and unleash a combo, but be mindful of her recovery speed. A heavy attack or a well-placed spell can interrupt her and extend her vulnerability, allowing for more punishment. However, be cautious not to overcommit, as she can quickly regain her composure and counter-attack.
To optimize your punishment, consider the following: use fast, high-damage attacks to maximize your output during her vulnerability. If you're a spellcaster, a quick cast of a powerful spell can be effective, but be wary of her potential to dodge or block. For melee builds, a combination of light and heavy attacks can keep her staggered, preventing her from retaliating. Remember, this phase is a delicate dance; one mistake can lead to a swift punishment from Malenia. Practice and patience are crucial to mastering this strategy.
In summary, Phase 2 demands a bold approach, requiring you to stay close to Malenia, navigate the deadly bloom, and capitalize on her vulnerable moments. By understanding the attack patterns and practicing precise dodges, you can turn this phase into an opportunity to gain the upper hand. This strategy showcases the game's depth, where learning enemy behaviors and adapting your tactics are essential for victory. With each attempt, you'll refine your skills, eventually overcoming the Scarlet Aeonia challenge.
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Scarlet Rot Management - Use Antspur Rapier or Rotten Stray ashes to negate rot damage
In the relentless battle against Malenia, the Scarlet Rot's relentless decay can swiftly turn the tide against even the most seasoned Tarnished. This insidious status effect drains your health, leaving you vulnerable to her relentless combos. However, two often-overlooked tools can turn the rot from a liability into a manageable nuisance: the Antspur Rapier and Rotten Stray Ashes.
The Antspur Rapier, a dagger found in the Lake of Rot, is not just a weapon but a survival tool. Its unique skill, Rotten Thorn, grants immunity to Scarlet Rot for a brief period when activated. This immunity window is crucial for repositioning, healing, or launching a counter-offensive during Malenia's rot-infused attacks. To maximize its effectiveness, time the skill activation just as Malenia begins her rot-heavy combos, such as her waterfowl dance. Pairing the rapier with a high Dexterity build amplifies its damage output, making it a dual-purpose tool for offense and defense.
For those who prefer to keep their primary weapon, summoning the Rotten Stray Ashes offers a passive solution. This summon, found in the Aeonia Swamp, grants rot resistance to the player as long as it remains alive. While the Rotten Stray’s combat effectiveness is limited, its ability to mitigate rot damage is invaluable. Position it strategically near Malenia to maintain proximity and ensure the resistance buff remains active. However, beware: the Stray’s low health makes it susceptible to Malenia’s area-of-effect attacks, so monitor its health and resummon if necessary.
Comparing the two methods, the Antspur Rapier provides active control over rot immunity but requires weapon swapping and precise timing. The Rotten Stray Ashes, on the other hand, offer passive resistance but rely on the summon’s survival. For a balanced approach, combine both strategies: use the rapier during critical phases and rely on the Stray for sustained resistance. This dual approach ensures you’re never caught off guard by the rot’s relentless drain.
In conclusion, mastering Scarlet Rot management is key to outlasting Malenia’s prolonged fight. Whether through the Antspur Rapier’s active immunity or the Rotten Stray’s passive resistance, these tools transform a debilitating mechanic into a manageable challenge. Experiment with both methods, adapt to Malenia’s patterns, and reclaim control over the battlefield.
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Summon Strategy - Use Rotten Stray or Black Knife Tiche to distract her while you attack
One of the most effective ways to cheese Malenia, Goddess of Rot, is by leveraging the power of summons. Specifically, Rotten Stray and Black Knife Tiche stand out as exceptional choices for this strategy. These summons are not just distractions; they are damage dealers capable of drawing Malenia’s aggro while you focus on landing your own attacks. The key lies in their AI behavior—both summons aggressively engage the boss, giving you precious seconds to strike without fear of retaliation. This method is particularly useful for players struggling with Malenia’s relentless combos or those who lack the poise to trade blows effectively.
To execute this strategy, start by summoning Rotten Stray or Black Knife Tiche immediately after the fight begins. Position yourself near Malenia but slightly to the side, allowing your summon to engage first. Rotten Stray’s ranged attacks and Black Knife Tiche’s relentless melee assault will force Malenia to focus on them, giving you openings to chip away at her health. Time your attacks during her longer animations, such as her Waterfowl Dance, when she’s fully committed to dealing with the summon. Be mindful of your summon’s health—if it dies, Malenia will shift her attention back to you, so keep a healing flask ready for yourself and consider using a Golden Seed to increase your flask charges.
A critical aspect of this strategy is managing distance and timing. Stay close enough to your summon to ensure Malenia doesn’t ignore it, but far enough to avoid getting caught in her area-of-effect attacks. If Malenia starts targeting you, quickly dodge away and let the summon re-engage her. This dance of aggro management is crucial, as it allows you to minimize damage while maximizing your damage output. For added efficiency, equip a weapon with high bleed buildup, such as Rivers of Blood or Ash of War: Seppuku, to capitalize on the openings created by your summon.
While this summon strategy is powerful, it’s not without risks. Malenia’s Scarlet Aeonia attack, which heals her based on damage dealt, can still turn the tide if you’re not careful. To mitigate this, focus on staggering her before she can complete the attack. Both Rotten Stray and Black Knife Tiche can contribute to stagger damage, making it easier to interrupt her healing. Additionally, keep an eye on your summon’s stamina—if it runs out, it will become vulnerable, potentially leading to its demise. Use this strategy as a crutch, not a crutch you lean on entirely; learn Malenia’s patterns to supplement the summon’s efforts.
In conclusion, the summon strategy using Rotten Stray or Black Knife Tiche is a reliable cheese method for defeating Malenia. It shifts the fight’s dynamics in your favor by forcing her to split her attention, giving you the upper hand. While it requires careful positioning and timing, the payoff is significant, especially for players who find her aggressive playstyle overwhelming. Pair this strategy with bleed weapons and stagger tactics for optimal results, and remember: even with summons, patience and practice are key to victory.
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Scarlet Flame Optimization - Bait her flame attack, dodge early, and punish her long recovery window
Melania's Scarlet Flame attack is a devastating move, but it's also her Achilles' heel. By understanding its mechanics and exploiting its weaknesses, you can turn this fearsome attack into a predictable opening for massive damage.
The key lies in recognizing the attack's telltale signs: a brief pause, a distinct animation, and a glowing aura. This is your cue to act.
Baiting the Flame: Position yourself just outside her melee range, enticing her to use the attack. Don't be too greedy; maintain a distance that allows you to dodge comfortably. Remember, the goal is to trigger the attack, not get hit by it.
Dodge Early, Dodge Decisively: Don't wait for the flames to engulf you. As soon as you see the tell, execute a well-timed dodge. The attack has a slight delay before the flames erupt, giving you a crucial window to escape. Practice your timing until it becomes second nature.
Punish the Vulnerability: Melania's Scarlet Flame leaves her exposed for a surprisingly long time. This is your golden opportunity. Immediately after dodging, unleash a high-damage combo. Focus on attacks that stagger or knock her down, maximizing your damage output during her vulnerability.
Cautions and Considerations: While this strategy is effective, it's not without risk. Be mindful of your stamina; dodging and attacking consecutively can leave you vulnerable if you overextend. Additionally, be aware of your surroundings. Melania's other attacks can still catch you off guard if you're too focused on baiting the flame.
Mastering Scarlet Flame Optimization requires patience and practice. However, by understanding the attack's rhythm and exploiting its weaknesses, you can transform this daunting move into a predictable pattern, paving the way for a victorious battle against Melania.
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Frequently asked questions
Melania cheese refers to a strategy or exploit in the video game *Elden Ring* where players use a specific tactic to defeat Malenia, Goddess of Rot, often involving summoning NPCs or exploiting AI behavior. It’s considered challenging to beat because Malenia is one of the toughest bosses in the game, requiring precise timing, high damage output, and the ability to counter her aggressive moveset.
To beat Malenia without cheese, focus on learning her attack patterns, dodging her Waterfowl Dance, and using high poise or hyperarmor weapons to trade damage effectively. Equip Scarlet Aeonia or use Flask of Crimson Tears to mitigate Scarlet Rot damage, and prioritize stamina management to avoid being caught off guard.
Effective builds include strength-based weapons like the Rivers of Blood katana or colossal swords for high damage, intelligence builds with Comet Azur or Moonveil for ranged attacks, or a bleed build using weapons like the Ash of War: Seppuku. Pair these with high vigor, endurance, and mind stats for survivability.
To dodge Waterfowl Dance, wait for the first flurry of slashes, then sprint or roll backward to create distance. Time your dodge carefully, as the attack has a wide range and multiple hits. Using a shield with high physical defense or a weapon with hyperarmor can also help absorb or trade damage during this phase.
