Randy Chandler
In *Elden Ring's Shadow of the Erdtree* DLC, players often seek efficient strategies to defeat challenging bosses, and Malenia, Goddess of Rot, is no exception. Cheesing Malenia involves exploiting specific tactics or mechanics to simplify the fight, such as using bleed buildup, poison, or ranged attacks to minimize direct confrontation. Popular methods include summoning NPCs like Lettuce or using the Rivers of Blood katana for rapid bleed procs. Additionally, positioning and baiting her into specific attacks can create openings for safer damage. While cheesing may not align with a traditional, honorable approach, it offers a viable solution for players struggling with her relentless aggression and complex moveset.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Boss Name | Starscourge Radahn (Shadow of the Erdtree DLC) |
| Cheese Strategy | Summon + Rooftop Sniping |
| Required Summons | Alexander (Iron Virgin Knight) or other high-damage NPC summons |
| Location | Rooftop near the Festival Site of Repose grace site |
| Recommended Weapons | Long-range weapons (Bows, Crossbows, Magic Spells) |
| Recommended Talismans | Talon of the Black Eagle (for ranged damage boost) |
| Strategy Overview | Summon Alexander, lure Radahn below the rooftop, and snipe from above |
| Radahn's Weakness | Lightning damage |
| Phase 1 Focus | Stay on the rooftop, avoid direct combat, let summons tank damage |
| Phase 2 Focus | Continue sniping from the rooftop, avoid meteor attacks |
| Key Avoidance | Radahn's gravitational pull, meteor strikes, and close-range attacks |
| Difficulty | Significantly reduced with cheese strategy |
| Rewards | Great Stars, Radahn's Summon Sign, and progress in the DLC storyline |
| Notes | Requires precise positioning and timing to keep Radahn under the rooftop |
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What You'll Learn
- Summon Allies Strategically: Use NPC summons like Alexander or Patches to distract Radahn during the fight
- Poison Build-Up: Apply poison status with weapons or spells to drain Radahn’s health over time
- Ranged Sniping: Use long-range weapons like bows or spells to chip away at Radahn’s health safely
- Exploit Arena Terrain: Use the arena’s edges to avoid attacks and create distance from Radahn
- Bleeding Proc Tactics: Stack bleeding damage with weapons or spells to quickly deplete Radahn’s health bar
Summon Allies Strategically: Use NPC summons like Alexander or Patches to distract Radahn during the fight
In the battle against Radahn in *Shadow of the Erdtree*, every advantage counts, and summoning NPC allies is a game-changer. Alexander and Patches, in particular, serve as invaluable distractions, drawing Radahn’s aggro and creating windows of opportunity for you to strike. Position these summons strategically—Alexander’s tankiness makes him ideal for absorbing damage, while Patches’ erratic movements can confuse Radahn’s targeting. Time their summons to coincide with Radahn’s vulnerable phases, such as after a heavy attack or during his meteor shower, maximizing their effectiveness.
The key to this strategy lies in understanding Radahn’s AI. He prioritizes the closest or most aggressive threat, making summons a perfect decoy. Alexander’s large health pool ensures he lasts long enough to keep Radahn occupied, while Patches’ hit-and-run tactics force Radahn to shift focus repeatedly. Use this to your advantage by staying at medium range, striking only when Radahn is fully engaged with your allies. Avoid summoning too early; wait until Radahn is in the arena and has begun his attack pattern to ensure your NPCs aren’t wasted.
While this tactic is powerful, it’s not without risks. Radahn’s area-of-effect attacks can still hit you, even if he’s targeting your summons. Stay mobile and keep an eye on his movements to avoid collateral damage. Additionally, NPCs have limited health and will eventually fall, so manage their summon timings carefully. If one ally is low on health, dismiss them manually to free up a summon slot for a fresh replacement. This ensures a constant distraction for Radahn throughout the fight.
The beauty of this approach is its simplicity. You don’t need high-level gear or flawless dodges—just smart summon management. Pair this strategy with a bleed or poison build to chip away at Radahn’s health while he’s distracted. Remember, the goal isn’t to rely solely on your allies but to use them as a tool to create openings. With patience and timing, summoning Alexander or Patches can turn a daunting boss fight into a manageable, even predictable, encounter.
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Poison Build-Up: Apply poison status with weapons or spells to drain Radahn’s health over time
Poison Build-Up is a cunning strategy to wear down Malenia, Goddess of Rot, in *Shadow of the Erdtree*, leveraging her susceptibility to poison to drain her health over time. Unlike direct damage approaches, this method relies on consistent application of poison status, making it ideal for players who prefer a more methodical, attrition-based playstyle. The key lies in equipping weapons or spells that inflict poison, ensuring a steady buildup of the status effect even as Malenia’s aggressive combos force you to dodge and retreat.
To execute this strategy effectively, prioritize weapons with innate poison properties, such as the Poisoned Mist Urumi or the Rotten Greataxe, or infuse your weapon with the Poison Grease consumable. Alternatively, spells like Toxic Mist or Poisonous Mist can be cast from a distance, though this requires careful positioning to avoid Malenia’s relentless pursuit. Aim to apply poison during openings after her slower, more telegraphed attacks, such as her Waterfowl Dance or Scarlet Aeonia, as these provide brief windows to strike or cast spells.
The effectiveness of Poison Build-Up hinges on patience and persistence. Poison damage scales with buildup, meaning multiple applications are necessary to maximize its impact. Keep a close eye on the poison meter beneath Malenia’s health bar, as full buildup results in continuous damage over time. Pair this strategy with Poisoned Knives or Poison Arrows for additional buildup from range, especially if you’re using a melee weapon without innate poison. However, beware of overcommitting—Malenia’s high poise and aggressive stance can punish greediness.
One critical caution: Poison Build-Up is not a quick-kill strategy. It’s best suited for players willing to trade speed for safety, as the method relies on chipping away at Malenia’s health bar over an extended encounter. Additionally, ensure you have sufficient Antidote Boluses or Poison-Resistant Flasks to counter her Scarlet Rot attacks, which can quickly deplete your health if left unchecked. Combining poison with occasional direct damage, such as critical hits or charged attacks, can expedite the process without abandoning the core strategy.
In conclusion, Poison Build-Up offers a tactical, low-risk approach to defeating Malenia, leveraging her vulnerability to poison for gradual health drain. While it demands patience and precision, the method rewards players who prioritize survival over speed, turning the battle into a war of attrition rather than a test of reflexes. With the right tools and timing, even the Goddess of Rot can be brought to her knees by the slow, relentless march of poison.
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Ranged Sniping: Use long-range weapons like bows or spells to chip away at Radahn’s health safely
Ranged sniping against Radahn in *Shadow of the Erdtree* hinges on maximizing distance while minimizing risk. Position yourself on elevated terrain, such as the rocky outcroppings near the battlefield’s perimeter, to exploit Radahn’s limited vertical tracking. Bows like the Pulley Crossbow or spells like Carian Slicer offer consistent damage from afar, but prioritize weapons with high stagger potential to disrupt his attacks. Aim for his legs or torso, as these areas are less likely to trigger aggressive counters.
The key to success lies in patience and timing. Radahn’s sweeping attacks have long wind-ups, providing windows to fire 2-3 shots before retreating. Avoid greediness—overcommitting leaves you vulnerable to his devastating combos. Use the battlefield’s terrain to your advantage; the circular arena’s edges allow you to circle-strafe while maintaining distance. Pair this strategy with a Golden Vow or Terra Magica buff to amplify damage without closing the gap.
Comparatively, ranged sniping is less flashy than melee tactics but far more forgiving. While melee builds require precise dodging and poise management, sniping relies on positioning and stamina conservation. This approach is ideal for players using dexterity or intelligence builds, as it leverages their natural strengths. However, it demands a steady hand and an understanding of Radahn’s attack patterns, particularly his homing arrows and meteor strikes, which can disrupt your rhythm.
To optimize this strategy, equip talismans like the Arrow’s Reach or Magic Scorpion Charm to extend your range and damage. For spellcasters, the Meteorite Staff or Carian Regal Scepter pairs well with high-damage spells like Comet Azur or Glintstone Pebble. If using a bow, coat arrows with Poison or Blood for additional damage over time. Remember to summon allies like Alexander or the Black Knife Tiche to distract Radahn, further reducing his focus on you.
In conclusion, ranged sniping is a methodical, low-risk approach to defeating Radahn. It requires careful positioning, timing, and resource management but rewards patience with a safe, consistent damage output. While it may take longer than aggressive melee tactics, it’s a reliable strategy for players prioritizing survival over speed. Master this technique, and Radahn’s health bar will steadily dwindle, leaving you victorious without ever entering his deadly melee range.
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Exploit Arena Terrain: Use the arena’s edges to avoid attacks and create distance from Radahn
The arena's edges are your greatest ally in the battle against Radahn. This colossal foe's sweeping attacks and gravitational pull make maintaining distance crucial. By hugging the arena's perimeter, you exploit Radahn's size, forcing him to adjust his attacks and creating precious moments to strike or heal.
Imagine the arena as a clock face. Position yourself at the "6 o'clock" position relative to Radahn. This allows you to sidestep his frontal assaults, like his devastating gravity slam, while keeping you out of reach of his tail sweeps.
This strategy isn't about constant movement; it's about calculated positioning. Time your dashes to coincide with Radahn's wind-ups, using the arena's curvature to your advantage. When he unleashes his arrow storm, the edges provide natural cover, allowing you to dodge or endure the barrage with minimal damage.
Remember, Radahn's attacks have significant recovery times. Use these moments to close the distance slightly, unleash a few strikes, then immediately retreat to your safe zone.
While this tactic requires patience and precision, it's incredibly effective. By mastering the art of edge-hugging, you transform the arena from a battleground into a strategic tool, tipping the scales in your favor against the mighty Radahn.
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Bleeding Proc Tactics: Stack bleeding damage with weapons or spells to quickly deplete Radahn’s health bar
Bleeding damage is a potent tool against Radahn in *Shadow of the Erdtree*, capable of turning a grueling battle into a manageable encounter. The key lies in stacking bleed procs to exploit Radahn’s vulnerability to this status effect. Unlike chip damage, bleed accumulates in a hidden meter, and once filled, it triggers a burst of damage that ignores defense. Against a boss with Radahn’s massive health pool, this mechanic becomes a game-changer.
To execute this strategy, prioritize weapons or spells with innate bleed effects. The Rivers of Blood katana, for instance, applies bleed with every hit, making it a top choice for this tactic. Pair it with the Seppuku Ash of War to self-inflict bleed temporarily, boosting your weapon’s proc rate. Alternatively, the Blade of Calling or Ekzykes’s Flail offer reliable bleed buildup, though their attack speed is slower. For spellcasters, Blade Dance or Bloody Slash can be spammed to stack bleed quickly, though melee options tend to be more efficient due to Radahn’s aggressive AI.
Timing is critical. Radahn’s attacks leave brief openings, so focus on dodging and punishing with bleed-infused strikes. Aim for his legs or flanks during his wide sweeps or after he completes a combo. Avoid greediness; one or two hits are often safer than risking a full combo. If you’re using a weapon with innate bleed, like the Rivers of Blood, light attacks are sufficient to stack the bleed meter without overextending.
Caution is warranted with this strategy. Bleed buildup relies on consistent hits, so missing attacks wastes valuable opportunities. Radahn’s second phase introduces more aggressive patterns, making it harder to land strikes. Additionally, over-reliance on bleed can leave you vulnerable if your weapon breaks or you run out of FP for spells. Always carry repair materials or backup weapons to adapt mid-fight.
In conclusion, bleeding proc tactics offer a high-reward approach to defeating Radahn. By stacking bleed damage through weapons like the Rivers of Blood or spells like Blade Dance, players can bypass his massive health pool and shorten the fight significantly. Mastery of timing, weapon choice, and adaptability ensures this strategy remains effective even in Radahn’s most chaotic phases.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest method involves using ranged attacks or spells from a safe distance, such as the Rooftop Sniping strategy, where you attack Radahn from the rooftops of the nearby buildings to avoid his melee attacks.
Yes, summoning NPCs like Alexander or using the Torrent mount to stay out of reach while they tank damage can significantly reduce the difficulty of the fight.
Using high-damage ranged spells like Comet Azur or weapons with long reach, such as the Halo Scythe, can make the fight much easier by allowing you to stay out of Radahn's melee range.
Radahn's AI can be manipulated by staying at the edges of the arena or using the environment to block his attacks, forcing him into predictable patterns that you can exploit with ranged attacks or spells.
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