Elden Ring's stunning open world design and enticing combat can keep players hooked for hundreds of hours. In that time, they can encounter over 100 boss fights, each posing a unique challenge. However, for those only interested in the main story, there are just 12 that need to be defeated; Maliketh, the Black Blade is one of them.

Maliketh is found at the end of the Crumbling Farum Azula Legacy Dungeon, which becomes accessible after defeating the Fire Giant at the Forge of the Giants. He guards the Rune of Death in his initial form as the Beast Clergyman, before transforming into his agile Half-Wolf form as Maliketh, the Black Blade. Although his second phase is very tough, his attacks can be learned and read to effectively dodge and counterattack.

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Breaking Down The Fight Against Maliketh, The Black Blade

Elden Ring Beast Clergyman boss

Upon entering the battle arena, the Tarnished will be met by the familiar face of the Beast Clergyman. This is Maliketh's alias and acts as the fight's first phase. He wields a short blade for stabbing, swiping and lunge attacks, but his real threat lies in his ranged attacks. The Beast Clergyman can conjure and throw a large boulder or several spiked rocks towards the Tarnished, dealing damage and knocking players back. He will also drag his dagger along the floor, before swiping upwards to launch rocks into the air, which will crash down upon an unsuspecting Tarnished.

Once The Beast Clergyman reaches half-health, a short animation will play out where he transforms into his true self: Maliketh, the Black Blade. Maliketh is an extremely agile Half-Wolf whose weapon can be devastating as it reduces the Tarnished's maximum health, while also sapping HP over time. 

Maliketh has a variety of attacks, most of which are launched from the air. One sees him leap onto the arena's pillars, before somersaulting off and launching a red wave of holy damage toward the player. He also has a combination attack where he jumps side to side three times, launching a wave with each jump, before diving towards the Tarnished with a large sweep attack. Another jump attack sees him move straight upwards, before slamming down. He will then jump back out of this landing, dealing damage around him.

Not all of his attacks are launched from the air, however. He has a surprisingly slow sword slam animation and a more agile 360 sword spin and forward slam combination. He can also roar to send out a wave of damage which knocks down the Tarnished and leaves them exposed.

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Strategies For Defeating Maliketh, The Black Blade

Elden Ring Maliketh, the Black Blade fight

As always, preparation is key. For players who have completed the Volcano Manor questline and been invaded by Recusant Bernahl, the Blasphemous Claw he drops can be very usefulm as it helps deflect the power of Maliketh's Black Blade. The mimic tear will also be very useful as it can distract and draw fire from Maliketh. The boss himself is weak to physical attacks so a melee approach will work best. All players should avoid holy attacks as Maliketh has a 98% resistance to them.

The first stage of this boss fight is fairly straightforward. The Beast Clergyman's blade attacks are fairly quick so players should dodge them and wait until the rock throw or dagger drag animations begin to move forwards and deal damage. Jump attacks will be particularly effective at breaking poise and opening him up for consecutive hits. Be patient and repeat these steps until he hits half health and transforms into Maliketh, the Black Blade.

The second phase of this fight can prove difficult, as Maliketh's supreme agility means players have little time to react. Ensure the camera is locked on early, as it's easy to lose the Half-Wolf as he moves quickly around the arena. For healing, players should utilize the arena's pillars to block incoming attacks.

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When Maliketh is airborne, players should simply prepare to read which attack he'll pull off and dodge, as he'll be practically impossible to hit in these moments. For example, as he jumps side to side, count three jumps, dodging the magic waves he sends with each one, before rolling forward to avoid his final lunge. Likewise, when Maliketh jumps straight upwards, he's about to slam straight down so players need to again roll forwards to dodge. As Maliketh recovers from his attacks, players can launch their offense.

The boss' non-airborne attacks should be approached in the same way. Read his animation triggers before dodging sideways for his slam attack or forwards for his 360 blade spin and follow up forward slam attack. Once these animations are complete, move in and attack. Players who can learn Maliketh's attack patterns and master these dodge and counterattack timings will soon emerge victoriously.

What You Get For Defeating Maliketh, The Black Blade

Elden Ring Maliketh defeated

Players will be rewarded with 220,000 runes and the Remembrance of the Black Blade for defeating Maliketh. The Remembrance can be traded for Maliketh's Black Blade and its attached Destined Death skill or the Black Blade incantation. Both deal holy damage, as well as reducing the opponent's maximum HP and dealing damage over time. After this fight, the Tarnished will be transported to Leyndell, Ashen Capital to continue their journey towards becoming Elden Lord.

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