Who Is the Hardest Boss in Elden Ring?

Surely one challenger in Elden Ring has to stand above the others as the “Hardest Boss,” right? I think we all know the identity of this figure, but let’s talk about it.

Editor’s Note: There will be spoilers for Elden Ring and its hardest boss below.

Elden Ring is known for its brutal difficulty and punishing bosses. Each one poses a unique threat and can sometimes take hours to overcome. From the monstrous Radahn to the dark Malakeith, many bosses had me on the brink of frustration during my first playthrough. However, none were more savage, relentless, or difficult than Malenia, Blade of Miquella.

Malenia is, without a doubt, the hardest boss in Elden Ring. Her agility, devastating attacks, and ability to heal with every successful hit make her a nearly insurmountable challenge. What sets her apart from other bosses is her relentless nature and the small window required to avoid her attacks. The difficulty of this encounter left many players, including myself, stuck for hours or even days.

What should I look out for when facing Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Elden Ring?

In her first form, Malenia is a whirlwind of deadly attacks. She moves like the wind, with her blade cutting just as quickly in lethal arcs that can decimate your health bar in seconds. Her signature move, the Waterfowl Dance, is infamous for its deadly precision and rapid succession of strikes. Surviving this phase demands impeccable timing and perfect dodges.

Many players, like me, struggled so much with her first phase that they didn’t even realize she had a second form after dozens and dozens of attempts. After barely managing to defeat her once, my jaw dropped to see her rise again. In this phase, Malenia gains an aura of Scarlet Rot, which can quickly whittle down your health if you’re not careful.

One of the most frustrating aspects of this battle is Malenia’s ability to heal herself with every hit she lands. This mechanic forces players to match her aggressive strategy, constantly pressuring her while avoiding her devastating blows. The margin for error is slim, making every mistake costly and potentially fatal.

While she is technically optional, Malenia stands as the peak of difficulty in Elden Ring. Her relentless aggression, healing mechanics, and two-phase battle make her a nightmare. After countless attempts, finally seeing her fall was one of the most satisfying moments in Elden Ring.

Elden Ring is available on the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC, and the Shadow of Erdtree DLC appears on June 21, 2024.