One of the most iconic and feared attacks inElden Ringis Malenia’s devastating Waterfowl Dance. As the Blade of Miquella and one of the hardest bosses in the game, Malenia uses this aggressive combo to shred players in seconds, often ending fights before they truly begin. The attack’s unpredictable movement and multiple flurry phases make it a true test of skill, timing, and reaction. For players attempting to defeat her, understanding how the Waterfowl Dance works and how to avoid it is crucial for survival and victory. Mastering this single move can mean the difference between frustration and triumph.
Who Is Malenia, Blade of Miquella?
Malenia is a legendary demigod and one of the most powerful beings in the Lands Between. She serves as a Shardbearer boss, found deep within the Haligtree area in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. With a tragic backstory and a unique fighting style, Malenia is a graceful yet deadly warrior who combines swift katana strikes with Scarlet Rot-based abilities.
Why Malenia Is Feared
- High Speed: Malenia’s attacks are fast, and her movement can be difficult to predict.
- Lifesteal Mechanic: Every successful hit she lands heals her, even when blocked.
- Waterfowl Dance: Her signature attack can wipe players out in a single combo.
- Two-Phase Fight: Malenia transforms in phase two, gaining new deadly abilities and Scarlet Aeonia.
Even experienced players can find themselves struggling with her mechanics. That’s why learning how to handle Waterfowl Dance is one of the most important steps in overcoming this brutal boss encounter.
What Is Waterfowl Dance?
Waterfowl Dance is Malenia’s most lethal attack. It’s a multi-stage aerial combo where she leaps into the air and performs a series of lightning-fast slashes, dancing across the battlefield in sweeping arcs. This combo tracks the player and covers a wide radius, often leading to instant death if not avoided properly.
Attack Breakdown
- Initiation: Malenia jumps into the air and hovers briefly, signaling the start of the move.
- First Flurry: She rapidly dashes toward the player with a flurry of slashes, usually catching those within melee range.
- Second Flurry: After a brief pause, she follows up with another multi-directional combo that covers more distance.
- Final Sweep: The last set of slashes has wider range and hits harder, designed to punish rolling too early or too late.
This attack is extremely difficult to dodge unless the timing is perfectly understood. It can also be difficult to recognize in the heat of battle, especially during phase one where she uses it unexpectedly.
How to Recognize Waterfowl Dance
Being able to anticipate the Waterfowl Dance gives you precious moments to prepare or retreat. Fortunately, there are a few clear tells:
- Visual Cue: Malenia jumps straight up and hovers mid-air with her sword extended.
- Audio Cue: A brief wind-like sound begins, signaling the attack’s charge-up.
- Distance Cue: She usually performs the move when you are within close to mid-range. Backing off quickly can sometimes prevent its trigger.
These brief windows give you just enough time to decide your defensive action, whether that means running away, rolling through, or activating a protective ability.
Strategies to Avoid or Survive Waterfowl Dance
While there’s no perfect, one-size-fits-all answer, there are several strategies players have discovered to consistently avoid or reduce damage from Waterfowl Dance.
1. Run Away Immediately
If you’re at mid to long range when she jumps, you can often sprint directly away from her and escape the radius of the first flurry. Keep running, and dodge as she comes closer for the follow-up swings. This tactic requires awareness and quick reaction time.
2. Perfect Dodging
For those with good timing, rolling into Malenia during each flurry just before the slashes land can allow you to avoid all damage. This strategy is high risk but also keeps you in range for a counterattack. Be careful not to panic roll too early, which often results in being caught by the combo’s later phases.
3. Use Shields Wisely
Most normal shields won’t save you from Waterfowl Dance. However, a 100% physical block Greatshield can help mitigate some of the damage, though you will likely get guard broken before the combo ends. Combine this with the Greatshield Talisman and high endurance stats for better results.
4. Equip Bloodhound’s Step or Quickstep
These Ashes of War allow you to move with high speed and invincibility frames, ideal for dodging Waterfowl Dance. Bloodhound’s Step is especially helpful as it provides a large evasive dash, often letting you escape the entire sequence unharmed if timed correctly.
5. Use Freeze Time Effects
Some spells or incantations, such as Night’s Maiden Mist or defensive buffs, can stall Malenia’s tracking or reduce the likelihood of her performing the attack if used strategically. These are more situational but can buy valuable time during combat.
Best Builds and Loadouts to Counter Malenia
While no build can make the Waterfowl Dance harmless, certain setups increase your odds of surviving the encounter and getting through her flurry of attacks.
High Poise and Armor
Equipping heavy armor like Bull-Goat or Lionel’s Set can reduce stagger, helping you withstand the first hits. While this doesn’t guarantee survival, it improves your chances of surviving if you mistime a dodge or block.
Rot Resistance
Since Malenia also uses Scarlet Rot in phase two, equipping gear and talismans that resist rot (like the Mushroom Crown or Immunizing Horn Charm) can help with long-term survivability and healing management.
Long-Range Builds
Keeping your distance with Sorceries or Bows allows you to avoid being in range when the Waterfowl Dance triggers. Spells like Rock Sling, Comet Azur, or Loretta’s Greatbow give strong damage potential while maintaining safety.
Practicing the Fight
Learning to avoid the Waterfowl Dance takes practice. Each failed attempt gives you insight into her timing, spacing, and attack rhythm. Consider these tips to improve your mastery of the battle:
- Record the fight: Watching replays helps identify exactly where your dodges go wrong.
- Practice phase one: Focus solely on surviving the first phase repeatedly before worrying about the second.
- Experiment with summons: Spirit Ashes like Black Knife Tiche or Mimic Tear can help draw aggro or interrupt her rhythm, creating space to escape her deadly combo.
Final Phase Considerations
In phase two, Malenia gains the power of Scarlet Rot and new explosive attacks. Fortunately, she performs Waterfowl Dance less frequently here, but when she does, the context is more chaotic due to her added AOE damage and butterfly wings. All previously mentioned dodging techniques still apply, but you’ll also have to contend with additional hazards.
Malenia’s Waterfowl Dance inElden Ringis more than just a flashy move it’s a deadly trial of precision and patience. Understanding its timing, avoiding its reach, and crafting a strategy around it is the key to conquering one of the game’s most notorious bosses. While it may feel impossible at first, repeated practice and awareness can turn this feared combo into just another obstacle on your path to victory. Defeating Malenia is no small feat, but surviving the Waterfowl Dance is the first step toward mastering the fight and claiming one of the most satisfying wins in the Lands Between.