Maliketh, the Black Blade Hard
Weaknesses
Resistances
Battle Strategies
- Phase 1 (Beast Clergyman): aggressive melee attacks — stay close and dodge forward through swings
- Use the Blasphemous Claw item to parry his Black Blade attacks in Phase 2
- Phase 2: his attacks reduce your MAX HP temporarily — aggressive play to end the fight fast
- He's extremely mobile in Phase 2 — ranged attacks help when he's airborne
- The pillars in the arena can block some of his projectile attacks
- This is a DPS race — the longer the fight, the more your HP cap shrinks
Rewards
Best Builds for Maliketh, the Black Blade
These builds exploit Maliketh, the Black Blade's weaknesses and match the fight's demands.
Speed is essential against Maliketh. Bleed procs on his moderate HP pool end the fight before the HP reduction becomes critical.
Transient Moonlight can catch Maliketh during his aerial combos. The stagger can interrupt his most dangerous attacks.
Waterfowl Dance can catch Maliketh during landing windows. The aggression matches his pace and prevents him from pressuring you.
With Mimic Tear holding aggro, the Comet Azur combo can near-one-shot Phase 2 Maliketh during his transition animation.
Builds to Avoid Against Maliketh, the Black Blade
These archetypes struggle in this fight. Consider respeccing if you're stuck.
Maliketh's Black Blade attacks go through shields and reduce max HP. The entire shield strategy is countered by his kit.
Holy damage is resisted, and his speed makes Wave of Gold's cast time a liability.