Hand of Malenia Build

S-Tier Dexterity Build • Elden Ring
Hand of Malenia Build
  • White Mask
    Helm
    White Mask Raises attack power by 10% for 20 seconds when blood loss occurs nearby
  • Ronin's Armor
    Chest Armor
    Ronin's Armor Lightweight armor with good balance of protection and mobility
  • Ronin's Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Ronin's Gauntlets Matching gauntlets for consistent defense
  • Ronin's Greaves
    Legs
    Ronin's Greaves Completes the Ronin set for balanced protection
  • Hand of Malenia
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Hand of Malenia Legendary katana of Malenia. Weapon skill: Waterfowl Dance
  • Nagakiba
    Left Hand (Secondary)
    Nagakiba Backup katana for powerstancing and extended reach
  • Shard of Alexander
    Talisman
    Shard of Alexander Greatly boosts attack power of skills by 15%
  • Rotten Winged Sword Insignia
    Talisman
    Rotten Winged Sword Insignia Greatly raises attack power with successive attacks
  • Lord of Blood's Exultation
    Talisman
    Lord of Blood's Exultation Raises attack power by 20% when blood loss occurs nearby
  • Millicent's Prosthesis
    Talisman
    Millicent's Prosthesis Raises dexterity by 5 and boosts attack power with successive attacks
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 12
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Essential for aggressive playstyle.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 3
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for Waterfowl Dance usage.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Thorny Cracked Tear + Dexterity-knot Crystal Tear
    Effects
    Successive attacks restore HP
    Temporarily boosts Dexterity by 10
  • Seppuku
    Seppuku
    Inflicts self-damage to gain blood loss buff. Massive damage increase.
  • Bloodboil Aromatic
    Bloodboil Aromatic
    Increases attack power but makes you more vulnerable.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 50 (Essential HP for survivability)
  • Mind: 20 (Sufficient FP for weapon skills)
  • Endurance: 25 (Stamina for aggressive combat)
  • Strength: 16 (Minimum for Hand of Malenia)
  • Dexterity: 80 (Soft cap for maximum damage)
  • Intelligence: 9 (Base stat)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 12 (Slight boost for bleed buildup)

How to Get Hand of Malenia

  • Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella in Miquella's Haligtree
  • One of the most challenging bosses in Elden Ring
  • Trade Remembrance of the Rot Goddess at Roundtable Hold
  • Can duplicate remembrance at Mausoleums for both sword and incantation

Mastering Waterfowl Dance

  • Timing: Animation has startup vulnerability - position carefully
  • Range: Excellent reach and area coverage
  • Combo Potential: Works well with successive attack buffs
  • FP Cost: Moderate consumption - manage with Cerulean Tears

Gameplay Strategy

  • Aggressive Pressure: Maintain constant offensive pressure for successive attack bonuses
  • Waterfowl Timing: Use weapon skill during enemy openings or to close distance
  • Bleed Buildup: Combine with Seppuku for massive hemorrhage damage
  • Powerstancing: Dual-wield with Nagakiba for devastating combo potential
  • Positioning: Excellent range allows for safe spacing

PvP Notes

  • Intimidation Factor: Waterfowl Dance commands respect and space
  • Mixup Potential: Alternate between regular attacks and weapon skill
  • Range Advantage: Excellent reach for catching dodging opponents
  • Rollcatch: Skilled users can catch panic rolls with proper timing

Alternative Equipment

  • Helm: Okina Mask for +3 Dexterity boost
  • Secondary: Uchigatana with Seppuku for versatility
  • Armor: Land of Reeds Set for authentic samurai aesthetic
  • Talisman: Claw Talisman for enhanced jump attacks