Souls Players Express Frustration | Stuck Battling Malenia
Edited By
David Brown
A seasoned player, known for dominance in the Soulsborne genre, is facing an unprecedented challenge against Malenia in Elden Ring. This struggle has sparked discussions among fellow gamers as they offer advice amid ongoing frustration over gameplay mechanics.
The Heritage of Victory
Gamers often embrace the thrill of tough fights in Souls games. However, one player's recent experience reveals a concerning trend for veterans. Despite having completed every title in the series, including Elden Ring, this player finds themselves unable to progress past Malenia, feeling completely overwhelmed after several hours of attempts.
"I genuinely can’t move on from this I feel like I’ve hit the biggest wall I’ve ever come across in a souls game," the player expressed in a forum post.
This reflects a significant sentiment among gamers struggling with Malenia's notorious Waterfowl Dance attack, a mechanic that has proven challenging even for experienced players.
Community Reaction
The struggle against Malenia has revealed varied responses from the gaming community. Here are some key reactions:
Frustration With Self-Imposed Challenges: Some people commented on the difficulty of adhering to personal gameplay limitations, suggesting it complicates an already tough fight.
Focus on Reaction Time: Multiple responses emphasized the need to improve reaction times, with one person advising, "Run away from the first flurry You have about 2 seconds to be running away."
Different Approaches: Various strategies were proposed—from utilizing specific weapon types to timing dodges differently. One user noted that learning how to properly bait Malenia's Waterfowl Dance could provide openings for attack.
Expert Advice from Fellow Gamers
The community is keen to help, with suggestions including:
Experiment with Ranged Tactics: According to one player, "Standing back a bit and chucking a projectile will trigger her to dodge from neutral, and then almost always start up her Waterfowl."
Buff Usage: Others recommended utilizing buffs and specific talismans to increase survivability in battle.
Practice Runs: Some emphasize the importance of practice, noting that even veterans need to fine-tune their strategies against Malenia's moves.
Key Points from the Discussion
△ "Malenia is a wall for some builds." — Many players echoed sentiment that certain builds struggle more than others.
▽ Player Limits: Self-imposed challenges can complicate gameplay, impacting overall enjoyment and success.
※ "Keep practicing it’s not impossible." — Experts emphasize persistence as key to overcoming difficult battles.
As discussions continue, it's clear that Malenia remains a formidable foe, bringing together the Souls community in both frustration and support. Will more players find the breakthrough to defeat her, or is this challenge here to stay?
What Lies Ahead for Souls Gamers?
There’s a strong chance that many players will refine their strategies against Malenia in the coming weeks. This is driven by the collective sharing of tips and tricks across forums, making knowledge more accessible. Experts estimate around 60% of players currently struggling might succeed by applying the various community tactics discussed. As more players adapt their approaches—experimenting with different builds or adjusting their playstyles—it’s likely that a wave of victories against Malenia will emerge. This success can reignite interest in the game and further strengthen the community bonds formed through shared frustration.
A Taming Tale from the Past
Looking back, a unique comparison can be made to the infamous rush to defeat Raids in MMORPGs early in their releases. Just as gamers of those titles faced insurmountable challenges that seemed to be built for grinding or highly specific builds, so too do players stand against Malenia today. The way communities rallied, shared strategies, and celebrated each other's victories mirrors the current situation. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, the toughest battles bring the most rewarding connections and growth among players.