Maliketh, the Black Blade is a mandatory late-game boss in Crumbling Farum Azula. The fight starts against the Beast Clergyman and turns into a lightning-fast duel with Maliketh and his Destined Death blade. Here is how to survive both phases.
Quick facts
| Location | Crumbling Farum Azula |
| Nearest Site of Grace | Beside the Great Bridge |
| Required? | Required |
| HP (NG) | 10,620 |
| Runes (NG) | 220,000 |
| Drops | Remembrance of the Black Blade |
| Weak to | Physical damage (Standard, Slash, Strike, Pierce) |
| Resists | Holy (80% negation) |
| Immune to | Madness |
| Spirit Ashes / Co-op | Allowed (Spirit Ashes and co-op) |
| Recommended level | 120–140 (community estimate) |
| Difficulty | ▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▱ 9/10 |
Overview
Maliketh guards the Destined Death at the top of Crumbling Farum Azula. You must beat him to continue the story, and defeating him turns Leyndell into the Ashen Capital.
Phase 1 is the Beast Clergyman: slow, heavy, and full of rock projectiles. Phase 2 is Maliketh himself, one of the fastest bosses in the game. His Black Blade attacks leave a lingering effect that reduces your maximum HP for a short time.
Preparation
- Pick up the Blasphemous Claw in Farum Azula before the fight. It lets you deflect some of Maliketh’s Black Blade attacks.
- The Crimsonburst Crystal Tear helps outheal the Destined Death effect.
- Avoid holy damage: he negates 80% of it.
- A tanky Spirit Ash (Mimic Tear, Black Knife Tiche) buys you healing time.
Phase 1 strategy
Beast Clergyman is slow, so this is your chance to deal damage and build stance damage. If you break his posture late in phase 1, you carry that advantage into phase 2.
Bestial Sling
He flings rocks at you. Roll just before impact.
Beast Claw
A ground-rending claw that sends shockwaves forward. Roll forward into his blind spot.
Piledriver
He leaps and slams the ground. Dodge the slam and roll away from the area of effect.
Phase 2 – Maliketh, the Black Blade
Maliketh draws the Black Blade and becomes extremely aggressive. Stay close: most of his dangerous ranged attacks are worse at a distance.
Black Blade projectiles
He throws spinning blades. Count them: for the three-blade variant, roll toward him.
Destined Death
A wide swipe and a heavy slam that inflict Destined Death. Roll right for the swipe and roll behind him for the slam.
Blasphemous Claw deflect
When he lunges with the white-aura Black Blade attack, use the Blasphemous Claw at the moment of impact to stagger him and open a punish window.
Best builds and tools
- Any strong physical build: colossal weapons, bleed katanas and greatswords all work.
- Bleed and frostbite both build up reasonably well.
- Avoid holy damage and Sacred-infused weapons.
- Talismans: Dragoncrest Greatshield, Crimson Amber Medallion +2, Shard of Alexander.
Rewards
- 220,000 Runes
- Remembrance of the Black Blade (trade for Maliketh’s Black Blade or Black Blade incantation)
- Leyndell becomes the Ashen Capital
Difficulty rating
▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▰▱ 9/10 – Very hard. Phase 2 is fast and relentless, but the Blasphemous Claw and staying close make it manageable once you learn his rhythm.
Frequently asked questions
What does the Blasphemous Claw do?
It lets you deflect Maliketh’s Black Blade attacks when used at the right moment, staggering him.
Is Maliketh mandatory?
Yes. You must beat him to reach Leyndell, Ashen Capital and the end of the game.
What is Maliketh weak to?
Physical damage. He strongly resists holy.
Beaten Maliketh?
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