Oh no, Elden Ring's new update makes Malenia even harder

News
By published

Update 1.04 made it so Malenia's lifesteal work even when she misses

Malenia
(Image credit: Bandai Namco)

Elden Ring's new update apparently includes a bug that makes the Malenia boss fight even tougher than it already was - and it's worth noting that it's already considered one of the hardest bosses not just in Elden Ring, but in Souls games more generally.

Before Elden Ring patch 1.04, Malenia would gain some of her health back every time she landed a hit on you, but now, she's healing even when she misses. It's an optional boss fight, thank the Elden Lord, but if you are brave enough to take on The Blade of Miquella, be prepared to deal with another frustrating obstacle, at least until FromSoftware patches this pesky big out. 

malenia_is_healing_without_actually_hitting_the from r/Eldenring

Fortunately, patch 1.04 isn't just a big ol' buggy buff for Malenia; it also has some goodies for Tarnished brandishing Colossal swords and magic attacks. Most notably, Colossal swords' weapon attack speed and two-handed attack damage have been increased, while recovery time for this weapon class has been reduced, allowing you to get back into the action more quickly after an attack.

As for magic buffs, the following spells have had their casting speed increased and recovery time decreased: Crystal Barrage, Grave of Haima, Shatter Earth, Ranni's Dark Moon, and Rennala's Full Moon. While the Malenia boss fight seems pretty broken right now, at least these nerfs can help give you an edge, no matter how tiny.

We've reached out to Bandai Namco to ask about the Malenia glitch and we'll update this article if we hear back.

Elden Ring tips | Elden Ring secrets | Elden Ring Classes | Elden Ring Keepsakes | Elden Ring PS4 and PS5 comparison | How to get the Elden Ring horse | Elden Ring Rune farming locations | Elden Ring Summons | Elden Ring stats explained | How to level up in Elden Ring | Elden Ring respec and Larval Tears | Elden Ring merchants | How long is Elden Ring? | Elden Ring cheats | Elden Ring coop and multiplayer | Elden Ring endings | Everything to do in Elden Ring before NG+

Jordan Gerblick
Jordan Gerblick

After earning an English degree from ASU, I worked as a corporate copy editor while freelancing for places like SFX Magazine, Screen Rant, Game Revolution, and MMORPG on the side. I got my big break here in 2019 with a freelance news gig, and I was hired on as GamesRadar's west coast Staff Writer in 2021. That means I'm responsible for managing the site's western regional executive branch, AKA my home office, and writing about whatever horror game I'm too afraid to finish.