Maliketh is a late-game main-progression boss in Crumbling Farum Azula. The encounter has a major phase change and is one of the points where Elden Ring sharply increases speed and punishment for bad positioning.
Phase-one approach
Use the first phase to learn spacing and conserve resources. Avoid chasing every opening if doing so leaves you trapped near walls or unable to respond to the next attack.
Second-phase pressure
The later phase is much faster, so short and reliable punish windows are safer than long attack strings. Keep enough stamina to reposition immediately after dealing damage.
Preparation checklist
- Arrive with a well-upgraded primary weapon or casting tool.
- Keep enough Vigor to survive short mistakes.
- Use arena geometry when it helps break pressure.
- Save healing and high-value resources for the second phase.
Build adjustment
If the fight feels impossible, change one constraint at a time: survivability, weapon speed, range, stamina use or talisman setup. A safer attack pattern can be more valuable than a small increase in theoretical damage.