Elden Ring – How to Dodge and Counter Melania’s Attacks

Here’s a guide to help you get better at handling Melania’s specific attacks and how to counter them in Elden Ring. Melania is known for several aggressive moves, including quick flurry attacks, waterfowl, jumping thrust, and flower dance (flower clones).

The Basics

Melania boasts a variety of attacks, two of which are notably challenging to evade, while the other two are frequently employed:

• Flurry Attacks: Melania unleashes a series of three rapid strikes followed by a standard attack. Dodging these requires swift reflexes and precise timing. Roll or sidestep to evade the flurry, then be prepared for the subsequent strike.
• Jumping Thrust: This maneuver sees Melania leaping into the air before thrusting towards her target. Timing is crucial here; anticipate her leap and roll away to avoid the incoming thrust.
• Waterfowl: An iconic move in Melania’s arsenal, this attack is renowned among players. While its specifics may vary, it’s crucial to recognize the telltale signs and react accordingly. Prepare to dodge or block as needed.
• Flower Dance/Flower Clones (2nd Phase): Melania unleashes a punishing assault, striking with significant force. During the second phase of the battle, she may summon flower clones to amplify her attacks. Evade swiftly and remain vigilant to avoid taking substantial damage.

To effectively counter Melania’s onslaught:

• Consider Your Equipment Load: Whether opting for a light or medium equip load, ensure your agility allows for swift movement, facilitating dodges and evasions.
• Utilize a Shield: While most attacks can be shielded with a shield boasting 100% physical defense, be mindful that Melania may still heal herself even if you successfully block her assaults.

Flurry Attacks

The flurry attack consists of three swift slashes followed by a ‘normal’ slash or a wind-up slash. Melania’s movements provide a basic indicator for this attack.

To evade it effectively, roll left behind her right hand, the side where she holds her katana. This maneuver can be executed with either a light or medium roll.

After dodging, observe Melania’s follow-up. If there’s a noticeable gap between the three slashes and the subsequent attack, it’s a wind-up, providing an opportunity to counterattack or heal. However, if she swiftly follows with another slash, expect another set of attacks.

During her second phase, Melania becomes more aggressive. Exercise patience and wait for openings to strike or heal. This approach is key to overcoming her heightened aggression and maintaining control of the battle.

Jumping Thrust

The Jumping Thrust is executed when Melania leaps into the air and lands shortly after, performing a thrust attack.

To evade this move, watch for the moment Melania’s foot touches the ground, indicating her impending thrust attack. At this point, swiftly roll left or right to avoid the attack. Alternatively, for more seasoned players, rolling backward, away from the direction of her attack, is also effective.

After dodging the thrust, seize the opportunity to counterattack. If you opted for a backward roll, you can immediately retaliate as Melania will be within striking range.

It’s crucial to note that mistiming your evasion and rolling backward could result in getting hit, as your hitbox intersects with Melania’s katana.

In the second phase of the battle, after executing the thrust, Melania will leap into the air again and slash downward, leaving behind a scarlet rot explosion. Be prepared to dodge this additional attack to avoid taking damage.

Waterflow

The Waterfowl attack is undoubtedly Melania’s most notorious move, often causing frustration among players. However, with proper technique, you can minimize its impact and even turn the tables in your favor.

When Melania prepares to execute Waterfowl, there’s a distinct indicator: she leaps into the air. Upon seeing this, immediately start running away to create distance between you and her.

As Melania approaches for the first phase of the attack, maintain your distance. She will miss her initial strikes if you’re far enough away. When she transitions to the second phase, wait until the last moment before rolling directly into her. This will allow you to evade the attack and position yourself for a counteroffensive.

During the third phase of the attack, simply walk backward, and Melania will fly over you harmlessly. After the attack sequence concludes, you can opt to heal or capitalize on the opportunity to deal damage. Be cautious of the final wind slash, which can catch you off guard if not anticipated.

If you find yourself dangerously close to Melania when she initiates Waterfowl, you have a couple of options:

1. Throw a freeze pot at her to cancel the attack altogether.
2. Unlock from Melania and circle around her. As she begins her attack, dodge forward to evade most of the initial strikes.

It’s important to note that during her second phase, Waterfowl will inflict scarlet rot buildup upon impact, further complicating the encounter. Stay vigilant and adapt your strategy accordingly to overcome this additional challenge.

Flower Dance and Flower Clone

Melania’s Flower Dance and Flower Clone attack is renowned for its difficulty in her second phase, delivering substantial damage to unwary players. Here’s the precise sequence to dodge each phase of the attack:

Beginning of the Attack:

• When Melania initiates the attack, prepare for the onslaught.

First Clone Appears:

• As the first clone materializes, swiftly dodge backward to evade its strike.

Second Clone Appears:

• When the second clone emerges, execute another backward dodge to avoid its attack.

Third Clone Appears:

• As the third clone manifests, roll forward and slightly to the left to evade its strike.

Fourth Clone Appears:

• If the previous dodges were executed correctly, the fourth clone will position itself behind you.

Fifth Clone Appears:

• With the appearance of the fifth clone, execute another forward dodge, slightly to the left, akin to the third dodge after the fourth clone.

Final Clone Appears:

• As the last clone emerges and moves behind you, maintain your position as it dashes past.

Final Evasion:

• Finally, dodge forward again to avoid Melania’s subsequent attack, completing the evasion sequence.

Remember the order:

1. Dodge backward.
2. Dodge backward again.
3. Dodge forward and slightly to the left.
4. Allow the fourth clone to move behind you.
5. After the fourth clone, dodge forward again, slightly to the left.
6. Maintain position as the final clone passes behind.
7. Dodge forward to evade Melania’s attack.

Execute these dodges precisely to navigate through Melania’s formidable Flower Dance and Flower Clone assault unscathed.