If you’ve ever faced Maliketh in Elden Ring, you know how terrifyingly fast and powerful he can be. But here’s the fun part — you can actually wield his weapon, the Black Blade, after defeating him. It’s one of the coolest Faith-based weapons in the game, perfect for players who want to mix divine power with brutal melee combat. In this guide, we’ll go through how to get Maliketh’s Black Blade, how to use it effectively, and the best Faith build setup to make the most of it.
How to Get Maliketh’s Black Blade
You’ll need to defeat Maliketh, the Black Blade, located in Crumbling Farum Azula — one of the final areas of the game. After defeating him, you’ll receive the Remembrance of the Black Blade. Take this item to Enia at the Roundtable Hold, and you’ll have the option to exchange it for Maliketh’s Black Blade.
It’s not a fight for the faint of heart. Maliketh is extremely agile, so learning his moveset is key. Focus on dodging rather than blocking — his attacks deal a mix of physical and holy damage, which can easily shred through shields. Once you’ve claimed his weapon, though, it’s absolutely worth the effort.
If you’re still leveling or struggling with resources, some players like to
buy elden ring runes to boost their character’s stats faster. It’s a common shortcut for trying out new builds without grinding endlessly.
Why Maliketh’s Black Blade Is Special
This colossal sword scales mainly with Strength, Dexterity, and Faith, making it ideal for hybrid melee-caster builds. Its unique skill, Destined Death, releases a wave of red energy that reduces enemy max HP and inflicts damage over time — a rare effect in Elden Ring. It’s especially powerful against bosses and invaders, as it cuts through their defenses while keeping pressure on them.
The attack animation is a bit slow, but the range and power make up for it. Pair it with buffs like Flame, Grant Me Strength or Golden Vow for massive damage output.
Best Faith Build for Maliketh’s Black Blade
To make this weapon shine, focus on Faith and Strength. Here’s a general setup that works great from late game onward:
Primary Weapon: Maliketh’s Black Blade
Seal: Erdtree Seal or Godslayer’s Seal (depending on your spell scaling)
Armor: Anything light-to-medium; Maliketh’s Set looks amazing and matches the theme perfectly
Talismans:
Radagon’s Scarseal or Starscourge Heirloom for Strength
Flock’s Canvas Talisman for incantation power
Sacred Scorpion Charm for more holy damage (be careful — it increases damage taken)
Great-Jar’s Arsenal if you’re using heavier gear
For stats, aim for something like this by level 150:
Vigor: 50
Mind: 20–25
Endurance: 25
Strength: 40
Dexterity: 20
Faith: 50
This gives you strong melee hits and powerful incantations, allowing flexibility between offense and support spells.
Best Spells to Pair With It
Since the Black Blade scales with Faith, you’ll want to use incantations that complement its holy and death-themed nature. A few solid options include:
Black Flame Blade: Temporarily imbues your weapon with black fire for extra burn damage.
Bestial Sling: Quick, reliable ranged spell for interrupting enemies.
Blessing of the Erdtree: Great for long fights or boss runs, keeping your health topped up.
Black Blade (Incantation): Yes, there’s an incantation version too. It stacks beautifully with the weapon’s own skill for double “Destined Death” damage.
Combat Tips and Strategy
Maliketh’s Black Blade isn’t a weapon you just swing mindlessly. Timing and spacing are everything. The heavy attack has a wide arc, which is perfect for hitting multiple enemies, but you’ll need to plan your moves carefully to avoid getting punished mid-animation.
If you’re up against fast bosses, use light attacks and rely on the weapon skill at a safe distance. Against slower enemies or groups, mix in charged heavy attacks for massive stagger potential.
Keep in mind that the Destined Death skill consumes FP and stamina, so manage both wisely. Try to activate it when you know the enemy won’t interrupt you — right after a boss finishes a combo is usually the best time.
How to Upgrade and Maintain the Weapon
Maliketh’s Black Blade uses Somber Smithing Stones for upgrades. You can find them throughout the Lands Between or buy them after unlocking the Twin Maiden Husks’ upgrade items at the Roundtable Hold.
Players who don’t want to spend hours farming materials sometimes prefer to stock up on runes from a
buy elden ring runes trusted marketplace like U4GM, where they can safely get what they need to experiment with builds faster. As always, make sure you’re using reliable sources and understand that these are optional shortcuts, not necessary for enjoying the game.
Maliketh’s Black Blade is one of those rare weapons that feels powerful both in lore and gameplay. It demands patience to master, but once you do, it delivers a mix of style and strength that few other weapons can match.
Whether you’re cutting down bosses or invading other players, this blade makes a statement. Just remember — balance your Faith, Strength, and endurance, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different incantations until you find your rhythm.
If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a divine executioner bringing death and judgment to the Lands Between, this is your weapon.
Maliketh’s Black Blade Guide and Best Faith Build in Elden Ring
