Elden Ring has received quite a few buffs and nerfs since launch, as FromSoftware works to better balance a variety of weapons, spells, summons, and so on, but update 1.04 seems to be the most extensive. For the most part, all changes have been accepted by the community—although some are still upset over the Mimic Tear nerf and many were excited when Radahn’s nerfs were reverted (as they were not intentional.
Still, the Mimic Tear nerf makes sense. It was incredibly powerful before the nerf, meaning many were just using it instead of other legendary Ashen Remains in Elden Ring. It’s still a very good summon, though, but this did do a lot to make other choices more appealing.
The latest Elden Ring patch notes (seen via that link) buffed a lot more than it nerfed, which is usually how gamers want changes to go. Still, one nerf seemingly takes aim at a very popular Malenia cheese in Elden Ring: the Swarm of Flies.
Elden Ring: Swarm of Flies Malenia Strategy
Without a doubt, Malenia is one of the toughest bosses in the game. There are ways to cheese her, but for the most part, these cheeses still require a couple of fights to nail. One of the most popular ways to beat her is with a Rivers of Blood + Swarm of Flies builds, as Malenia is very susceptible to bleed builds. Solo players could use River of Blood and Swarm of Flies to beat Malenia much easier than other ways. In co-op, it’s even more effective to have a partner spam Swarm of Flies while the other player attacks with Rivers of Blood. The combination of the two quickly stacks bleed and trivializes her boss fight as much as it can—if done right.
However, this Elden Ring patch has decreased the Blood Loss buildup from Swarm of Flies. It should be noted that it’s still a viable strategy, especially as it seems the centerpiece—Rivers of Blood—was not touched by FromSoftware. It’s just going to require a little more time and practice than before. However, while the exact reaction and impact remains to be seen, this nerf perhaps has a silver lining.
There are other ways to cheese and/or fight Malenia, even if players aren’t lucky enough to get Let Me Solo Her to help. But this nerf takes away from the most popular option, meaning players will be able to explore other options when it comes to her. Several may have been found already, but this makes sure that Elden Ring’s toughest boss is even more challenging. For those at this point in this Journey, it should remain a test of their ability, and this nerf helps just that.
Elden Ring is available now for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.