How to Dodge Waterfowl Dance

Dodging the Waterfowl Dance is one of the most challenging tasks in Elden Ring, particularly during the intense battle with Malenia, Blade of Miquella. This multi-phase attack sequence has caused countless player deaths due to its speed, range, and complex timing. Whether you’re new to the fight or have attempted it many times, learning how to dodge Waterfowl Dance correctly can be the difference between a clean victory and another frustrating defeat. Mastering this move requires precise movement, awareness of animations, and consistent execution under pressure.

Understanding the Waterfowl Dance

What Is Waterfowl Dance?

Waterfowl Dance is a special attack used by Malenia during her first phase in the boss fight. It is a devastating flurry of sword strikes that begin with a sudden leap and dash toward the player, followed by several rapid slashing combos in multiple directions. The move can track you over a considerable distance and is designed to punish panic rolling or poor timing.

When Does She Use It?

Malenia typically triggers Waterfowl Dance when her health drops below 75%, though it can occur earlier in rare cases. She may also initiate it after certain delays or when players are at medium range. Knowing the signs leading up to the attack is crucial in preparing to dodge it effectively.

Recognizing the Wind-Up Animation

Early Warning Signs

The key to surviving Waterfowl Dance starts with spotting the wind-up. Malenia jumps slightly into the air, hovers for a brief moment, and then dashes forward while swinging her blade. This initial leap is your first and best clue that the combo is about to begin.

• She will always begin with a short hover, giving you roughly half a second to react.
• She often uses it when players are mid-range not too close, but not too far either.

Backing away or sprinting in a straight line when you see her ascend into the air gives you a head start on creating distance.

Step-by-Step Guide to Dodging Waterfowl Dance

Step 1: Get Distance Immediately

As soon as you recognize the animation, start sprinting directly backward. The goal is to outrun the initial tracking dash, which is harder to dodge if you are within melee range. Don’t roll at this point save your stamina and use pure sprinting movement to get out of the immediate hit zone.

Step 2: Time Your First Dodge

After the dash, Malenia will pause very briefly before unleashing a wide circular slash combo. This is where you must dodge through the attack not away from it. Rolling towards her, diagonally to her right, tends to avoid the worst of the follow-up slashes.

• Roll into her just before her first spin connects.
• Use light armor or quick roll builds to reduce recovery frames.

This phase punishes hesitation. A well-timed dodge toward her places you beneath her strikes and can sometimes allow for a hit opportunity if you’re confident.

Step 3: Prepare for the Second Wave

After the first flurry, there’s a very short delay barely one second before she launches the second series of strikes. This time, she may shift position mid-air before spinning again. Watch closely and begin dodging early. Stick with the same approach: diagonally into her slashes, not away.

If you mistime this wave, it can stagger-lock you until death, so stamina management is key. Ensure you have enough stamina for at least three rolls in quick succession.

Step 4: Survive the Final Burst

The last part of Waterfowl Dance is the most unpredictable. She performs a wild dash and final sweeping combo that can cover more ground than expected. If you have mobility spells or items like Bloodhound Step or Quickstep, now is the time to use them to reposition safely.

• Use terrain if available to break line of sight.
• If possible, run far enough to bait her into missing the combo entirely.
• Stick to the rhythm: dodge toward, wait, dodge again, then retreat.

Once this phase ends, she typically rests for a moment your opportunity to counterattack or heal.

Best Builds and Tools for Dodging

Lightweight Gear

Dodging becomes significantly easier if your equipment load allows for a fast roll. Try to stay under 30% equip load to minimize dodge delay and increase invulnerability frames (i-frames).

Mobility Enhancers

• Bloodhound Step: Grants rapid repositioning with high i-frames.
• Quickstep: Useful for fast lateral dodges.
• Green Turtle Talisman: Helps regenerate stamina faster between dodge sequences.

Using these mobility-enhancing tools can give you an edge, especially during the final burst of Waterfowl Dance.

Stamina Management

Use gear and talismans that boost stamina recovery or increase stamina max. Endurance points are your lifeline during this attack. Avoid locking on during the dance, as manual camera control gives more freedom to move and reposition.

Alternate Tactics and Tricks

Shield Blocking (Not Recommended)

Technically, it is possible to block Waterfowl Dance with a high stability shield and massive stamina pool. However, this strategy is unreliable and very risky, as a single miss in stamina timing can lead to instant death.

Interrupting the Combo

While rare, certain attacks or staggers can interrupt Malenia before she completes her leap. Weapons with high poise damage or teammates in co-op can occasionally cancel her combo early. This method is inconsistent, but worth noting for aggressive builds.

Playing at Range

Magic users or ranged characters can bait Waterfowl Dance and retreat far enough to avoid the whole sequence. Keep her mid-screen and use summons to keep her aggroed while you stay out of danger.

Training and Practice

Use Summons for Distraction

Summons like Mimic Tear or Latenna can help draw Malenia’s focus. This gives you time to observe her patterns and practice dodging Waterfowl Dance without being the primary target.

Practice in NG+ or Co-op

If you’re struggling solo, try observing Waterfowl Dance in a friend’s world or in NG+ where you’re more familiar with her timing. Watching the combo multiple times can help improve your reaction and rhythm.

Dodging Waterfowl Dance is one of the biggest skill checks in Elden Ring. It requires patience, muscle memory, and precision. By recognizing the wind-up, using sprinting movement, dodging into her slashes, and managing stamina carefully, you can overcome this deadly technique. Use mobility tools, keep your equipment light, and practice the rhythm until it becomes second nature. With enough repetition, this once-lethal combo will become just another part of your journey through the Lands Between.