How to defeat Maliketh the Black Blade in Elden Ring

sportskeeda.com:

As players reach the end of Elden Ring, they will eventually come across Maliketh the Black Blade within Crumbling Farum Azula. He is one of the mandatory bosses in the game, and if players wish to continue beyond the crumbling city, the Black Blade must be defeated.

In Crumbling Farum Azula, the Black Blade is the only boss that is required to be defeated to progress any further. Within the area, there is also a Dragon Lord that is certainly worth visiting, but it is one of the deadliest fights in the game. However, if players want, they can make their way to the epic two-phase fight against the death lord.

When players enter the arena to fight Maliketh the Black Blade, they may recognize the first form as the fight begins. Phase one starts with the boss as a Beast Clergyman, otherwise known as Gurranq. This is supposedly the same one as the clergyman from Caelid and they have similar attacks. However, that is only one part of the fight, and that changes quickly.

Tips for fighting Maliketh the Black Blade:

This is a boss without any gimmicks for the most part and is full of aggression. Patience will be needed for most players in their initial attempts.

For those who haven't found him, Gurranq can be located at the northernmost tip of Caelid in his own bestial cathedral. This is supposedly the same Gurranq as Maliketh, but the timeline is warped.

He can be fed Deathroot, which makes sense as a sort of Lord of death. In exchange, players will receive new bestial items such as spells and weapons within Elden Ring.