Among the many unforgettable moments in Shadow of the Colossus, the battle against the final colossus, Malus, stands out as a breathtaking and emotionally intense experience. Towering far above the landscape and wielding deadly power, Malus is more than just the last challenge it is the culmination of Wander’s entire journey, filled with tension, determination, and a sense of finality. Facing Malus is not just about gameplay mechanics but also about the emotional and narrative weight that has been building up throughout the adventure. Understanding how to reach Malus, defeat him, and appreciate the role he plays in the story is essential for anyone delving into this legendary PlayStation title.
Locating Malus in Shadow of the Colossus
The Journey to the Final Colossus
Malus, the sixteenth and final colossus, is found in the southernmost part of the Forbidden Lands. To reach him, players must travel far past the usual landmarks, navigating through narrow paths and across broken bridges. The terrain becomes increasingly foreboding as you approach the final battle.
From the central shrine, ride Agro directly south, passing through foggy forests and open plains. As you approach the canyon near the southern edge, you’ll find the entrance to a ruined temple-like structure guarded by imposing stone statues. This final approach sets the tone perfectly it’s somber, isolated, and majestic in scale.
The Atmosphere of the Final Path
On the way to Malus, players experience one of the most emotionally charged moments in the game. Without spoiling key details, the events that unfold solidify the high stakes and mark a turning point in the story. The entire path to Malus feels different there’s no music, minimal enemy interaction, and a heavy atmosphere that hints at the gravity of the battle to come.
Who Is Malus?
Design and Appearance
Malus is a colossal humanoid being covered in stone armor with exposed, glowing weak points. Unlike previous colossi, Malus doesn’t move from his position; instead, he towers motionlessly above the ruined platform where the battle takes place. His immense size, vertical posture, and fixed location create a very different gameplay experience compared to the more mobile colossi encountered earlier.
Symbolism and Narrative Role
Malus represents the culmination of Wander’s obsession. Unlike the earlier colossi that were often majestic or neutral in demeanor, Malus feels deliberately hostile and unnatural. His heavily fortified body and powerful ranged attacks reflect the ultimate barrier between Wander and his goal. The fact that Malus is rooted in one place, like a dark deity guarding a sacred space, ties into the game’s themes of sacrifice and the cost of ambition.
Preparing for the Battle
Know Your Tools
The final battle does not provide players with any new weapons or abilities, but success depends on mastering everything learned throughout the previous fifteen battles. Make sure you are comfortable with:
- Timing your climbs and jumps
- Using the bow to draw attention or trigger enemy reactions
- Managing your grip stamina effectively
Although no consumables or items are necessary, having full health and a good understanding of climbing mechanics will make the fight much easier to handle.
Strategic Patience
Unlike earlier colossi, rushing Malus is not an option. You must approach carefully, using cover to avoid deadly attacks. Understanding his attack patterns and the layout of the battlefield is key to survival.
How to Defeat Malus
Phase 1: The Gauntlet
The first phase of the Malus battle involves reaching him without dying. This requires navigating a long, complex path filled with cover-based movement. Malus attacks by firing devastating energy blasts from his arms. If you’re caught in the open, a single hit can send you flying or even knock you out of the battle area.
Use ruined pillars, walls, and trenches to approach slowly. Move from cover to cover when Malus pauses or redirects his aim. Don’t rush wait for your opportunity. Eventually, you’ll reach a long tunnel that leads beneath the battlefield and brings you closer to his base.
Phase 2: The Climb
Once you emerge from the tunnel, you must begin climbing Malus himself. This stage tests your understanding of stamina and climbing mechanics. Malus has several handholds and weak points scattered across his body. To reach the top, you’ll often have to pause on ledges and platforms to recharge your stamina.
Expect strong wind, violent shakes, and sudden arm movements. These are all designed to knock you off. Timing your movement carefully and resting when possible is the only way to make it up safely.
Phase 3: The Weak Points
Malus has multiple sigils you must stab to defeat him. Some are on his arms, others near his shoulders or chest. The final one rests on his head. Each successful strike drains a portion of his health. Because Malus shakes more violently than most other colossi, you’ll need to plan your attacks and grip management wisely.
Don’t be afraid to retreat to a platform temporarily if your stamina is low. Trying to brute-force the final sigil can result in falling and having to start the climb over again. Patience, as always, is crucial.
The Emotional Weight of Victory
Endings and Reflection
Defeating Malus doesn’t come with a triumphant victory. Instead, it leads to a powerful cutscene that changes the tone of the entire game. The somber music, the visuals, and the implications of your actions force players to question whether the ends justified the means.
Shadow of the Colossus is unique in that its final boss isn’t just a gameplay challenge it’s a narrative and emotional conclusion. The weight of what Wander has done becomes painfully clear, and Malus serves as the final gatekeeper between the player and that realization.
Tips for First-Time Players
- Watch Malus’s arms carefully His ranged attacks are telegraphed by glowing sigils and slow movements, giving you time to react.
- Use all available cover The battlefield is designed with multiple hiding spots. Use them wisely to avoid being knocked back.
- Don’t panic when climbing If you lose your grip, try to fall onto a lower platform instead of all the way down.
- Take breaks if needed This battle is long and intense. Taking short breaks can help you stay focused.
Malus, the final colossus in Shadow of the Colossus, is not just a boss fight it is the emotional climax of the entire game. With his towering presence, deadly power, and symbolic role in the story, Malus embodies everything that makes the game unforgettable. The journey to reach him is long and emotional, the battle itself is challenging yet rewarding, and the ending forces players to reflect on the true nature of Wander’s quest. Whether you’re a first-time player or revisiting this iconic title, facing Malus is a moment you won’t soon forget.