The Moonlight Greatsword has long been a fan-favorite weapon, carrying its legacy from past FromSoftware titles right into Elden Ring. Known for its striking blue glow and powerful magic-infused attacks, this weapon perfectly blends raw strength with sorcery, making it a unique choice for players who want to combine melee combat with spellcasting. If you’re aiming to build a specialist around the Moonlight Greatsword, here are 11 essential tips to help you maximize its potential and dominate the Lands Between.
1. Prioritize Intelligence and Strength
The Moonlight Greatsword scales primarily with Intelligence and Strength, so investing heavily in these stats will boost both its physical and magical damage. Balancing these attributes carefully will allow you to use the weapon’s special attacks effectively while maintaining decent overall damage output.
2. Equip the Right Ashes of War
Choosing the optimal Ash of War can make a big difference. For a Moonlight Greatsword specialist, look for enhancements that scale with Intelligence or add magic damage to your weapon. This will complement the sword’s natural affinity and increase its spell-like attacks.
3. Use Buffs to Amplify Magic Damage
Stacking magic buffs is crucial. Spells like Magic Weapon or even the spell buffs granted by talismans can dramatically increase your damage. Combining these with the Moonlight Greatsword’s inherent magic scaling creates a powerful synergy.
4. Optimize Your Catalyst Choice
While the Moonlight Greatsword itself isn’t a catalyst, having a high Intelligence stat means you’ll likely want to use sorceries alongside it. Pick a catalyst that suits your spellcasting style and upgrade it as much as possible. This will ensure your magical arsenal stays strong and complements your melee attacks.
5. Manage Your FP Efficiently
Since your build will rely on spells and weapon skills, keeping an eye on your FP pool is vital. Invest in Mind to increase your FP, and carry FP restorative items. Also, be mindful of opportunities to buy Elden Ring runes to upgrade your gear and stats, as this can give you more leeway for FP management.
6. Focus on Stamina and Endurance
The Moonlight Greatsword is a heavy weapon, so endurance is key for stamina and equipment load. Make sure you can wield the sword without sacrificing too much mobility. Wearing armor that balances protection and weight will allow you to dodge and strike effectively.
7. Take Advantage of Moonlight Greatsword’s Weapon Skill
The Moonlight Greatsword’s unique weapon skill unleashes a powerful magic projectile. Using this skill strategically in both PvE and PvP can control the battlefield and punish enemies from a distance, adding versatility to your combat options.
8. Experiment with Different Talismans
Talismans that boost Intelligence, magic damage, or weapon skill potency will further enhance your damage output. Combining these with defensive talismans that boost stamina regeneration or resistances can make you more sustainable in tough fights.
9. Learn Enemy Patterns to Time Your Buffs
Understanding when to activate your weapon buffs or cast spells is crucial. Save your FP and buffs for moments when you can safely unleash them without interruption. This will maximize damage efficiency and reduce waste.
10. Hunt for Cheap Elden Ring Items to Upgrade Your Build
Upgrading your Moonlight Greatsword and catalyst can be costly. Farming or searching for cheap Elden Ring items can save you valuable runes and materials. Being resourceful with your upgrades will allow you to stay competitive without grinding excessively.
11. Balance Offense and Defense
While the Moonlight Greatsword is powerful, don’t neglect your defense. Invest in armor and shields that complement your build without compromising too much mobility. This balance will let you survive longer and maintain pressure on enemies.
Building a Moonlight Greatsword specialist takes some dedication, but with the right stats, gear, and tactics, it can be one of the most satisfying and effective builds in Elden Ring. Remember, managing your resources smartly — from how you buy Elden Ring runes to sourcing cheap Elden Ring items — will keep your progression smooth. Have you crafted a Moonlight Greatsword build? Share your tips and experiences with the community!
