Moonlight Greatsword Build

S-Tier Intelligence Build • Elden Ring
Moonlight Greatsword Build
  • Rennala's Full Moon
    Helm
    Rennala's Full Moon Increases Intelligence by 3 but reduces FP by 9%
  • Carian Knight Armor
    Chest Armor
    Carian Knight Armor Heavy armor with excellent magic resistance and fashion
  • Carian Knight Gauntlets
    Gloves
    Carian Knight Gauntlets Completes the Carian Knight set for balanced defense
  • Carian Knight Greaves
    Legs
    Carian Knight Greaves Heavy leg armor with excellent physical and magic defense
  • Dark Moon Greatsword
    Two-Handed (Primary)
    Dark Moon Greatsword Legendary greatsword with Intelligence scaling. Weapon skill: Moonlight Greatsword - Coats blade in magic and launches projectiles
  • Carian Regal Scepter
    Left Hand (Catalyst)
    Carian Regal Scepter Premium catalyst for sorceries when not two-handing sword
  • Graven-Mass Talisman
    Talisman
    Graven-Mass Talisman Greatly raises potency of sorceries by 8%
  • Magic Scorpion Charm
    Talisman
    Magic Scorpion Charm Raises magic attack by 12% but increases physical damage taken by 10%
  • Carian Filigreed Crest
    Talisman
    Carian Filigreed Crest Reduces FP consumed by skills by 25%
  • Great-Jar's Arsenal
    Talisman
    Great-Jar's Arsenal Vastly increases maximum equip load for heavy armor
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 10
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Balanced for hybrid build needs.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 5
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP for weapon skills and sorceries.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Intelligence-knot Crystal Tear + Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear
    Effects
    Temporarily boosts Intelligence by 10
    Increases magic damage by 20%
  • Terra Magica
    Terra Magica
    Creates a magical zone that increases magic damage dealt by 35%.
  • Starlight Shards
    Starlight Shards
    Restores FP. Essential backup for extended encounters.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 55 (Good survivability for hybrid build)
  • Mind: 30 (Sufficient FP for weapon skills and sorceries)
  • Endurance: 25 (Adequate stamina for greatsword)
  • Strength: 16 (Minimum for Dark Moon Greatsword)
  • Dexterity: 11 (Minimum for Dark Moon Greatsword)
  • Intelligence: 68 (Primary damage stat with helm bonus)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Dark Moon Greatsword

  • Complete Ranni's questline to receive the sword
  • Must progress through Caria Manor and defeat Royal Knight Loretta
  • Complete Ranni's quest in Ranni's Rise, Three Sisters
  • Reward: Dark Moon Greatsword after completing Age of Stars ending path

Essential Sorceries

  • Rock Sling: High damage, stance-breaking physical projectiles
  • Ranni's Dark Moon: Massive cold damage and magic debuff
  • Adula's Moonblade: Frost sword beam for range
  • Carian Slicer: Fast, efficient close-range magic sword
  • Terra Magica: Damage boost zone for serious encounters

Gameplay Strategy

  • Weapon Skill: Use Moonlight Greatsword to buff blade and shoot projectiles
  • Hybrid Combat: Switch between sword swings and sorcery casting
  • Range Advantage: Projectile attacks keep enemies at distance
  • Frost Synergy: Cold damage procs boost overall damage output
  • Terra Magica Setup: Cast in safe spots for 35% damage boost
  • Heavy Attacks: Charged R2s have extended range with magic waves

PvP Notes

  • Mixups: Unpredictable combination of sword and sorcery attacks
  • Projectiles: Weapon skill projectiles catch rolling opponents
  • Spacing Tool: Carian Slicer for close-range punishes
  • Pressure: Constant threat of high-damage magic
  • Weaknesses: Vulnerable to fast weapons during cast animations

Alternative Equipment

  • Helm: Snow Witch Hat for INT boost without FP penalty
  • Staff: Lusat's Glintstone Staff for maximum sorcery damage
  • Talisman: Radagon Icon to speed up casting
  • Armor: Spellblade set for lighter equipment load
  • Secondary: Meteorite Staff + Rock Sling for physical damage