Ranni's Dark Moon Build

S-Tier Intelligence Build • Elden Ring
Ranni's Dark Moon Build
  • Snow Witch Hat
    Helm
    Snow Witch Hat Boosts cold sorceries. Signature hat of Renna/Ranni
  • Snow Witch Robe
    Chest Armor
    Snow Witch Robe Enhances cold sorceries and magic resistance
  • Preceptor's Gloves
    Gloves
    Preceptor's Gloves Light gloves that complement the mage aesthetic
  • Preceptor's Trousers
    Legs
    Preceptor's Trousers Matching leg armor for the scholar look
  • Dark Moon Greatsword
    Right Hand (Primary)
    Dark Moon Greatsword Ranni's legendary sword. Skill: Moonlight Greatsword - imbues blade with magic
  • Lusat's Glintstone Staff
    Left Hand (Catalyst)
    Lusat's Glintstone Staff Boosts sorcery potency but increases FP costs
  • 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%
  • Radagon Icon
    Talisman
    Radagon Icon Shortens spell casting time significantly
  • Godfrey Icon
    Talisman
    Godfrey Icon Enhances charged spells and skills
  • Flask of Crimson Tears 8
    Flask of Crimson Tears
    Restores HP. Lower count due to ranged combat style.
  • Flask of Cerulean Tears 7
    Flask of Cerulean Tears
    Restores FP. High count for intensive sorcery usage.
  • Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Flask of Wondrous Physick
    Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear + Cerulean Hidden Tear
    Effects
    Boosts magic attack power by 20%
    Eliminates FP consumption temporarily
  • Magic Grease
    Magic Grease
    Temporarily adds magic damage to weapons. Enhances sword attacks.
  • Starlight Shards
    Starlight Shards
    Restores FP. Emergency backup for extended combat.

Patch Viability

Still Viable (Patch 1.10)

Survived All Nerfs

Never nerfed. Ranni's Dark Moon debuff is uniquely powerful for magic builds.

Stat Distribution (Level 150)

  • Vigor: 45 (Sufficient HP for mage survivability)
  • Mind: 40 (Large FP pool for intensive casting)
  • Endurance: 20 (Moderate stamina for hybrid combat)
  • Strength: 16 (Required for Dark Moon Greatsword)
  • Dexterity: 11 (Minimum requirement)
  • Intelligence: 80 (Soft cap for maximum damage)
  • Faith: 8 (Base stat)
  • Arcane: 9 (Base stat)

How to Get Dark Moon Greatsword

  • Complete Ranni's questline to the very end
  • Location: Moonlight Altar, after defeating Astel
  • Reward for finishing Ranni's Age of Stars ending path
  • One of the most powerful Intelligence weapons in the game

Key Sorceries

  • Ranni's Dark Moon: Massive cold damage and debuff
  • Adula's Moonblade: Frost magic sword projection
  • Glintstone Icecrag: Fast cold projectile with good FP efficiency
  • Freezing Mist: Area denial with frostbite buildup
  • Rock Sling: Excellent physical damage with poise break

Gameplay Strategy

  • Hybrid Combat: Switch between sword and sorceries as needed
  • Moonlight Greatsword: Activate skill for magic-infused blade
  • Cold Synergy: Stack frostbite with multiple cold sorceries
  • Range Control: Use Dark Moon and Moonblade for long-range pressure
  • FP Management: Balance high-cost spells with efficient alternatives
  • Positioning: Stay mobile and use range advantage

PvP Notes

  • Opener: Ranni's Dark Moon forces defensive play
  • Hybrid Pressure: Mix sword attacks with sorceries
  • Frostbite: Cold damage reduces damage and stamina
  • Counters: Vulnerable to magic-resistant builds and pressure
  • Range Game: Excels at mid to long range combat

Alternative Equipment

  • Staff: Carian Regal Scepter for balanced damage/FP cost
  • Weapon: Wing of Astel for alternative Intelligence weapon
  • Armor: Carian Knight Set for matching aesthetics
  • Talisman: Carian Filigreed Crest for reduced skill costs