Ranni’s moonlight blade gives an Intelligence build a heavy-hitting greatsword with ranged heavy attacks and frostbite. Buff it with its own skill and every charged heavy fires a wave of moonlight.
Stats at level 150
Equipment
| Weapons | Dark Moon Greatsword (main), Carian Regal Scepter (catalyst) |
| Talismans | Shard of Alexander, Magic Scorpion Charm, Carian Filigreed Crest, Godfrey Icon |
| Spells | Terra Magica, Comet Azur, Adula’s Moonblade |
| Ashes of War | Moonlight Greatsword (unique to Dark Moon Greatsword) |
How to play the Dark Moon Greatsword Build
- Activate Moonlight Greatsword to buff the blade, then use charged heavy attacks to fire moonlight waves.
- Frostbite lowers the target’s defences, so chain damage right after it procs.
- Cast Terra Magica before big damage windows.
- Carian Filigreed Crest lowers the FP cost of the skill.
Leveling order
- Vigor to 30
- Intelligence to 38, Strength 16 (Dark Moon Greatsword requirements)
- Mind to 25
- Vigor to 50
- Intelligence to 60, then Vigor to 60
- Intelligence to 70, Mind to 30, Endurance to 26
Early game version
Play Moonveil or a Magic-infused Claymore until you finish Ranni’s questline. The Dark Moon Greatsword waits below the Cathedral of Manus Celes after you give Ranni the Dark Moon Ring.
Strengths and weaknesses
Strengths
- Ranged melee
- Frostbite synergy
- Iconic weapon
Weaknesses
- Needs Ranni’s full questline
- High Intelligence requirement
- Weapon comes late
FAQ
Is the Dark Moon Greatsword worth the quest?
Yes. The questline is long, but the weapon carries an Intelligence build through the late game.
Moonveil or Dark Moon Greatsword?
Moonveil for early access and speed, Dark Moon Greatsword for range and frostbite.
See every build ranked on the Elden Ring build tier list, compare weapons in the weapon database, and track your boss kills with the boss checklist.
Further reading: the Dark Moon Greatsword on the Fextralife wiki.