Does the Axe Talisman Work on the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is no, the Axe Talisman does not directly enhance the projectile damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring. However, the interaction is more nuanced than a simple yes or no, requiring a deep dive into the mechanics of both the talisman and the weapon itself. This article will comprehensively explore this interaction, clarifying which aspects of the Dark Moon Greatsword are affected by the Axe Talisman and which are not.

Understanding the Axe Talisman

The Axe Talisman is a valuable accessory in Elden Ring that boosts the damage of charged heavy attacks by 10%. The key here is “charged heavy attacks”. These are attacks performed by holding down the heavy attack button (typically R2/RT on controllers). Importantly, the Axe Talisman only applies to the physical portion of a charged attack and doesn’t affect spells or weapon skills that deal magical or elemental damage. It also does not affect skills that have “charge” in their title, such as Charge Forth or Prelate’s Charge.

Dark Moon Greatsword Mechanics

The Dark Moon Greatsword is a unique weapon acquired by completing Ranni the Witch’s questline. Its special weapon skill, Moonlight Greatsword, temporarily enhances the weapon, increasing its magic attack power and imbuing it with frost. After imbuing the sword with the magic damage and frost buildup, charged heavy attacks release blasts of moonlight as ranged projectiles.

The projectile is a significant part of the weapon’s appeal, and its damage scales with intelligence and is affected by talisman such as Godfrey Icon and Shard of Alexander.

Interaction or Lack Thereof?

The Axe Talisman’s effect on the Dark Moon Greatsword is limited to the physical swing of the weapon when performing a charged heavy attack. The projectile released by these charged attacks is not affected by the talisman. This is because the projectile is considered a separate magical effect and not part of the physical damage calculation that the Axe Talisman influences.

Essentially, if your charged heavy attack connects with an enemy, both the physical swing and the moonlight projectile will deal damage. However, only the physical portion will receive the 10% damage boost from the Axe Talisman.

Maximizing Dark Moon Greatsword Damage

Since the Axe Talisman provides only a marginal benefit to the Dark Moon Greatsword build, players should consider other talismans that directly boost the weapon’s primary source of damage: its magic and weapon skill properties.

Optimal Talismans for Dark Moon Greatsword:

• Magic Scorpion Charm: Increases magic damage dealt, making it a direct boost to the Dark Moon Greatsword’s moonlight projectiles.
• Godfrey Icon: Increases the damage of charged spells and skills. This directly buffs the Dark Moon Greatsword’s moonlight projectile from charged heavy attacks.
• Shard of Alexander: Significantly increases the damage of skills and weapon arts, drastically enhancing the damage of the Moonlight Greatsword skill.
• Ritual Sword Talisman: Boosts attack power when at full HP, providing a general damage increase.

By focusing on talismans that boost magic damage and skill damage, players can significantly increase the effectiveness of the Dark Moon Greatsword, making it a formidable weapon in their arsenal. Furthermore, understanding how different stats and equipables affect the various damage types will allow you to create a more specialized build for your gameplay style. For instance, the GamesLearningSociety.org website offers interesting insight into the use of gaming mechanics to enhance educational and problem-solving skills. The same skills can be applied to understand damage calculations and build optimization in Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dark Moon Greatsword, the Axe Talisman, and related mechanics:

1. Does the Axe Talisman work with all Greatswords?

The Axe Talisman works with all weapons (not just axes) that have a charged heavy attack. This includes Greatswords, Colossal Swords, and many other weapon types. However, it only affects the physical damage of the charged attack.

2. What does the Axe Talisman actually do?

The Axe Talisman increases the damage of charged heavy attacks by 10%. This means attacks performed by holding down the heavy attack button receive a damage boost. It does not affect skills that simply refer to a “charge”.

3. Is the Axe Talisman worth using?

Whether the Axe Talisman is “worth it” depends on your play style. If you frequently use charged heavy attacks, the 10% damage increase can be beneficial. However, there may be better talisman options depending on your build and weapon.

4. Does the Axe Talisman affect jump attacks?

No, the Axe Talisman does not affect jump attacks. It only affects charged heavy attacks performed by holding down the heavy attack button.

5. Does the Spiked Cracked Tear work with the Dark Moon Greatsword?

The Spiked Cracked Tear, which enhances charged attacks, does not affect the Dark Moon Greatsword projectiles, similar to the Axe Talisman. It would only affect the physical swing component of the charged attack.

6. What is the best talisman for increasing magic damage?

The Magic Scorpion Charm is one of the best talismans for increasing magic damage dealt in Elden Ring. It provides a significant boost to all magic damage, directly benefiting the Dark Moon Greatsword.

7. How do I maximize the damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword?

To maximize the damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword, focus on increasing your Intelligence stat, as it scales primarily with Intelligence. Also, equip talismans that boost magic damage (Magic Scorpion Charm), skill damage (Shard of Alexander), and charged skill damage (Godfrey Icon).

8. Does the Warrior Jar Shard affect the Dark Moon Greatsword?

Yes, the Warrior Jar Shard and the Shard of Alexander both increase the damage of skills and weapon arts, including the Moonlight Greatsword weapon skill.

9. Where can I find the Axe Talisman?

The Axe Talisman can be found in the Agheel Lake South area of Limgrave, in the Elden Ring starting zone. It is located inside a chest in the ruins.

10. What stats does the Dark Moon Greatsword scale with?

The Dark Moon Greatsword scales primarily with Intelligence, as well as Strength and Dexterity to a lesser extent. Focusing on Intelligence will significantly increase its damage output.

11. Can I dual wield Dark Moon Greatswords?

No, you cannot dual wield the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring, as you can only acquire one per playthrough.

12. How does the Godfrey Icon work?

The Godfrey Icon increases the damage of charged spells and skills. For the Dark Moon Greatsword, it directly boosts the damage of the moonlight projectile released from charged heavy attacks.

13. What armor sets complement the Dark Moon Greatsword?

Armor sets that increase magic damage or provide stat boosts to Intelligence, Strength, and Dexterity are ideal. Armor sets such as Ranni’s Set can also thematically complement the weapon.

14. Is the Dark Moon Greatsword good for PvE or PvP?

The Dark Moon Greatsword is effective in both PvE and PvP. Its range, damage, and frost buildup make it a versatile weapon for various situations. However, in PvP, opponents may be more resistant to frostbite than in PvE.

15. What are some alternative weapons for an Intelligence build?

Some alternative weapons for an Intelligence build include the Moonveil Katana, Lusat’s Glintstone Staff, and the Royal Greatsword. These weapons also scale well with Intelligence and offer unique playstyles.

In conclusion, while the Axe Talisman does not directly enhance the projectile of the Dark Moon Greatsword, understanding its interaction with the weapon can help players optimize their builds. By focusing on talismans that directly boost magic damage and skill damage, players can maximize the effectiveness of this iconic weapon.