Does the Spiked Cracked Tear Affect the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

The short answer is yes, but with a very important caveat. The Spiked Cracked Tear directly enhances charged attacks. The Dark Moon Greatsword’s unique property is its ability to fire magical projectiles with its charged heavy attacks (R2). Therefore, the Spiked Cracked Tear does affect the projectile damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword’s charged heavy attacks, making them deal significantly more stance damage. However, the degree to which it impacts your overall damage output depends heavily on your build and playstyle. Let’s delve deeper into how the Spiked Cracked Tear interacts with this iconic weapon.

Unpacking the Spiked Cracked Tear

The Spiked Cracked Tear is a valuable ingredient for the Flask of Wondrous Physick in Elden Ring. When mixed into your flask, it provides a temporary boost to the power of your charged attacks. This boost affects both physical damage and stance damage inflicted by these attacks. Players find it useful for staggering enemies and bosses, creating openings for critical hits and follow-up attacks.

The Dark Moon Greatsword: Intelligence Scaling and Frostbite Buildup

The Dark Moon Greatsword is a unique weapon that scales primarily with Intelligence. This makes it a popular choice for mage builds, allowing players to combine powerful sorceries with devastating melee attacks. The weapon’s special ability allows you to imbue the blade with Moonlight Greatsword Ash of War, which grants bonus Magic Damage and greatly accelerates Frostbite buildup.

Synergies and Considerations

Here’s where things get interesting. The charged heavy attacks of the Dark Moon Greatsword release magical projectiles. Because the Spiked Cracked Tear boosts charged attacks, it will boost the projectile damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Godfrey Icon & Shard of Alexander: These talismans further amplify charged attack damage, stacking with the Spiked Cracked Tear for even greater effect.
• Intelligence Investment: Maximizing your Intelligence stat is crucial for scaling the Dark Moon Greatsword’s damage.
• Frostbite Application: The rapid Frostbite buildup from the buffed Dark Moon Greatsword is a significant source of damage.

Maximizing Your Damage Output

The most effective way to utilize the Spiked Cracked Tear with the Dark Moon Greatsword involves combining it with other damage-boosting effects. For example:

• Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear: This tear provides a direct boost to magic damage, further enhancing the projectile’s potency.
• Faith-knot/Intelligence-knot Crystal Tear: A direct bonus to either faith or intelligence greatly enhances your primary magic stat.
• Talismans: Equip talismans like Godfrey Icon, Warrior Jar Shard, and Shard of Alexander to maximize charged attack damage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What stats are ideal for a Dark Moon Greatsword build?

For a level 125 build, aim for: 80 Intelligence, 50 Vigor, 16 Strength, and 11 Dexterity. Adjust Vigor based on your comfort level.

2. Does Dexterity increase the damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword?

No, the Dark Moon Greatsword primarily scales with Intelligence, with minor contributions from Strength and Dexterity. Focus on Intelligence for maximum damage.

3. Which bosses are resistant or immune to Frostbite?

Many bosses are resistant to Frostbite, while some are completely immune. Experiment and adapt your strategy accordingly.

4. Is the Flask of Wondrous Physick worth using?

Absolutely. It’s one of the most versatile items in Elden Ring, allowing you to customize powerful buffs to suit your playstyle.

5. Can you get multiple Flasks of Wondrous Physick?

No, you only get one Flask of Wondrous Physick per playthrough. However, it refills each time you rest at a Site of Grace.

6. What other crystal tears should I consider for a mage build?

Consider the Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear for magic damage, the Cerulean Hidden Tear for temporary infinite FP, and the Intelligence-knot Crystal Tear for an Intelligence boost.

7. Does the Axe Talisman affect the Dark Moon Greatsword’s projectile?

No, the Axe Talisman only affects the charge speed of melee weapons.

8. What does the Twiggy Cracked Tear do?

The Twiggy Cracked Tear prevents rune loss upon death for three minutes, acting like a temporary Sacrificial Twig.

9. What’s the fastest way to build up Frostbite?

Using weapons or spells that inflict Frostbite rapidly, such as the Dark Moon Greatsword, paired with items that increase status buildup speed, are the most effective.

10. How long does the Spiked Cracked Tear last?

The duration of the Spiked Cracked Tear’s effect is a few minutes, allowing you to use its benefits throughout encounters.

11. Where can I learn more about game-based learning?

You can explore the Games Learning Society website for valuable insights and resources on how games can enhance education and skill development: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more info!

12. What are the best talismans for magic builds?

The best talismans for magic builds include Radagon Icon (reduced spell casting time), Graven-Mass Talisman (increased sorcery potency), and Cerulean Amber Medallion (increased FP).

13. Are there any alternative weapons to the Dark Moon Greatsword for Intelligence builds?

Yes, other options include the Moonveil katana and various staves for casting sorceries.

14. Can I mix different Cracked Tears to create more powerful effects?

Yes, that’s the entire purpose of the Flask of Wondrous Physick! Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.

15. What’s the most important factor in maximizing damage output in Elden Ring?

Understanding enemy weaknesses and resistances, optimizing your build, and utilizing the correct buffs and debuffs are key to maximizing damage.

Conclusion

While the Spiked Cracked Tear might not be the ultimate damage amplifier for every Dark Moon Greatsword build, it provides a significant boost to the weapon’s charged attack projectile damage. By stacking it with other buffs and focusing on Intelligence scaling, you can create a truly devastating build capable of staggering even the toughest bosses in Elden Ring. As always, experimentation is key to discovering the most effective strategies for your unique playstyle.