How To Counter the Moonveil Katana in Elden Ring
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The Moonveil Katana, a staple in Elden Ring’s arsenal, is renowned for its speed, bleed buildup, and devastating Transient Moonlight Ash of War. While formidable, it’s not invincible. Successfully countering the Moonveil requires a blend of understanding its strengths and weaknesses, utilizing proper timing, and exploiting its predictable patterns. Here’s a breakdown of how to effectively counter this popular weapon:
Understanding the Moonveil Katana
Before diving into counters, it’s crucial to understand the Moonveil’s mechanics. It primarily scales with Intelligence and Dexterity, making it a powerful choice for hybrid builds. The Transient Moonlight skill is its most dangerous aspect, firing a ranged magical wave that deals significant damage. This attack can be performed with both light and heavy attacks, with the heavy version having higher damage and stagger potential. The weapon also applies Bleed buildup, which can further punish players who take repeated hits.
Key Weaknesses to Exploit
- Predictable Ash of War: The Transient Moonlight animation is telegraphed, offering opportunities to dodge or interrupt it.
- Linear Attacks: Moonveil users often rely on its quick, straight-line attacks, which can be easily sidestepped.
- Melee Range Limitations: While the Ash of War offers range, the katana itself is limited in melee combat reach.
- Stamina Dependence: Frequent use of the Ash of War drains FP and stamina, leading to openings when resources are depleted.
- Vulnerable During Skill Activation: A successful interrupt during the startup of the Ash of War will halt the attack and leave the user momentarily vulnerable.
Effective Counter Strategies
Here are several effective methods to counter the Moonveil:
1. The Roll-Catch and Punish
This tactic focuses on exploiting the predictability of the Ash of War. When the Moonveil user prepares to launch Transient Moonlight, avoid backing away directly. Instead:
- Anticipate: Observe their movements. A brief charge or stance change usually precedes the skill.
- Roll Through: Roll towards them rather than away, avoiding the wave.
- Counter Attack: Immediately attack them while they are stuck in the animation’s recovery.
Note: This requires precise timing.
2. Utilize Ranged Options
Keep the Moonveil user at bay by consistently applying ranged pressure:
- Spells: Use powerful sorceries like Glintstone Pebble or Rock Sling to disrupt their approach and force them to use their Ash of War.
- Bows and Crossbows: Keep your distance and pepper them with arrows or bolts, applying pressure and interrupting their charge-up attempts.
- Throwing Pots & Knives: These can interrupt the Ash of War wind-up and keep them on their toes.
3. The Power of Poise
Certain weapons and armor combinations grant high Poise, allowing you to withstand Moonveil’s attacks without being staggered:
- Greatswords and Colossal Weapons: These can trade blows with Moonveil and potentially stagger the wielder.
- Heavy Armor Sets: Increase your poise and survivability, giving you more chances to retaliate after taking damage.
- Hyper Armor Abilities: Utilize weapon arts or abilities that grant temporary hyper armor to push through their attacks.
4. Parrying
If you are confident in your parrying skills, the Katana’s quick attacks are good opportunities to parry. Successful parries will allow you to riposte the user with a critical attack.
5. Weapon Arts and Skills that Interrupt
Some weapon arts can interrupt and disrupt the casting of Transient Moonlight:
- Quick Step/Bloodhound Step: These skills can quickly close the distance for a melee punish, or dodge away safely.
- Lion’s Claw: This skill’s hyperarmor and knock-down ability can stop the Moonveil user in their tracks.
6. Shield and Guard Counter
Equipping a sturdy shield can negate much of the katana’s damage:
- Guard Counter: Block an attack and immediately follow with a guard counter to disrupt their rhythm.
7. Mind Games and Aggression
Don’t allow a Moonveil user to set the pace of the fight. Aggression and unpredictable movement can throw them off:
- Feigned Aggression: Move aggressively then pull back suddenly to bait out the Ash of War.
- Varied Tactics: Mix close-range attacks with ranged options to confuse them and make them second-guess their approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does the Moonveil Katana scale better with Dexterity or Intelligence?
The Moonveil Katana scales better with Intelligence. Focus on leveling Intelligence first, followed by Vigor, and then Dexterity.
2. Can you add Ashes of War to the Moonveil Katana?
No, you cannot add Ashes of War to the Moonveil Katana. It has a unique skill, Transient Moonlight, that cannot be altered.
3. How does Arcane affect the Moonveil Katana?
Arcane increases Bleed buildup, which can improve the Moonveil’s bleed potential. However, intelligence is the primary scaling stat.
4. What stats are needed to use the Moonveil Katana?
You need 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence to wield the Moonveil effectively.
5. Is the Moonveil Katana still good after patches?
Yes, the Moonveil is still a strong weapon even after nerfs. It still excels in both PvE and PvP.
6. What Talismans are good for the Moonveil Katana?
- Warrior Jar Shard and Shard of Alexander to boost Ash of War damage.
- Godfrey Icon to boost the damage of Transient Moonlight.
7. What are good weapons to pair with the Moonveil Katana?
- Uchigatana or Wakizashi for dual-wielding and Bleed.
- Meteorite Blade for shared intelligence scaling.
- Rivers of Blood or the Hand of Malenia to complement its bleed.
8. Is upgrading the Moonveil worth it?
Yes, upgrading the Moonveil is essential. Its weapon level controls the damage of the Ash of War ability.
9. Can you use Carian Retaliation against Moonveil’s skill?
Yes, Carian Retaliation can absorb and reflect Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight, dealing significant damage back.
10. What is the best way to counter the Transient Moonlight skill?
The best counter is to roll towards the user and punish their recovery frames.
11. Is the Moonveil good for both PvE and PvP?
Yes, the Moonveil is effective in both PvE and PvP environments.
12. What is the bleed buildup on the Moonveil Katana?
The Moonveil Katana has a relatively low 50 Bleed buildup per hit, which can be improved by increasing arcane.
13. What makes the Moonveil Katana so popular?
Its popularity stems from its fast attacks, bleed build-up, strong damage, and the powerful Transient Moonlight Ash of War.
14. What damage type does the Moonveil katana do?
The Moonveil does both Slash and Pierce damage in melee combat.
15. How to get the Moonveil Katana?
The Moonveil Katana can be obtained by defeating the Magma Wyrm Makar in the Gael Tunnel.
Conclusion
The Moonveil Katana is indeed a potent weapon in Elden Ring, but it’s not unbeatable. By understanding its strengths, exploiting its weaknesses, and implementing the counter-strategies outlined above, you can effectively neutralize this popular choice. Remember, practice and patience are key to mastering these techniques and improving your PvP and PvE experience. Good luck, Tarnished!