How to Obtain the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Dark Moon Greatsword is a legendary weapon in Elden Ring, coveted for its unique moveset, scaling, and powerful weapon skill. It’s a must-have for intelligence-focused builds and those seeking to wield the power of the moon.
How to get the Dark Moon Greatsword? You obtain the Dark Moon Greatsword by completing Ranni the Witch’s questline and then defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void in the Grand Cloister, before interacting with Ranni’s doll at the Cathedral of Manus Celes after placing the Dark Moon Ring on her finger. This extensive quest requires dedication and exploring multiple regions of the Lands Between.
Ranni’s Questline: A Step-by-Step Guide
Securing the Dark Moon Greatsword is deeply intertwined with Ranni the Witch’s questline. This intricate series of tasks requires players to navigate treacherous areas, defeat formidable bosses, and make crucial decisions. Here’s a breakdown of the key steps:
Initiating the Quest
- Meet Ranni at Ranni’s Rise in Liurnia of the Lakes: This is the starting point. Find Ranni atop her tower after defeating Royal Knight Loretta at the entrance to Caria Manor. Agree to serve her.
- Speak to Her Servants: Talk to Blaidd the Half-Wolf, War Counselor Iji, and Preceptor Seluvis (through his spirit doll). Exhaust their dialogue.
Exploring Nokron, Eternal City
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Speak to Blaidd: Blaidd will tell you to search for a way to enter Nokron. Exhaust his dialogue.
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Speak to Seluvis (spirit doll): Exhaust Seluvis’s dialogue.
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Defeat Starscourge Radahn: This is a crucial step. Defeating Radahn will cause a star to fall, creating a path into Nokron. Head south of Fort Haight in Limgrave to find the crater.
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Navigate Nokron: Explore Nokron, the Eternal City. Your goal is to find the Fingerslayer Blade in a chest within the Night’s Sacred Ground area.
Dealing with the Curse
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Give the Fingerslayer Blade to Ranni: Return to Ranni’s Rise and present her with the Fingerslayer Blade. She will then give you the Carian Inverted Statue.
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Use the Carian Inverted Statue at the Carian Study Hall: Place the statue on the altar at the entrance of the Carian Study Hall in Liurnia of the Lakes to invert the tower.
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Ascend the Carian Study Hall: Navigate the inverted Study Hall, overcoming its challenges. You’ll encounter Preceptor Miriam several times. Defeat them.
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Acquire the Cursemark of Death: At the top of the inverted Study Hall, you will find the Cursemark of Death on a corpse.
Descending into the Lake of Rot
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Enter Renna’s Rise: With Ranni’s quest progressing, a new path will open to the north of Ranni’s Rise, accessible through Renna’s Rise. Use the portal at the top of the tower.
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Obtain the Miniature Ranni: The portal leads to Ainsel River Main. Pick up the Miniature Ranni doll.
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Speak to the Miniature Ranni at Sites of Grace: Rest at the nearby Site of Grace and repeatedly speak to the doll until she starts talking. She will tell you to defeat the baleful shadow.
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Defeat the Baleful Shadow: Progress through the Ainsel River until you encounter the Baleful Shadow, an NPC invasion resembling Blaidd. Defeat it to obtain the Discarded Palace Key.
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Open the chest in the Raya Lucarian Grand Library: The Discarded Palace Key opens a chest in the Raya Lucarian Grand Library, where you fought Rennala. Inside is the Dark Moon Ring.
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Enter the Lake of Rot and traverse the Grand Cloister: Continue through Ainsel River, descending into the Lake of Rot. Use platforms and Spirit Ashes to avoid scarlet rot. Proceed to the Grand Cloister.
Claiming the Dark Moon Greatsword
- Defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: At the end of the Grand Cloister, interact with the coffin to be transported to the boss arena for Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This boss fight is challenging but essential.
- Enter the Cathedral of Manus Celes: After defeating Astel, continue forward into the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
- Interact with Ranni’s Doll and Place the Dark Moon Ring: Descend into the hole in the back of the Cathedral. You will find Ranni’s doll. Place the Dark Moon Ring on her finger.
- Claim the Dark Moon Greatsword: After the cutscene, the Dark Moon Greatsword will appear where the doll was. Congratulations!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about obtaining the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring:
1. What are the stat requirements for the Dark Moon Greatsword?
The Dark Moon Greatsword requires 16 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 38 Intelligence. These requirements make it ideal for players focusing on intelligence builds.
2. What kind of damage does the Dark Moon Greatsword deal?
The Dark Moon Greatsword deals both physical and magical damage. Its special attack also inflicts Frostbite.
3. What is the Dark Moon Greatsword’s weapon skill?
The Dark Moon Greatsword’s weapon skill is Moonlight Greatsword. This skill allows you to imbue the blade with moonlight, enhancing its magical damage and granting charged heavy attacks that fire waves of moonlight energy.
4. Can I use Ashes of War on the Dark Moon Greatsword?
No, the Dark Moon Greatsword cannot be infused with Ashes of War. Its unique weapon skill is fixed.
5. How do I respec my stats in Elden Ring?
You can respec your stats by giving Larval Tears to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in the Raya Lucarian Grand Library. Each Larval Tear allows you to reallocate your stats.
6. Where can I find Larval Tears?
Larval Tears can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, including Nokron, Eternal City, and through defeating specific enemies.
7. Do I need to defeat all bosses to get the Dark Moon Greatsword?
No, you don’t need to defeat all bosses, but you do need to defeat Starscourge Radahn and Astel, Naturalborn of the Void as part of Ranni’s questline.
8. What happens if I accidentally attack Ranni?
If you accidentally attack Ranni, you can seek absolution at the Church of Vows using Celestial Dew. This will reset her aggro and allow you to continue the questline.
9. Can I still get the Dark Moon Greatsword if I’ve progressed too far in the main story?
Yes, it is possible to still get the Dark Moon Greatsword even if you’ve progressed far in the main story, as long as you haven’t locked yourself out of Ranni’s questline by choosing a different ending.
10. What are some good talismans to use with the Dark Moon Greatsword?
Some good talismans to use with the Dark Moon Greatsword include the Radagon Icon (to increase casting speed), Magic Scorpion Charm (to boost magic damage), and Graven-Mass Talisman (to further increase sorcery power).
11. What are some good armor sets to pair with the Dark Moon Greatsword?
Good armor sets to pair with the Dark Moon Greatsword depend on your playstyle, but sets that offer good poise and magic resistance are generally recommended. The Snow Witch Set that Ranni wears is thematically appropriate and offers decent protection.
12. Is the Dark Moon Greatsword viable in PvP?
Yes, the Dark Moon Greatsword can be viable in PvP. Its weapon skill and frostbite buildup can be very effective against other players, especially when combined with strategic spellcasting.
13. How do I upgrade the Dark Moon Greatsword?
The Dark Moon Greatsword is upgraded using Somber Smithing Stones. You can find these stones throughout the Lands Between, or purchase them from certain merchants after giving them specific Bell Bearings.
14. What happens if I kill Blaidd before finishing Ranni’s quest?
Killing Blaidd early may disrupt the quest. It’s best to follow the questline normally to avoid potential issues. You will find him again as part of the quest eventually.
15. Is there anything else I should know before starting Ranni’s quest?
Ranni’s questline is one of the longest and most complex in Elden Ring. Be prepared to explore extensively, fight challenging enemies, and make careful decisions. Keep a detailed log of your progress, and consult guides when needed. Ensure you have a solid understanding of the quest requirements before committing to specific actions. This will ensure you obtain the Dark Moon Greatsword without running into roadblocks. Also remember to be at least level 60 before attempting, or ideally higher.