Slicing Through the Myths: Acquiring the Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1 (Easy Mode…Sort Of)
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The Moonlight Greatsword (also known as the MLGS) in Dark Souls 1 is a coveted weapon, prized for its unique damage scaling and mystical aura. While there’s no truly easy button to instantly acquire it, the method itself is straightforward: You must defeat Seath the Scaleless and then sever his tail with enough damage inflicted before he destroys the crystal that gives him immortality.
Here’s the breakdown of how to realistically, and relatively efficiently, get your hands on this iconic blade:
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Progress Through the Game: You need to advance the story to the point where you can access The Duke’s Archives and the Crystal Cave. This requires defeating several bosses and progressing through Anor Londo.
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The Duke’s Archives and Initial Encounter: The first time you encounter Seath in The Duke’s Archives, it’s a scripted loss. Don’t fret; you’re supposed to die. This will transport you to the Prison Tower. Escape the prison.
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Reaching the Crystal Cave: From The Duke’s Archives, navigate to the Crystal Cave. This area is characterized by its invisible walkways, so be prepared to use transient curses, prism stones, or simply follow the other player messages.
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The Tail Cut: This is the critical step. Once you enter the boss arena, immediately sprint to Seath’s tail (the one at the back, not the smaller ones). Wait for him to get close enough to attack, at which point he will do a stomp that breaks the crystal. Then slash away at his tail while he’s stunned. This will require a weapon with sufficient damage output and some persistence. Aim for the tip of the tail for better hit detection.
- Recommended Weapons: High-damage weapons like the Black Knight Halberd, Zweihander, or a well-upgraded Greatsword are excellent choices. Crystal weapons with high attunement can also be good.
- Two-Handing: Two-handing your weapon will increase your Strength and thus your damage output, making it easier to cut the tail.
- Patience and Positioning: Don’t get greedy. Focus on getting a few hits in when Seath is vulnerable, then back off to avoid his attacks.
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Claim Your Prize: If you successfully sever the tail, the Moonlight Greatsword will be yours! If you fail, you can always try again.
While there’s no guaranteed, foolproof “easy” method, this strategy, coupled with persistence and a decent weapon, significantly increases your chances of obtaining the Moonlight Greatsword.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What stats do I need for the Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1?
The Moonlight Greatsword requires 16 Strength, 10 Dexterity, and 28 Intelligence. Its damage scales primarily with Intelligence, making it ideal for mage builds.
What’s the best build for the Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1?
A good build for the MLGS focuses on high Intelligence (at least 40-50), moderate Vitality and Endurance, and enough Attunement for a few spell slots. Armor with high magic defense is also beneficial. Consider using rings like the Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring and the Ring of Favor and Protection.
How early can I get the Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1?
You can’t get the Moonlight Greatsword early in the game. You need to progress through the main storyline to reach The Duke’s Archives and the Crystal Cave, which are mid-to-late game areas.
Can I miss the Moonlight Greatsword?
Yes, you can miss it. If you defeat Seath without cutting off his tail, you won’t get the Moonlight Greatsword in that playthrough. However, you can always attempt to get it in New Game Plus.
What kind of damage does the Moonlight Greatsword do?
The Moonlight Greatsword deals purely magic damage. This is important to consider when facing enemies with high magic resistance.
Is the Moonlight Greatsword good for PvP?
The MLGS can be effective in PvP, especially against opponents who are not expecting its magic damage. Its projectile attack is also useful for catching opponents off guard.
Is the Moonlight Greatsword good for PvE?
Yes, the Moonlight Greatsword is very effective in PvE, particularly against enemies weak to magic. Its range and damage output make it a formidable weapon.
Can I upgrade the Moonlight Greatsword?
Yes, the Moonlight Greatsword is upgraded with Twinkling Titanite. You can obtain this material from various locations in the game, including Crystal Lizards and vendors like the Giant Blacksmith.
Does the Moonlight Greatsword scale with anything besides Intelligence?
While its primary scaling is with Intelligence, the Moonlight Greatsword also has minimal scaling with Strength and Dexterity. However, Intelligence is the most important stat to increase for maximum damage output.
What’s the lore behind the Moonlight Greatsword?
The Moonlight Greatsword is a recurring weapon in FromSoftware games, often associated with themes of magic, the moon, and hidden power. In Dark Souls 1, it’s tied to Seath the Scaleless, a dragon obsessed with knowledge and experimentation.
What other weapons are similar to the Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1?
The Velka’s Rapier, Tin Crystallization Catalyst (for magic scaling), and other Intelligence-based weapons are thematically and build-wise similar to the MLGS.
How do I deal with the invisible walkways in the Crystal Cave?
Use prism stones to mark your path. Toss them ahead of you; if they fall, you know there’s no ground there. Transient curses can help the player see. Or simply observe the snow particles coming down, they will land on the invisible platforms giving an indication of where to go.
What rings should I use with a Moonlight Greatsword build?
Useful rings include the Bellowing Dragoncrest Ring (increases sorcery damage), Ring of Favor and Protection (increases HP, stamina, and equip load), and the Havel’s Ring (increases equip load).
Is the Moonlight Greatsword worth the effort?
For mage builds or players who appreciate unique weapons with lore significance, the Moonlight Greatsword is definitely worth the effort. Its distinct damage type and appearance make it a rewarding weapon to obtain.
Is there a Moonlight Greatsword in every Souls game?
While not always called the “Moonlight Greatsword” directly, a similar weapon with a blue/white glow and magic-based damage often appears in FromSoftware’s games, including the Dark Souls series, Bloodborne (as the Holy Moonlight Sword), Elden Ring (as the Dark Moon Greatsword), and even games like Armored Core.
By following these steps and addressing these common questions, you’ll be well on your way to wielding the legendary Moonlight Greatsword in Dark Souls 1. Good luck, and don’t go hollow!
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