Is Moonveil Better with DEX or INT in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

The Moonveil Katana in Elden Ring is a fan favorite, and for good reason. Its unique weapon skill, Transient Moonlight, allows for swift, powerful ranged attacks, making it incredibly versatile for various combat scenarios. The burning question, however, is whether it scales better with Dexterity (DEX) or Intelligence (INT). The answer, while seemingly straightforward, requires a bit of nuance to fully understand. In short, Intelligence provides a greater increase in the Moonveil’s damage output compared to Dexterity, especially as you level up your character. However, optimizing the Moonveil’s potential involves a balanced approach to both stats.

Understanding Moonveil’s Scaling

The Moonveil Katana scales with Strength (STR), Dexterity (DEX), and Intelligence (INT). The scaling grades are as follows:

• Strength: E
• Dexterity: D
• Intelligence: C

While the scaling grades might suggest a clear winner, the actual impact of each stat on the weapon’s Attack Rating (AR) needs closer examination.

Why Intelligence Outshines Dexterity

The primary reason Intelligence edges out Dexterity is the damage scaling curve. As you increase your Intelligence, the magic damage component of the Moonveil rises more significantly than the physical damage from Dexterity. This is especially true once you surpass the soft caps for each stat (around 50-60).

Furthermore, the Transient Moonlight skill relies entirely on your Intelligence stat for its damage calculation. This means that every point you invest in Intelligence directly enhances the power of this incredibly useful weapon art, which is a significant portion of the Moonveil’s overall effectiveness.

The Importance of a Balanced Build

While prioritizing Intelligence is beneficial, neglecting Dexterity entirely is a mistake. Dexterity still contributes to the weapon’s physical damage and, importantly, casting speed. A higher Dexterity stat allows you to cast spells, including those from staves, faster, providing a more fluid and responsive combat experience.

Therefore, a well-rounded build for the Moonveil typically involves:

• Intelligence: Rushing towards 60 and eventually 80.
• Dexterity: Aiming for at least 40-50.
• Vigor: Essential for survivability, targeting 40-60.
• Mind: To increase FP for casting Transient Moonlight, somewhere between 25-40 depending on your play style.
• Endurance: To manage equip load and stamina, typically around 20-30.

Optimizing Your Moonveil Build

Here’s a suggested progression for stat allocation:

1. Prioritize meeting the minimum requirements for wielding the Moonveil (12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, 23 Intelligence).
2. Level Vigor to 40 for early-game survivability.
3. Focus on boosting Intelligence towards 50.
4. Alternately level Dexterity until it reaches 40, then focus on pushing Intelligence towards 60.
5. After hitting 60 Intelligence and 40 Dexterity, allocate points based on your personal preference, perhaps pushing Intelligence to 80, Dexterity to 50, or increasing Vigor and Mind.

Considering Alternative Weapons and Spells

While the Moonveil is exceptional, it shouldn’t be your only tool. Supplement it with:

• A good staff: For ranged spellcasting, complementing the Moonveil’s melee capabilities. The Lusat’s Glintstone Staff or Azur’s Glintstone Staff are powerful options, although they increase FP consumption. The Carian Regal Scepter is a solid choice with more manageable FP costs.
• Other DEX/INT weapons: Options like the Wing of Astel or Death’s Poker provide different movesets and damage types.
• Versatile spells: Glintstone Pebble, Loretta’s Greatbow, and Carian Slicer are invaluable spells.

Final Verdict

While both Dexterity and Intelligence are crucial for maximizing the Moonveil’s potential, Intelligence provides a greater return on investment in terms of raw damage output and the effectiveness of the weapon’s Transient Moonlight skill. A balanced build that prioritizes Intelligence, while also investing in Dexterity, Vigor, and Mind, will create a formidable and versatile character in Elden Ring.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the minimum stat requirements for Moonveil?

The Moonveil requires 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence.

2. Is Moonveil considered a meta weapon in Elden Ring?

Yes, Moonveil has consistently been considered a top-tier or meta weapon due to its damage output, range, and unique skill, Transient Moonlight. Despite minor nerfs over time, it remains a popular and powerful choice.

3. What is the best class to start with for a Moonveil build?

The Astrologer or Samurai are generally recommended. Astrologer has higher Intelligence, while Samurai has higher Dexterity and Endurance, giving you a strong melee start.

4. How do I obtain the Moonveil Katana?

The Moonveil is obtained by defeating the Magma Wyrm in the Gael Tunnel in Caelid.

5. What is the best Ash of War to put on Moonveil?

The Moonveil has a unique weapon skill, Transient Moonlight, and cannot have Ashes of War applied to it.

6. Is Moonveil viable in late-game Elden Ring?

Absolutely. With proper stat allocation and upgrades, Moonveil remains a powerful weapon even against late-game bosses and enemies.

7. Does Dexterity affect casting speed in Elden Ring?

Yes, Dexterity increases casting speed, but the effect has diminishing returns after a certain point. Around 70 Dexterity is the point where the difference is barely noticeable.

8. What are the soft caps for Intelligence and Dexterity?

Generally, soft caps are around 50-60 for early game and 60-80 for late game, but this can vary depending on the specific scaling of your weapon.

9. Should I two-hand the Moonveil?

Two-handing the Moonveil is generally not necessary. Its moveset is effective when wielded one-handed, allowing you to use a staff in your off-hand for spellcasting.

10. What talismans are best for a Moonveil build?

• Radagon Icon: Increases casting speed.
• Marika’s Soreseal/Scarseal: Boosts Intelligence, Mind, Faith, and Arcane (Soreseal has higher boost with added damage vulnerability; Scarseal lower boost, but lower damage vulnerability)
• Graven-Mass Talisman/Graven-School Talisman: Increases sorcery damage.
• Carian Filigreed Crest: Reduces FP consumption of skills, including Transient Moonlight.

11. What armor should I wear for a Moonveil build?

Armor choices are largely based on preference, but prioritize armor with good poise and magic defense. Be sure to maintain a medium equip load for optimal mobility.

12. Is Moonveil good for PvP?

Yes, Moonveil is effective in PvP due to its speed, range, and unpredictable Transient Moonlight attacks. However, experienced players may be able to anticipate and counter its moves.

13. How does Moonveil compare to Rivers of Blood?

Both are very popular katanas, but they cater to different builds. Moonveil leans towards Intelligence, while Rivers of Blood leans towards Arcane. Rivers of Blood relies on bleed, while Moonveil relies on raw magical damage.

14. Are there any weapons that pair well with Moonveil?

The Cold Uchigatana paired with a frost infused weapon like Hoarfrost Stomp can be excellent. This combination helps in inflicting both bleed and frostbite damage, providing additional tactical advantages.

15. Where can I learn more about the science of game-based learning?

Check out the Games Learning Society website for more information: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is a great resource to learn more about gaming and other related information.