Is Moonveil Still Worth Getting in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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Unequivocally, yes, Moonveil is absolutely still worth getting in Elden Ring. Despite some adjustments in patches, it remains a potent and versatile weapon, especially for Intelligence-focused builds. Its unique weapon skill, Transient Moonlight, offers both offensive and defensive capabilities, making it a valuable asset throughout the game, from early exploration to challenging endgame encounters.
Why Moonveil Remains a Top-Tier Choice
The Moonveil katana isn’t just another shiny weapon; it’s a strategically advantageous tool that synergizes beautifully with specific builds. Here’s a breakdown of why it continues to shine:
- Exceptional Weapon Skill: Transient Moonlight allows you to unleash a rapid, long-range magic attack. This is incredibly useful for both staggering enemies and maintaining distance, essential in a game as unforgiving as Elden Ring. The light attack variant is quick and precise, while the heavy attack variant is more powerful and has slightly longer range.
- Intelligence Scaling: The Moonveil’s primary scaling attribute is Intelligence. This means the more you invest in Intelligence, the more damage the weapon will inflict. For Intelligence-based sorcerers, this weapon seamlessly integrates into their existing playstyle, making it a natural and powerful choice.
- Bleed Buildup: While not its primary function, the Moonveil also inflicts Blood Loss buildup. This adds another layer of damage potential, especially against enemies vulnerable to bleed. This allows it to stagger some enemies faster and deal massive damage with critical attacks.
- Versatility: Whether you’re facing single, powerful bosses or hordes of weaker enemies, the Moonveil remains effective. Its weapon skill provides ranged options, while its katana moveset allows for fast-paced melee combat.
- Accessibility: While requiring the defeat of a boss, the Magma Wyrm in Gael Tunnel, the Moonveil is obtainable relatively early in the game. This means you can acquire it early and build your character around it, maximizing its potential throughout your playthrough.
Understanding Moonveil’s Strengths and Weaknesses
No weapon is without its drawbacks. While the Moonveil is powerful, it’s essential to understand its limitations:
- FP Consumption: Transient Moonlight consumes FP (Focus Points). Over-reliance on the weapon skill can quickly deplete your FP, leaving you vulnerable. Managing your FP effectively is crucial. Using Cerulean flasks to constantly refill your mana is recommended.
- Stat Requirements: You’ll need 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence to wield the Moonveil effectively. This requires investment in multiple stats, potentially delaying your progression in other areas.
- Not a Pure Bleed Weapon: While it does inflict bleed buildup, there are other katanas that specialize in bleed. If your sole focus is bleed, other options might be more optimal, such as the Rivers of Blood.
- Nerf History: It’s true that Moonveil received a nerf in a past patch, but that adjustment did not make it nonviable, but merely brought it in line with other high tier weapons. It still performs extremely well, and the impact of the nerf is hardly noticeable.
How to Maximize Moonveil’s Potential
To truly unleash the power of the Moonveil, consider these tips:
- Prioritize Intelligence: Focus on leveling Intelligence to maximize the weapon’s damage scaling. Aim for 60 Intelligence for optimal results.
- Invest in Mind: To sustain your FP usage, invest points into Mind to increase your FP pool. Aim for 30 mind is recommended.
- Upgrade the Weapon: Use Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade the Moonveil to its maximum level. This will significantly increase its damage output.
- Use Talismans: Equip talismans that enhance weapon skills, such as the Warrior Jar Shard or Shard of Alexander. The Godfrey Icon also boosts charged skills.
- Combine with Other Weapons: Consider pairing the Moonveil with another katana, such as the Meteorite Blade, to take advantage of the Powerstancing moveset. This unleashes powerful combos and devastating damage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Moonveil
Here are some common questions players have about the Moonveil:
Is Moonveil Katana still viable after the patches?
Yes, the Moonveil Katana is still highly viable. While it received a slight nerf, its core strengths—the Transient Moonlight weapon skill, Intelligence scaling, and Bleed buildup—remain effective.
Is Moonveil a good end game weapon?
Absolutely. With proper stat allocation and upgrades, the Moonveil excels in endgame content. It handles both single targets and groups of enemies, especially those weak to magic.
Should I level up Moonveil?
Yes, upgrading the Moonveil is crucial. Use Somber Smithing Stones to maximize its damage output and effectiveness.
Should I level Dex or Int for Moonveil?
Prioritize Intelligence first, aiming for 60. Then, focus on Dexterity to meet the weapon’s requirements and further enhance its damage. Vigor and Mind should also be leveled for survivability and FP management.
What Katana is best with Moonveil?
Pairing Moonveil with another Intelligence-scaling katana like the Meteorite Blade is a solid choice. Alternatively, you can use katanas like the Uchigatana or Nagakiba for powerstancing.
What is the best weapon pairing with Moonveil?
Powerstancing with another katana is the best option, as it unlocks a unique moveset that significantly increases damage output.
Should I upgrade Moonveil Katana?
Definitely. Upgrading the Moonveil Katana with Somber Smithing Stones will substantially improve its damage and overall performance.
Is Moonveil better than Rivers of Blood?
It depends on your playstyle. Moonveil offers a unique blend of magic damage and katana moves, while Rivers of Blood specializes in rapid bleed buildup. Both are strong, but cater to different preferences. Rivers of Blood is slightly better in PvE post patch.
What talisman is best for Moonveil?
The Warrior Jar Shard, Shard of Alexander, and Godfrey Icon are excellent choices for enhancing the damage of Moonveil’s weapon skill.
Is Moonveil or Rivers of Blood katana better?
Both katanas are excellent choices, however Rivers of Blood is considered a slightly better choice. It depends on your playstyle and what you are looking for in a weapon.
Does Moonveil do more damage than Uchigatana?
The Moonveil has a higher magic damage output than the Uchigatana, while the Uchigatana has a more balanced physical and magical damage distribution. The Moonveil is generally preferred for its weapon skill.
Is Moonveil good against Morgott?
Yes, the Moonveil’s bleed buildup and magic damage can significantly damage Morgott, making it a viable weapon for that encounter.
Should I use arcane with Moonveil?
Investing in Arcane can slightly improve the Moonveil’s bleed buildup, but it’s generally not as efficient as focusing on Intelligence and Dexterity.
How can I make my Moonveil stronger?
Upgrade the weapon, level Intelligence and Dexterity, equip damage-enhancing talismans, and use buffs to increase your magic attack power.
What’s so good about the Moonveil katana?
The Moonveil katana stands out because of its quick swing speed, bleed stats, and the fantastic Transient Moonlight Ash of War ability that deals massive damage and keeps you at a safe distance.
Conclusion: Embracing the Moonlight
The Moonveil katana continues to be a force to be reckoned with in Elden Ring. Its versatility, Intelligence scaling, and powerful weapon skill make it an excellent choice for players who want a balance of melee and magic. While it requires careful FP management and stat allocation, the rewards are well worth the effort. So, grab your Moonveil, Tarnished, and embrace the moonlight!
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