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Should I Use the Moonveil? A Tarnished’s Guide to Elden Ring’s Iconic Katana

The Moonveil. Just the name evokes images of shimmering blades, swift attacks, and a certain… je ne sais quoi. It’s the katana that launched a thousand builds, the weapon that carried countless Tarnished to victory, and the bane of many a PvP invader. But in the ever-evolving landscape of Elden Ring, is the Moonveil still worth wielding?

The short answer? Absolutely, yes. The Moonveil remains a potent and viable weapon in Elden Ring, especially for Intelligence-focused builds. Its unique combination of physical and magical damage, coupled with the devastating Transient Moonlight weapon skill, makes it a force to be reckoned with in both PvE and PvP. However, like any weapon, its effectiveness depends on your build, playstyle, and understanding of its strengths and weaknesses.

Let’s dive deep into why the Moonveil continues to shine and how to make the most of this iconic katana.

Unveiling the Moonveil’s Power

The Moonveil’s enduring appeal lies in several key factors:

Damage Output: It deals a potent mix of physical and magical damage, making it effective against a wide range of enemies. Few opponents boast resistance to both damage types simultaneously.
Transient Moonlight: This weapon skill is the Moonveil’s signature move. By holding L2/LT, you sheath the katana and then unleash a swift slash followed by a projectile of magical energy (R1 for a horizontal slash, R2 for a vertical one). These attacks are fast, deal significant damage, and can stagger enemies. The versatility of the weapon art is crucial to why the Moonveil remains a top-tier choice.
Scaling: The Moonveil scales primarily with Intelligence, making it a natural fit for mage builds. It also scales with Dexterity and a small amount of Strength, allowing for hybrid builds that incorporate melee combat. Focus on Intelligence as your primary damage stat.
Accessibility: While obtaining the Moonveil requires defeating the Magma Wyrm in the Gael Tunnel, this dungeon is accessible relatively early in the game, making it a powerful option for players progressing through the early and mid-game areas.
Stagger Potential: Properly utilizing the Transient Moonlight weapon art’s R2 attack can break enemy poise and open them up for critical hits. This is incredibly valuable in tough PvE encounters.

Optimizing Your Moonveil Build

To truly unleash the Moonveil’s potential, consider the following:

Stats: Prioritize Intelligence as your primary damage stat. Aim for 60 Intelligence first, then increase Vigor to 40. Afterwards, start leveling Dexterity to around 40-50. You’ll want the minimum Strength requirement (12) to wield the blade effectively.
Talismans: Equip talismans that boost your damage output, such as the Magic Scorpion Charm (increases magic damage taken, increases magic attack power), Shard of Alexander (boosts weapon skill damage), and Ritual Sword Talisman (increases attack power when at full HP). The Graven-Mass Talisman can also increase your sorcery damage by further boosting your Intelligence.
Armor: While armor isn’t as crucial as stats and talismans, consider sets that offer good poise or magic resistance, depending on your preference. For example, the Snow Witch Set can pair well with the cold affinity on a weapon art.
Spells: Complement your melee combat with powerful sorceries. Spells like Carian Slicer, Loretta’s Greatbow, and Rock Sling provide versatility and ranged options.

Moonveil’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

Excellent damage output.
Versatile weapon skill with good range and damage.
Good scaling with Intelligence and Dexterity.
Relatively easy to obtain early in the game.
Effective in both PvE and PvP.

Weaknesses:

Can be predictable in PvP if used repetitively.
Limited range compared to dedicated ranged weapons.
Reliant on FP for Transient Moonlight, requiring careful resource management.
Can be outclassed by specialized builds in certain situations.
Not suitable for pure Strength or Faith builds.

Is It Right For You?

The Moonveil isn’t a one-size-fits-all weapon. If you’re drawn to a fast-paced, offensive playstyle that blends melee combat with magical prowess, then the Moonveil is an excellent choice. If you prefer a more tank-oriented or purely physical build, other options may be more suitable.

Ultimately, the best way to determine if the Moonveil is right for you is to try it out. Experiment with different builds, practice with the Transient Moonlight skill, and see if it clicks with your playstyle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Moonveil

1. Is the Moonveil still overpowered after patches?

No, the Moonveil is no longer considered overpowered. While it remains a very strong weapon, it has been balanced through various patches and adjustments. It’s more about skill and build optimization than simply spamming Transient Moonlight.

2. What are the best stats for the Moonveil?

Prioritize Intelligence, then Vigor, and finally Dexterity. The minimum requirements are 12 Strength, 18 Dexterity, and 23 Intelligence.

3. What talismans should I use with the Moonveil?

Good talisman choices include the Magic Scorpion Charm, Shard of Alexander, Ritual Sword Talisman, and Graven-Mass Talisman.

4. Does the Moonveil do split damage?

Yes, the Moonveil deals split physical (slashing) and magical damage.

5. Is the Moonveil good for PvE?

Yes, the Moonveil is excellent for PvE. Its damage output and weapon skill are effective against a wide range of enemies.

6. Is the Moonveil good for PvP?

Yes, the Moonveil is viable in PvP, but it requires skillful use of the Transient Moonlight skill and good spacing to avoid being predictable.

7. How do I get the Moonveil Katana?

You obtain the Moonveil by defeating the Magma Wyrm boss at the end of the Gael Tunnel in Eastern Limgrave.

8. What is the best weapon art to use on the Moonveil?

The Moonveil’s weapon art is the Transient Moonlight, and is not changeable.

9. Can I dual-wield the Moonveil?

Yes, you can dual-wield the Moonveil with another katana, such as the Uchigatana or Rivers of Blood. However, you need to have stat investments appropriate for both weapons.

10. How much Intelligence do I need for Moonveil?

You need at least 23 Intelligence to wield the Moonveil. Aim for 60 Intelligence for optimal damage.

11. Does the Moonveil cause bleed?

No, the Moonveil does not inherently cause bleed buildup.

12. What armor should I wear with the Moonveil?

Armor choice depends on your preference, but sets that offer good poise or magic resistance are generally recommended.

13. Is the Rivers of Blood better than the Moonveil?

The Rivers of Blood and Moonveil cater to different builds. Rivers of Blood focuses on Dexterity/Arcane with bleed buildup, while Moonveil focuses on Intelligence with magic damage. Which is “better” depends entirely on your build and playstyle.

14. Can you parry the Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight?

Yes, you can parry the Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight attacks.

15. Where can I learn more about game design and the science of learning through games?

You can explore the field of game-based learning through organizations like the Games Learning Society and find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org. They explore the intersections of games, learning, and design.

Final Thoughts

The Moonveil remains a powerful and enjoyable weapon in Elden Ring, especially for those seeking a blend of melee combat and magical prowess. While it may not be the undisputed king it once was, it’s still a force to be reckoned with in the hands of a skilled Tarnished. So, should you use the Moonveil? If you’re looking for a stylish, effective, and versatile weapon that scales with Intelligence, then the answer is a resounding yes. Go forth, Tarnished, and unleash the Transient Moonlight!

Should I use the Moonveil?