Unveiling the Best Intelligence-Scaling Sword in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide

The Lands Between are rife with dangers, demanding a potent arsenal to survive. For those who favor the path of the sorcerer, finding a weapon that seamlessly blends martial prowess with arcane might is paramount. So, what’s the best sword for an Intelligence-focused build in Elden Ring? Look no further than the Moonveil Katana. Its incredible damage scaling with Intelligence, coupled with its unique weapon skill, makes it a formidable choice for any aspiring mage-knight. This katana allows you to reliably attack up close with rapid attacks, as well as at long-range opponents with spells.

Delving Deeper into the Moonveil

The Moonveil isn’t just a stylish katana; it’s a precision instrument designed for intelligence builds. Here’s a breakdown of what makes it so exceptional:

• Intelligence Scaling: The primary reason Moonveil reigns supreme. Its damage scales exceptionally well with Intelligence, translating directly into potent melee attacks. As you increase your Intelligence stat, Moonveil’s damage output skyrockets.
• Transient Moonlight Ash of War: This unique skill is a game-changer. It allows you to sheathe the katana and unleash a swift, powerful slash imbued with magic. The light attack version is a quick horizontal slice, while the heavy attack delivers a longer-ranged vertical beam. Both attacks deal significant magic damage and inflict stance damage, opening enemies up for critical hits.
• Dexterity Synergy: While Intelligence is the primary focus, the Moonveil also benefits from Dexterity scaling. This creates a hybrid build that is both powerful and versatile.
• Versatility: The Moonveil offers both melee and ranged options, making it adaptable to various combat scenarios. You can quickly switch between standard katana attacks and the Transient Moonlight skill to keep your opponents guessing.
• Accessibility: Getting the Moonveil doesn’t require beating the game. It is attainable in the early to mid-game, which sets up your build from early on.

Other Contenders (And Why They Fall Short)

While the Moonveil stands out, several other swords have Intelligence scaling. However, they often lack the same level of effectiveness or versatility:

• Meteoric Ore Blade: This katana also scales with Intelligence, offering a different moveset and weapon skill. However, Transient Moonlight is generally considered superior due to its speed and range. However, the Meteoric Ore blade is an excellent option for early-game play as it is available much sooner than the Moonveil.
• Dark Moon Greatsword: A late-game reward for completing Ranni’s questline. It’s a fantastic weapon with high magic damage, but its slow swing speed can be a disadvantage against faster enemies. Also, it is obtained later in the game making it a less desirable candidate.
• Death’s Poker: A greatsword that deals both physical and magic damage, scaling with Intelligence, Dexterity, and Strength. It’s powerful, but requires a more diverse stat investment than the Moonveil.
• Helphen’s Steeple: A greatsword with good Intelligence scaling and a unique weapon skill. It can be a solid choice, but it isn’t as generally powerful as the Moonveil or the Dark Moon Greatsword.

The Moonveil excels due to its balanced stats, fast attack speed, and, most importantly, the exceptional Transient Moonlight weapon skill.

Maximizing Moonveil’s Potential

To truly unleash the Moonveil’s power, consider these tips:

• Prioritize Intelligence: Make Intelligence your primary stat, aiming for at least 60. Remember that the returns begin to diminish after 60.
• Invest in Dexterity: Level Dexterity to meet the weapon’s minimum requirements and beyond.
• Talismans: Equip talismans that boost magic damage (e.g., Magic Scorpion Charm), weapon skill damage (e.g., Godfrey Icon), or overall attack power (e.g., Ritual Sword Talisman).
• Armor: Choose armor that provides adequate protection without hindering your mobility.
• Spells: Supplement your melee attacks with powerful sorceries like Comet Azur or Loretta’s Greatbow for ranged combat.
• Upgrades: Fully upgrade the Moonveil using Somber Smithing Stones.
• Experiment: Practice using the Transient Moonlight skill in various combat scenarios to master its timing and range.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the minimum stat requirements for the Moonveil?

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

2. Can I use the Moonveil effectively with a low Dexterity stat?

While you can technically wield the Moonveil with just 18 Dexterity, you won’t maximize its potential. Higher Dexterity improves its damage output and casting speed.

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

You cannot change the Ash of War on the Moonveil. It is locked to Transient Moonlight.

4. Does the Moonveil deal physical or magic damage?

The Moonveil deals both physical and magic damage, making it effective against a wide range of enemies.

5. How do I get the Moonveil in Elden Ring?

You obtain the Moonveil by defeating the Magma Wyrm in the Gael Tunnel, located in Caelid.

6. Is the Moonveil good for PvP?

Yes, the Moonveil is very popular and effective in PvP due to its speed, range, and high damage output.

7. What is the best staff to use with the Moonveil?

The Carian Regal Scepter is generally considered the best staff for Intelligence builds in Elden Ring. It scales exceptionally well with Intelligence and boosts the damage of Carian sorceries.

8. How does Intelligence affect sorcery damage in Elden Ring?

Each point allocated to the Intelligence stat increases the effectiveness and damage dealt by Sorceries cast with weapons that have Intelligence scaling.

9. What is the Intelligence soft cap in Elden Ring?

The Intelligence soft caps are generally considered to be at 20, 50, and 80. The returns diminish significantly after 60.

10. Is the Moonveil still good after the patches?

Yes, even after several patches, the Moonveil remains a top-tier weapon for Intelligence builds in Elden Ring.

11. Can you dual wield katanas in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can dual wield katanas to unlock the Powerstancing moveset. However, this is not usually recommended with the Moonveil, as it benefits more from being used with a staff in the off-hand.

12. Is Faith or Intelligence better in Elden Ring?

Neither is objectively “better.” Faith focuses on incantations (buffs, heals, and elemental attacks), while Intelligence focuses on sorceries (offensive magic). The best choice depends on your preferred playstyle.

13. What is the best early DEX weapon in Elden Ring?

The Bloodhound’s Fang is an excellent early-game Dexterity weapon, obtainable in Limgrave.

14. Does two-handing the Moonveil increase its damage?

While two-handing the Moonveil does provide a slight increase in damage due to the Strength bonus, it’s generally more beneficial to wield it one-handed with a staff in your off-hand.

15. What are some good alternatives to the Moonveil for Intelligence builds?

The Dark Moon Greatsword, Meteoric Ore Blade, and Death’s Poker are viable alternatives, depending on your preferences.

The Moonveil Katana remains the king of Intelligence-scaling swords in Elden Ring, offering a potent blend of melee and magic prowess. It’s a weapon that rewards skill and strategic thinking, allowing you to dominate the Lands Between with style and finesse. Now go forth, Tarnished, and weave your arcane mastery with the Moonveil’s blade. You can learn more about the impact of games and learning at the Games Learning Society website located at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org. Good luck, and may the best build win!