What To Use Before the Moonlight Greatsword: A Comprehensive Guide
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The Moonlight Greatsword, or its various iterations like the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring, is an iconic weapon across FromSoftware’s games. Its mystical power and elegant design make it a highly sought-after prize. However, obtaining it often requires significant progression through the game, leaving players wondering what to wield in the meantime. The direct answer is that you should look for a greatsword that suits your early game stats and playstyle. Since the Moonlight Greatsword is primarily an Intelligence weapon, you should be focusing on a weapon that either scales with Strength and Dexterity or if you are planning on building for magic, perhaps something that scales with magic a little bit. This article will explore several excellent alternatives and provide a guide to help you choose the right weapon to tide you over until you can claim the Moonlight Greatsword for yourself.
The Early Game Greatsword Alternatives
Before you get your hands on the legendary Moonlight Greatsword, several greatsword options can carry you through the early and mid-game phases. These are some of the popular choices:
The Claymore
The Claymore is a standout option because of its versatility, its relative early accessibility, and its similar moveset to the Moonlight Greatsword (especially in Elden Ring). It requires a modest 16 Strength and 13 Dexterity, making it accessible early on, and allows you to have the stats for a wide variety of other weapons. Its balanced scaling means that it benefits from both Strength and Dexterity investment, and it’s often a good way to go with a quality build. The Claymore’s familiar moveset will make transitioning to the Moonlight Greatsword feel much smoother when you obtain it. It’s an excellent choice for players looking for a reliable and powerful weapon that can carry them through different stages of the game.
The Bastard Sword
The Bastard Sword is another solid early-game pick. Its scaling is similar to the Claymore, focusing on Strength and Dexterity, though it requires a slightly higher investment in Strength early on. Like the Claymore, it is easy to obtain, making it a great alternative weapon for the earlier parts of the game. The Bastard Sword is a reliable pick due to its versatility and familiar moveset to the Moonlight Greatsword. It provides a good balance of power and speed, making it a go-to choice for many players.
Other Options
Depending on which game you are playing, there will be other early game weapons that you might like. It is recommended that you experiment with different types of weapons. For instance, if you know you are going to make an intelligence build, you can try out a weapon that scales with magic damage, so you can invest in intelligence while having a weapon that does good damage.
Why Choose an Alternative?
There are many reasons why you’d need an alternative to the Moonlight Greatsword:
- Availability: The Moonlight Greatsword, particularly in Elden Ring, is obtained fairly late into the game, meaning you need a strong weapon to carry you through the early game and mid-game. You can often get access to the Claymore or other similar weapons early on.
- Stat Requirements: The Moonlight Greatsword requires a very specific stat investment, particularly Intelligence. You need to have high intelligence to even use the weapon effectively. Before reaching that level, other weapons might be more effective given your stat distribution.
- Moveset Familiarity: The Claymore has a similar moveset to the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring. Utilizing the Claymore allows you to get a feel for this moveset before you get the Moonlight Greatsword.
Preparing for the Moonlight Greatsword
While using an alternative, it’s wise to keep these points in mind:
- Stat Planning: The Moonlight Greatsword heavily scales with Intelligence. Be sure that your build is slowly heading in the direction of a magic based build. Start putting your stats into intelligence so you can wield it effectively once you get it.
- Upgrade Materials: The earlier you start collecting upgrade materials, the easier it will be to quickly upgrade your Moonlight Greatsword once you acquire it.
- Playstyle Practice: Use the alternative weapon to refine your timing and spacing. This practice will transfer over to your Moonlight Greatsword once you get it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to the Moonlight Greatsword and its alternatives:
1. What are the stat requirements for the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring?
The Dark Moon Greatsword requires 16 Strength, 11 Dexterity, and 38 Intelligence.
2. What does the Dark Moon Greatsword scale with primarily?
The Dark Moon Greatsword scales primarily with Intelligence, followed by Dexterity and Strength.
3. How do I get the Moonlight Greatsword in Elden Ring?
You obtain the Moonlight Greatsword, or the Dark Moon Greatsword, after completing Ranni’s questline.
4. Is there a Moonlight Greatsword in every FromSoftware game?
Yes, a version of the Moonlight Greatsword has appeared in every FromSoftware Soulsborne game, except for Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, which doesn’t feature interchangeable weapons.
5. What does the Large Sword of Moonlight scale with in Demon’s Souls?
The Large Sword of Moonlight in Demon’s Souls scales primarily with Magic and also deals magic damage.
6. Does the Axe Talisman affect the Dark Moon Greatsword’s projectiles?
No, the Axe Talisman does not affect the Dark Moon Greatsword projectiles. It only affects the physical swings of the weapon.
7. Does the Spellblade set affect the Dark Moon Greatsword?
Yes, using the Spellblade set with the Dark Moon Greatsword will increase its damage, providing a 2% damage boost for each piece of the set equipped.
8. Can Godfrey’s Icon boost the damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword?
Yes, Godfrey’s Icon can be used with the Dark Moon Greatsword to boost the charged R2 attack.
9. Does the Dark Moon Greatsword apply frost buildup?
Yes, activating the skill of the Dark Moon Greatsword temporarily increases magic attack power and imbues the blade with frost buildup.
10. Does the Warrior Jar Shard buff the Dark Moon Greatsword projectiles?
Yes, the Warrior Jar Shard will increase the damage of the Dark Moon Greatsword projectiles.
11. Is the Golden Order Greatsword an alternative to the Dark Moon Greatsword?
While they are both greatswords, the Golden Order Greatsword scales with Faith, whereas the Dark Moon Greatsword scales with Intelligence. They’re both great weapons, but not direct alternatives.
12. What is a good straight sword to use before the Moonlight Greatsword?
The Claymore is often recommended, but if you are looking for a straight sword, the Broadsword or Sword of Night and Flame are good choices.
13. How does the Claymore compare to the Dark Moon Greatsword?
The Claymore scales with Strength and Dexterity and is an excellent early-game weapon. The Dark Moon Greatsword scales primarily with Intelligence. They both have a similar moveset, however.
14. Is the Moonlight Greatsword considered a legendary weapon?
Yes, the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring is classified as one of the legendary armaments.
15. Is the Moonlight Greatsword good for PvP?
The Moonlight Greatsword can be good for PvP, but its projectiles can be easily dodged. Its damage however makes it a powerful choice.
Conclusion
While the Moonlight Greatsword is an iconic and powerful weapon, there are plenty of options to use until you acquire it. Choosing the right alternative will help you progress smoothly through your game. The Claymore is a solid choice that can carry you through the early and mid-game, with the additional benefit of being familiar with its moveset when you switch over to the Moonlight Greatsword. Remember to plan your build and use your early weapons to refine your skills, making the transition to the Moonlight Greatsword all the more rewarding.