The Moonlight Greatsword is one of the most iconic weapons in video game history, appearing in nearly every FromSoftware title since King’s Field. Elden Ring continues this legendary tradition with its own iteration—the Darkmoon Greatsword. While both weapons share core characteristics, Elden Ring’s version introduces unique mechanics that make it distinct.
In this article, we’ll explore the origins of the Moonlight Greatsword, analyze how the Darkmoon Greatsword builds upon its legacy, and compare its functionality across different FromSoftware games.
The Moonlight Greatsword: A Legacy Across Generations
The Moonlight Greatsword has been a staple in FromSoftware games since the 1994 release of King’s Field. Recognized by its ethereal glow and devastating magic attacks, this sword has become a symbol of FromSoftware’s interconnected universe.
Origins in King’s Field
The Moonlight Greatsword made its first appearance in King’s Field, an early FromSoftware dungeon crawler. In this game, the sword was a powerful, glowing blue weapon with magical properties. Though primitive by today’s standards, it set the foundation for what would become one of the most iconic weapons in gaming.
The Soulsborne Era: A Core Mechanic in Every Game
With the rise of Demon’s Souls and the Dark Souls series, the Moonlight Greatsword evolved into a must-have weapon for Intelligence-based builds. While its name varied slightly across games (Greatsword of Moonlight in Demon’s Souls), its core mechanics remained consistent:
- A massive, glowing blue sword.
- High Intelligence scaling for Sorcery users.
- A signature heavy attack that launches a magic projectile.
In Bloodborne, the sword took the form of the Holy Moonlight Sword, offering a transformed state that enhanced its magical properties. Dark Souls III refined its mechanics even further, making it a formidable weapon for PvP and PvE alike.
Darkmoon Greatsword in Elden Ring: A New Chapter
In Elden Ring, FromSoftware once again reintroduces the legendary weapon, this time under the name Darkmoon Greatsword. While it retains many of the Moonlight Greatsword’s signature traits, it also integrates new mechanics to fit Elden Ring’s vast open-world gameplay.
How to Obtain the Darkmoon Greatsword
Unlike previous games, where the Moonlight Greatsword was often acquired by cutting off a dragon’s tail (Seath the Scaleless in Dark Souls), Elden Ring ties the Darkmoon Greatsword to Ranni the Witch’s questline. Players must:
- Complete Ranni’s quest, which involves traversing Nokron, Ainsel River, and defeating Baleful Shadow.
- Obtain the discarded key to access a locked chest in the Grand Library of Raya Lucaria.
- Finish Ranni’s storyline, culminating in her disappearance.
- Receive the Darkmoon Greatsword at the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
This method not only reinforces Elden Ring’s deep lore but also connects the sword to the mysterious Age of Stars ending, which is heavily associated with Ranni and the concept of cosmic order.
Darkmoon Greatsword vs. Traditional Moonlight Greatsword
| Feature | Darkmoon Greatsword (Elden Ring) | Moonlight Greatsword (Dark Souls) |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling | Intelligence + Strength/Dexterity | Intelligence only |
| Weapon Skill | Moonlight Greatsword (Frost damage on charged attacks) | Moonlight Wave (Pure magic damage projectile) |
| Buff Mechanics | Can be temporarily buffed for stronger projectile attacks | Passive magic scaling, but no additional buffing |
| How to Obtain | Completing Ranni’s questline | Usually acquired from a dragon boss (Seath, Ludwig, etc.) |
| Aesthetic Design | Glowing blue blade with frost effects | Standard blue aura with glowing edges |
What Sets Darkmoon Greatsword Apart?
- Frost Damage Integration – Unlike past versions, the Darkmoon Greatsword inflicts Frostbite on enemies when charged attacks are used. This adds an additional layer of strategy in combat, as Frostbite reduces stamina recovery and increases damage taken.
- Ranni’s Lore Connection – The sword is deeply tied to Ranni the Witch and her questline, reinforcing Elden Ring’s greater cosmic themes.
- Temporary Buff Mechanic – When activated, the Darkmoon Greatsword temporarily enhances its projectiles, offering greater burst potential in battles.
Comparing Strengths and Weaknesses
Why Choose the Darkmoon Greatsword in Elden Ring?
- Strong hybrid scaling – Unlike its predecessors, it scales not just with Intelligence but also with Strength and Dexterity, making it viable for hybrid builds.
- Frostbite utility – The added Frostbite effect makes it especially useful against high-health enemies.
- Versatile in both PvE and PvP – Its ranged attack and heavy scaling make it an excellent choice for spellcasters looking for melee viability.
Where the Traditional Moonlight Greatsword Excels
- Stronger raw magic damage – The Moonlight Greatsword in previous Souls games often had higher magic attack power.
- No buffing required – Earlier versions of the sword did not rely on a temporary buff mechanic, meaning its power was always consistent.
- Simpler to obtain in some games – Unlike Elden Ring’s Darkmoon Greatsword, which requires a long questline, previous iterations could often be acquired mid-game.
How Elden Ring Continues the Tradition
Despite its new name and unique mechanics, the Darkmoon Greatsword is a direct continuation of the Moonlight Greatsword’s legacy. FromSoftware has once again found a way to integrate this legendary weapon into its latest game while adding fresh mechanics that suit Elden Ring’s open-world design.
This sword is not just a powerful weapon—it’s a bridge connecting FromSoftware’s entire history. From King’s Field to Bloodborne and now Elden Ring, the Moonlight Greatsword has evolved while retaining its core identity.
Whether you’re a veteran Souls player or a newcomer to Elden Ring, wielding the Darkmoon Greatsword feels like embracing a piece of gaming history.
Conclusion: Which One Reigns Supreme?
Ultimately, choosing between the Darkmoon Greatsword and its previous iterations depends on play style. If you enjoy Elden Ring’s frost mechanics and hybrid scaling, the Darkmoon Greatsword is a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer a purely magic-focused build with constant power, the classic Moonlight Greatsword might still be your favorite.
Either way, one thing is clear: Elden Ring continues the legendary tradition of the Moonlight Greatsword, ensuring its legacy will endure in gaming history.
