The Darkmoon Greatsword is one of the most iconic weapons in FromSoftware’s catalog, a shining example of lore-driven design, unique functionality, and consistent fan appreciation. From its origins in Dark Souls to its refined incarnation in Elden Ring, the weapon has been a symbol of mysticism, challenge, and reward. This blog post delves into the fascinating evolution of the Darkmoon Greatsword, exploring how it has changed across titles while retaining its legendary status.
The Legacy of the Moonlight Sword
Before diving into its journey through Dark Souls and Elden Ring, it’s essential to acknowledge the Darkmoon Greatsword’s inspiration: the Moonlight Greatsword. First appearing in King’s Field—an early FromSoftware title—the Moonlight Greatsword has become a recurring element in FromSoftware games, appearing under various names and iterations. This celestial weapon serves as a link between the studio’s history and its modern masterpieces.
The Dark Souls series gave it a new identity under the Darkmoon covenant, entwining it deeply with themes of loyalty, justice, and mystical power.
Dark Souls: The Introduction of the Darkmoon Greatsword
In the original Dark Souls, the Darkmoon Greatsword is the signature weapon of Gwyndolin, the last-born of Gwyn, Lord of Cinder. Gwyndolin’s connection to the moon is central to the weapon’s lore, and its status as a reward for joining the Blade of the Darkmoon covenant solidified its exclusivity.
Key Features in Dark Souls:
- Magical Scaling: The sword’s damage scales with intelligence, making it a staple for sorcery-focused builds.
- Weapon Art: A unique heavy attack that unleashes a beam of moonlight energy, dealing significant magic damage at range.
- Lore-Driven Design: The weapon’s pale glow and sleek, ethereal look match its lunar theme perfectly.
Obtaining the weapon in Dark Souls was no easy feat, requiring dedication to the covenant and significant player skill to ascend through the ranks. Its exclusivity made wielding it a mark of prestige.
Dark Souls II: A Slight Departure
The Moonlight Greatsword returned in Dark Souls II, but the Darkmoon iteration was conspicuously absent. Instead, the game emphasized the weapon’s broader lore as a recurring artifact, distanced from its covenant roots. While still a powerful magic weapon, it lacked the covenant-specific ties that made it a hallmark of loyalty and devotion in the first game.
Dark Souls III: A Resurgence
Dark Souls III reintroduced the Darkmoon Greatsword with a revitalized focus on the Blade of the Darkmoon covenant. The game leaned heavily into its predecessor's themes of loyalty and redemption, making the weapon a fitting reward for those who remained true to the covenant.
Enhancements in Dark Souls III:
- Improved Scaling: Scaling with intelligence was made even more pronounced, enhancing its synergy with sorcery builds.
- Weapon Skill: Its unique ability allowed for a charged beam attack, amplifying its functionality in both PvE and PvP.
- Refined Aesthetic: The sword’s design was sleeker, with a shimmering blue hue that captured the moonlight theme even better.
Acquiring the Darkmoon Greatsword in Dark Souls III was a more streamlined process compared to the original game, but it still demanded commitment and skill, ensuring it remained a weapon of distinction.
Elden Ring: The Darkmoon Greatsword Reimagined
In Elden Ring, the Darkmoon Greatsword takes center stage once again, rebranded as the Dark Moon Greatsword to reflect the game’s expansive lore and world-building. This iteration blends its classic design elements with new mechanics to align with Elden Ring’s gameplay innovations.
Features of the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring:
- Frostbite Scaling: The sword now includes frostbite buildup, adding an additional layer of utility and damage over time.
- Enhanced Weapon Skill: The unique skill, Moonlight Greatsword, imbues the blade with frost magic, increases its magic damage, and sends out waves of energy with each attack.
- Lore Expansion: The weapon is tied to the enigmatic character Ranni, enhancing its lore significance. Players must complete Ranni’s intricate questline to unlock this weapon, tying it to themes of ambition and destiny.
Obtaining the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring is a journey in itself. Ranni’s questline is among the most intricate in the game, requiring players to explore hidden locations, defeat challenging foes, and piece together a story of cosmic proportions. The reward feels deeply earned, cementing the weapon’s status as an endgame achievement.
Gameplay Evolution: Comparing the Darkmoon Greatsword Across Titles
Mechanics:
In its earlier iterations, the Darkmoon Greatsword served primarily as a high-damage weapon for magic builds. In Elden Ring, its frostbite mechanic makes it more versatile, enabling hybrid strategies that incorporate status effects.
Weapon Skills:
The iconic moonlight beam attack has evolved in speed, range, and visual design across games. In Elden Ring, the addition of frost-enhanced damage gives it a new strategic dimension, particularly in PvP.
Aesthetic:
The weapon’s visual design has consistently improved, with Elden Ring offering the most visually stunning version. Its icy glow and intricate detailing perfectly capture the ethereal beauty of the weapon.
The Darkmoon Greatsword’s Place in Gaming History
Few weapons in gaming have achieved the iconic status of the Darkmoon Greatsword. Its recurring presence across FromSoftware’s games symbolizes not just a mechanical utility but a narrative throughline that ties the studio’s works together.
For players, wielding the Darkmoon Greatsword is more than a gameplay choice—it’s an acknowledgment of the lore, effort, and legacy that have gone into crafting one of the most memorable weapons in gaming history.
Conclusion
From Dark Souls to Elden Ring, the Darkmoon Greatsword has evolved both mechanically and thematically, remaining a fan favorite throughout the years. Its unique blend of power, aesthetics, and lore ensures it will continue to shine as a beacon of FromSoftware’s creativity.
Whether you’re a first-time Elden Ring player or a veteran of the Dark Souls series, the Darkmoon Greatsword represents a journey of dedication, skill, and wonder—hallmarks of the unforgettable worlds created by FromSoftware.
