Elden Ring continues to captivate players with its ever-evolving gameplay mechanics, intricate world-building, and, of course, the constant changes brought about by patches. Patch 1.14 has been a major update, introducing a series of buffs and nerfs that have significantly impacted the PvP and PvE meta. Among the many weapons and items that have undergone changes, one stands out in particular: the Moonveil Katana.
In this guide, we will dive deep into what makes the Moonveil special, how it fits into Patch 1.14, and how to make the most out of this weapon in both PvE and PvP. We'll also cover talismans, spells, and other gear that synergizes well with the Moonveil, ensuring you have everything you need for L2 gaming with this katana.
Moonveil Katana Overview
The Moonveil Katana is a weapon that has garnered a lot of attention since the game’s release due to its unique combination of speed, damage output, and a devastating Weapon Art known as Transient Moonlight. This skill unleashes a wave of magical energy with every heavy attack while in stance, capable of shredding through enemy defenses from a distance. It's no wonder that players, especially in PvP, have come to both love and fear the Moonveil.
In Patch 1.14, the Moonveil received a buff that has put it back on the radar as one of the top-tier weapons in the game. While the katana wasn’t drastically changed in terms of raw stats, other significant buffs to spells, talismans, and overall balance have increased the weapon’s effectiveness.
Moonveil Buff in Patch 1.14
Patch 1.14 introduced several buffs to the Moonveil’s performance. While the weapon itself didn't receive direct stat boosts, the buffs to talismans and spells that synergize with the katana have indirectly powered it up. The most notable change is to the Ritual Sword Talisman, which now provides a larger window for maintaining a damage boost while in a stance. This change allows Moonveil users to consistently deal heavy damage with Transient Moonlight, making it easier to combo attacks and maximize DPS.
In addition, Patch 1.14 has improved casting speeds and FP consumption for certain spells, making magic-based builds that focus on Intelligence more viable. Since the Moonveil scales with Intelligence, this patch has essentially optimized its performance for players who use spells and melee attacks interchangeably.
The Moonveil Build: Gear, Stats, and Talismans
Now that we understand the buffed potential of the Moonveil in Patch 1.14, let’s build around it. Here’s a breakdown of the key stats, gear, talismans, and spells that will maximize your Moonveil playstyle.
Stats
The Moonveil Katana scales primarily with Dexterity and Intelligence, so those two stats should be the focal points of your build.
- Dexterity: Aim for 40-60 Dexterity to increase both the physical and magical damage of the Moonveil.
- Intelligence: This is crucial for increasing the power of Transient Moonlight as well as for utilizing powerful spells. Aiming for at least 50-60 Intelligence will make sure that your magic hits hard.
- Vigor: You'll want enough health to survive long encounters, especially in PvP. Around 40 Vigor should be sufficient.
- Endurance: Since katanas are lightweight, you won’t need much Endurance. However, make sure you have enough stamina to chain your attacks without running out.
- Mind: Boosting Mind will help you maintain enough FP to continuously use Transient Moonlight without running dry mid-fight.
Weapons and Gear
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Moonveil Katana (Primary): The obvious choice for this build. Its combination of melee slashing power and ranged magical attacks makes it lethal in both close-quarters and mid-range combat.
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Staff of Loss (Secondary): This staff is perfect for sorcery users, especially with the improved casting speed and FP efficiency from Patch 1.14. Pair it with spells like Comet or Carian Phalanx for extra utility.
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Light Armor: Since the Moonveil build focuses on speed and agility, you’ll want to wear lighter armor to ensure fast rolls. Look for armor sets that provide decent defenses without compromising mobility. Something like the Land of Reeds Armor or Astrologer’s Set will work well.
Talismans
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Ritual Sword Talisman: One of the biggest beneficiaries of Patch 1.14, this talisman now provides a damage boost in stance, which synergizes perfectly with the Moonveil's Transient Moonlight skill.
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Shard of Alexander: Another key piece of this build, the Shard of Alexander increases the damage of skills, including Transient Moonlight, making it a must-have for any Moonveil user.
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Godfrey Icon: This talisman enhances the power of charged spells and skills, making it another excellent addition to the build, especially when paired with powerful Intelligence-based sorceries.
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Dragoncrest Greatshield Talisman: For additional defense, particularly in PvP where you may face heavy physical damage.
PvP Strategy: Moonveil in Action
One of the most exciting parts of using the Moonveil is its effectiveness in PvP. While its skill set is strong in PvE, the real fun begins when you challenge other players to duels or invade their worlds. The katana’s quick attacks, paired with the ranged magical strikes from Transient Moonlight, make it a versatile and unpredictable weapon in player-vs-player combat.
L2 Gaming: Transient Moonlight Power
As a Moonveil user, you’ll be spamming your L2 attack (Transient Moonlight) frequently. This skill is particularly deadly when your opponent isn’t expecting it, as it covers a decent amount of ground and can hit from mid-range. One strategy to consider is baiting your opponent into thinking you’re going for a standard melee strike, only to unleash the Moonveil’s wave of magic at the last second.
However, it’s crucial not to rely solely on L2 attacks, as more experienced PvP players will adapt and dodge if you become too predictable. Mix in regular attacks, dodges, and spells to keep your opponents guessing.
