In every single FromSoftware title aside from Sekiro, there exists a special sword. This magic weapon is capable of destroying enemies and shooting magic projectiles like a magic wand. It’s called the Moonlight Greatsword, and it’s a staple of every single Souls game. It appears in Elden Ring, too, but there are some changes. The big difference is that it’s a now a skill, one found on a weapon called the Dark Moon Greatsword. The quest to get this weapon is very time-consuming, but those who are diligent will be able to make their way through the quest and reap the rewards of one of the most iconic weapons FromSoft has ever made. Lucky for you, we’re going to show you how to make it through this quest.
Spoiler warning: Minor details involving portions of the main quest will follow. Reader discretion is advised.
How to Get Moonlight Greatsword in Elden Ring
Your quest to acquire the Moonlight Greatsword skill begins by seeking out Ranni the Witch. Also know as Renna, they’re the same NPC that gave you the Spirit summoning bell you use to Spirit Ash Summons. Getting there requires you to traverse through Caria Manor, kill the mini-boss in northern Liurnia of the Lakes. After the boss is defeated, you’ll be able to go through the path that opens to Ranni’s tower. However, this is only the beginning.
Speaking with Ranni will subsequently give you a quest. This quest is to find the hidden treasure of Nokron, Eternal City. As a result, you’ll have to make your way into the city mentioned. In the “Nights Sacred Ground” of the location, you’ll find the treasure underneath a state of a large skeleton. With the treasure in tow, take it back to Ranni. She’ll give you another quest after giving you an “Inverted Carian Statue”. Take the statue to the Carian Study Hall (an apt name), and place it underneath the altar with a model of the moon. This will invert everything and allow you to access a secret passage. Find the corpse and get the Cursemark of Death.
Return to Ranni’s Tower, but go northeast instead of your usual path. Use the teleporter at the top, make your way to the nearby coffin and grab the miniature Ranni doll. Take the doll and Rest at the Site of Grace. You’ll be given the option to talk to the doll; keep talking to it until it tells you to head to the southeast of Nokstella and kill the Baleful Shadow, one of Elden Ring‘s many bosses, and receive a key.
Obtaining the Dark Moon Greatsword
Head into the newly opened room, then make your way into the Lake of Rot. You’ll have to wade (not swim) through the waters, so heal yourself as you go along. You’ll soon reach another Grace site. Feel free to rest, but be wary, the final boss of this quest lies ahead. Keep going south, you’ll soon find yourself in front of a coffin. Interact with the coffin, and you’ll be transported to the boss arena of Astel, Naurtalborn of the Void.
While fighting it, aim for the head, as that’s its weak spot. Astel uses a lot of magic and will teleport away from the player during the boss fight. Much like the other bosses in Elden Ring, patience is required. Once he’s defeated, make your way to the elevator on the north side of the arena, and go up into Moonlight Altar. Remember to rest at the Site of Grace, as you’re going to be fast traveling a lot from here on out.
Head back to the Site of Grace at Raya Lucaria Grand Library and open the chest in the boss room you spawned in using the key given to you by the Ranni Doll. Doing so will give you a ring. Then, teleport back to the Moonlight Altaer Site of Grace, and start heading northeast. You’ll eventually make it to the Catherdral of Manus Celes.
Rest at the Site of Grace inside, and then just to the right of the site of grace, fall into the hole. If you survive the fall (which you can, but be careful) you’ll be able to find Ranni’s body. Place the ring found in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library on Ranni’s finger, and she’ll award you with the Dark Moon Greatsword. This is the legendary sword you’re looking for. Now you will be able to use the Moonlight Greatsword skill, which works just like it does in all previous FromSoftware titles.
