Elden Ring Moonveil Katana Build Guide - How to Build a Moonveil Samurai (Level 50 Guide)

Moonveil Samurai Build Overview

Introduction to the Moonveil Samurai Build

• The video introduces a Moonveil Samurai build, ideal for players reaching level 50 who are unsure how to progress with their samurai character.

• The build diverges into two paths: a pure dexterity build using katanas and bows, or an intelligence hybrid build utilizing staffs and weapons like Moonveil or Meteorite.

Weapon Comparisons

• The speaker prefers the Nagakiba over other katanas due to its superior range, which enhances attack effectiveness during combat.

• Key differences between Moonveil and Nagakiba include damage types, skill reach, bleed buildup, attack speed, and upgrade materials (Somber Stones vs. Smithing Stones).

Strengths of Each Weapon

• While Moonveil has a powerful weapon art (Transient Moonlight), the Nagakiba offers higher damage potential with its weapon art but lacks some versatility in skills.

• The Nagakiba can be buffed with various Ashes of War and has lower FP costs for its attacks compared to Moonveil.

Building Your Character

Essential Items for the Build

• To create this build effectively, players need the Moonveil katana obtained by defeating a Magma Worm in Caelid.

• Additionally, acquiring the Meteorite Staff is crucial; it can be found easily without needing to defeat enemies.

Recommended Talismans

• Suggested talismans include Radagon's Icon (flexible slot), Assassin's Cerulean Dagger (provides FP recovery on critical strikes), and Carrion Filigreed Crest (reduces Transient Moonlight skill cost).

Gameplay Mechanics

• The Assassin's Cerulean Dagger restores 15 FP upon landing critical hits, which is vital for sustaining abilities throughout battles.

• With Carrion Filigreed Crest reducing Transient Moonlight’s cost by 25%, players can use this ability more frequently without depleting resources.

Combat Strategy

Utilizing Abilities Effectively

• Players can stagger most regular enemies with one attack using Transient Moonlight; following up with a critical strike allows them to regain all used FP.

Combat Strategies and Build Optimization

Effective Combat Techniques

• Players can engage in fights without needing to consume potions, allowing for a more aggressive playstyle. Holding L2 enables a longer-range R1 slash that can be followed by an impactful R2 attack.

• The R2 attack has been reduced from 20 FP to 15 FP, making it a primary choice for combat. This ability allows players to initiate backstabs or thrust attacks effectively, often defeating enemies before they can react.

• A strategy of rolling and attacking repeatedly can stagger bosses, leading to critical strikes without needing extensive knowledge of their mechanics.

Spell Utilization

• Glintstone Pebble is recommended for thinning out groups of enemies or dealing with airborne foes due to its low FP cost and versatility.

• Carrying Greatsword is effective for area-of-effect (AoE) damage but should ideally be used after softening up enemies with Glintstone Pebble first.

• Loretta's Great Bow provides long-range capabilities essential for challenging scenarios where distance is crucial.

Stat Distribution for Builds

• For transitioning from a samurai build to a Moonveil samurai, players may need to respec at Ranala to increase intelligence. Recommended stats include 25 Vigor, 17 Mind (90 FP), 18 Dexterity (minimum for Moonveil), and 28 Intelligence.

• Intelligence boosts spell effectiveness and meets the requirements for using spells like Carrying Greatsword and Loretta's Great Bow, which require higher intelligence levels than Moonveil.

Dual Wielding Considerations

• If dual-wielding katanas (e.g., Magic Ash of War Uchi Katana with Moonveil), players should invest in endurance to avoid fat rolling. However, focusing on Transient Moonlight is generally more beneficial than dual-wielding.

• Using Transient Moonlight effectively negates the need for dual-wielding unless specific circumstances arise where staggering an enemy becomes difficult.

Future Progression Tips

• Continue increasing intelligence not only for spell damage but also to meet requirements for larger spells as gameplay progresses. Maintaining high vigor is crucial due to melee engagement risks.

• Players are encouraged to use bows if desired; however, upgrading arrows will be necessary since bows do not scale well off stats compared to other weapons.

Moon Veil Samurai Build Overview

Essential Equipment and Strategies

• The initial damage arrows provided at the start of the game are insufficient for later stages; players should consider crafting or purchasing stronger options like 55 damage arrows or fire arrows, which add an additional 95 fire damage.

• Utilizing a helmet that boosts intelligence is recommended for enhancing overall damage output. A notable option is the Imp Helmet, which increases intelligence and offers various resistances but may require additional endurance due to its weight.