Securing the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring is no small feat, as it’s one of the most potent weapons in the game. Here’s your guide to obtaining this enigmatic and coveted blade.
The Dark Moon Greatsword has a rich history within the Souls series, appearing in previous games under variations of its name, such as the Moonlight Greatsword, while retaining its iconic design.
Like several other items, such as Elden Ring’s version of the ‘Cursed Blade’ the Moonveil Katana, the Dark Moon Greatsword is a staple of FromSoftware’s games and was bound to show up in Elden Ring after also appearing in Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls 1, 2, 3, and Bloodborne. Some fans even suspect that the sword represents a universe-hopping connection between all those games, while others simply think it’s just a fun Easter egg for long-time fans.
Whatever the case may be, here’s what you’ll need to do to unlock the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring.
Contents
- How to unlock the Dark Moon Greatsword
- Finding Ranni in Elden Ring
- Playing through Ranni’s quest
- Locating the Dark Moon Greatsword
How to unlock the Dark Moon Greatsword
Unfortunately, the Dark Moon Greatsword isn’t something you can simply go and pick up by traveling to a destination or killing an opponent. It’s a reward for a rather long-winded and complicated side quest that puts you on the path to one of the game’s alternative endings.
You’ll need to have met Ranni, sided with her, and completed her quest to unlock the Dark Moon Greatsword, after becoming her champion. If you want the sword, but not Ranni’s ending, you can still complete the quest, then opt for a different ending when the time comes.
Finding Ranni in Elden Ring
You’ll first meet Ranni in Elden Ring at the Church of Elleh early in the game. She’s the well-hatted blue lady who gives you the Spirit Calling Bell and introduces herself as Renna.
Later you’ll be able to meet her again at the top of Ranni’s Rise. To do this, you’ll need to have worked your way through Caria Manor in Liurnia of the Lakes, defeated Royal Knight Loretta, and unlocked the area behind it known as the Three Sisters.
You’ll need to have defeated Rennala for Ranni to appear, but you’ll also need to have defeated Radahn for the game’s story to progress to this point. If Ranni still doesn’t spawn, then try resetting your hostility at the Church of Vows using a Celestial Dew.
This is because you may have entered into a conflict with one of Ranni’s underlings by progressing through the story or other NPC quests. Once Ranni appears, she should offer you the opportunity to join her service.
If not, then try speaking to the Wizard Rogier at the Round Table Hold and follow his quest for a while. He will eventually ask you to pledge yourself to Ranni as a spy. Ranni will see through the deception but will still invite you to join her. You can however choose to remain loyal to her if you like.
Playing through Ranni’s quest
After entering Ranni’s service, you’ll be unable to leave Ranni’s Rise until you’ve spoken to her three lieutenants Half Wolf Blaidd, the obnoxious Seluvis, and friendly giant blacksmith Lji. You’ll likely have met Lji and Blaidd already on your journey.
With Radahn dead, you’ll be able to enter the Eternal City of Nokon through the crashed star that fell to The Lands Between after that battle. Here you’ll be able to find the Fingerslayer Blade and return this to Ranni.
Ranni will give you the Carian Inverted Statue and send you to the Carian Study Hall and ask you to place the statue on the altar. This will unlock the top of the Divine Tower of Liurnia meaning you’ll be able to find the important Cursemark of Death on Ranni’s original body. However, look out for the powerful wizard defending this area.
This will then unlock the tower Renna’s Rise and you’ll need to go and use the portal there to be transported to the Ainsel River Main. Here pick up the Miniature Ranni and talk to it three times at the Site of Grace. She’ll eventually talk to you and ask you to find and slay a mini-boss called the Baleful Shadow, who looks familiar.
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The Baleful Shadow mini-boss
The Baleful Shadow can be found in Nokstella, Eternal City, and defeating it will release Ranni’s soul. You can’t use Spirit Summons for this battle and there’s no nearby summoning pool for co-op. So, unless you recruit a friend for this fight, it will need to be fought one-on-one.
Once the Baleful Shadow falls, you will then be awarded the Discarded Palace Key. This will unlock the mysterious chest in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library (where you fought Rennala) to reveal the Dark Moon Ring.
This ring will allow you to travel to the Lake of Rot in the Ainsel River and work your way towards the Grand Cloister area. This is an incredibly dangerous area and the water will infect you with Scarlet Rot. So, make sure you’ve buffed your immunity and have crafted some curatives.
Once you get to the Grand Cloister, head towards the staircase covered in insect enemies. There are some goodies waiting inside, but for this guide, you’ll need to turn left and head towards the coffin by the water’s edge. Enter it to be transported to a boss called Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
Astel can do some major damage at range but has a laughable health pool and defense. So focus your attacks on the head for an easy victory.
Locating the Dark Moon Greatsword
Defeating Astel will allow you to travel through the Moonlight Alter. Head up the hill and turn right, to be attacked by a Glintstone Dragon. Avoid or kill it, and head into the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
This is a name that many Dark Souls fans will instantly recognize. Once inside, pick up the items and turn right, then jump down the hole.
Within the cave beneath the Cathedral of Manus Celes, you’ll find Ranni’s body along with a dead Two Fingers avatar. You’ll be invited to use the Dark Moon Ring on Ranni’s body to free her completely.
Ranni will appear before you and reward you with the Dark Moon Greatsword. Remember, you can’t simply just travel to Manus Celes and find the Greatsword in a chest, the quest will need to be completed in full.
You’ll also now be able to access Ranni’s ending and side with her when it becomes time to become the Elden Lord or to shatter the existing order and build the world anew.
A word of warning, should you return to Ranni’s rise you’ll need to deal with a now insane Blaidd. Take your old friend down to receive his armor set and weapon.
So, that’s everything you need to do to get your hands on the Dark Moon Greatsword in Elden Ring. Make sure you check out our Elden Ring page for all the latest news and guides.
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