Overview
The Moonveil Spellblade is the definitive Intelligence build in Elden Ring, combining the devastating Moonveil katana with the most powerful sorceries in the game. Moonveil's Transient Moonlight weapon art fires a magic slash that deals absurd damage at range, giving you a versatile tool that works in both melee and ranged combat. When paired with sorceries like Comet Azur and Stars of Ruin, you have an answer for every situation.
This build starts Astrologer for the highest base Intelligence, then pushes INT to 70 to unlock every sorcery in the game. The Lusat's Glintstone Staff provides the highest sorcery scaling at the cost of increased FP consumption, which is offset by high Mind investment and the Carian Filigreed Crest talisman.
Rated Intermediate because managing FP efficiently and knowing when to use sorceries versus Moonveil's weapon art requires some game knowledge. However, the raw power of this build makes it forgiving once you understand the basics.
Stat Spread
| Stat | SL 50 | SL 100 | SL 150 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vigor | 20 | 40 | 50 |
| Mind | 20 | 25 | 30 |
| Endurance | 12 | 15 | 20 |
| Strength | 8 | 12 | 12 |
| Dexterity | 12 | 18 | 18 |
| Intelligence | 35 | 55 | 70 |
| Faith | 7 | 7 | 7 |
| Arcane | 9 | 9 | 9 |
Equipment
Weapons
Moonveil — The best INT-scaling katana. Transient Moonlight weapon art is your primary damage tool. Available early from Gael Tunnel in Caelid.
Lusat's Glintstone Staff — Highest sorcery scaling in the game. Use this in your offhand for casting. Found in Sellia, Town of Sorcery.
Armor
Cleanrot Set — Solid medium armor with decent magic resistance. Available from Cleanrot Knight drops in the Haligtree or from the Shaded Castle.
Talismans
Graven-Mass Talisman — 8% sorcery damage boost. Essential for any mage build.
Erdtree's Favor — HP, stamina, and equip load. Always useful.
Shard of Alexander — 15% weapon art damage boost for Transient Moonlight.
Marika's Soreseal — +5 to MND, INT, FTH, ARC. The INT boost is valuable for reaching softcaps faster.
Key Sorceries
Comet Azur — The ultimate boss-melting beam. Pair with Cerulean Hidden Tear for 10 seconds of free casting.
Stars of Ruin — Tracking projectiles that are nearly impossible to dodge. Top-tier for PvP and aggressive bosses.
Rock Sling — Gravity sorcery that deals physical damage. Excellent for magic-resistant enemies and available very early.
Adula's Moonblade — Sweeping frost-infused blade spell. Great for groups and frostbite buildup.
Progression Tips
Early Game (SL 1-50): Start Astrologer. Grab Rock Sling and the Meteorite Staff from the Street of Sages Ruins in Caelid (accessible via trap chest). This combo carries through early game. Rush Moonveil from Gael Tunnel boss. Push INT to 35.
Mid Game (SL 50-80): Push INT to 55 for Stars of Ruin. Get Graven-Mass Talisman from a hidden area in Consecrated Snowfield. Invest in Vigor to 40.
Late Game (SL 80+): Push INT to 70 for Comet Azur. Obtain Lusat's Staff from Sellia. The Cerulean Hidden Tear + Comet Azur combination trivializes most boss fights.
Alternative Options
Dark Moon Greatsword — Ranni's questline reward. A Greatsword with built-in magic damage and frost. Great alternative to Moonveil for a heavier playstyle.
Carian Slicer — One of the most FP-efficient sorceries. Excellent for conserving resources during long exploration sessions.
Carian Filigreed Crest — Reduces weapon art FP cost. Swap in when you want more Transient Moonlight casts per Flask charge.
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