In this article, I’m going to show you my Moonveil Samurai build for Elden Ring. This Samurai setup uses the Moonveil Katana’s Transient Moonlight with R2 instead of R1 to stagger enemies and then critically strike them. If you’re wondering what to do with your Samurai after you reach level 50, this build is for you.

Elden Ring Moonveil Katana Samurai Build

This is a more advanced Samurai Build for levels 50+. A melee-mage setup that uses Transient Moonlight to stagger enemies and deal critical damage.

• Class: Prisoner or Samurai
• Flask Spread: Slightly more HP than FP
• Weapon: Moonveil
• Shield: None
• Armor: Land of Reeds Set
• Primary Stats: Intelligence &Vigor
• Secondary Stats: Dexterity
• Skills: Transient Moonlight
• Spells: Loretta’s Greatbow, Glintstone Pebble and Carian Greatsword

We have over 110 Elden Ring Builds now, for all classes and playstyles. This Samurai Build is recommended for beginners.

Beginner Builds	Level 50 Builds	Level 100 Builds	Level 150 Builds	Level 150-200 Builds	All Game Builds
Samurai	Moonveil Samurai	Moonveil Shinobi Blazing Bushido	Sanguine Samurai Blackflame Bushido Serpent Samurai	Waterfowl Warrior Soul Samurai Dragonscale Daimyo	Rime Ronin Supreme Samurai

How to advance your Samurai

Let’s talk about why this Samurai setup goes in two different ways when you reach this level. On one hand, you can choose a pure dexterity build that uses a katana and bow, or an intelligence mix build that uses a staff and special katanas like Moonveil or Meteoric Ore Blade. I think the Moonveil is better than the Meteoric Ore Blade mainly because its special move, Transient Moonlight, is really strong – I’ll show you how to use it right.

Then, you need to decide between using a regular Uchigatana and the Nagakiba. I think the Nagakiba is better because it is much longer, which means you will not miss as much. If you use a move called Unsheathe, you will have a much longer attack range. So, if you like Dexterity, start with the Nagakiba; if you like Intelligence, go with the Moonveil.

Each choice has good and bad points. For example, the Moonveil does more damage and has two types of damage by default. Even though the Nagakiba is longer, the Moonveil has a longer reach for its special move, is faster, can be used with one hand without needing Strength, and is upgraded with Somber Stones, which are easier to find at this stage of the game. On the other hand, the Nagakiba has a stronger special move in terms of raw damage, has a longer reach when attacking regularly, and can be improved with any Ash of War or weapon buffs like grease. It also costs less FP to use its special move and is upgraded with Smithing Stones.

I want to point out that generally, I find the Moonveil a bit better than the Nagakiba because of its special move, Transient Moonlight, even though it does less damage. In this Build, we’ll use the Moonveil to its full potential. But that doesn’t mean the Nagakiba is weak. A pure Dexterity Samurai using a Bow is also very strong because using a Bow does not use FP like a staff does, unless you use its weapon skill.

Moonveil Samurai Build Equipment

Now, let’s talk about the Moonveil Samurai Build itself. If this is the path you’ve chosen, you’ll need the Moonveil Katana, which you can get in Caelid by beating a Magma Wyrm. The fight might be tough, but it’s doable, and you can call for help if needed. You’ll also need the Meteorite Staff, found in Caelid, which you can just pick up without fighting anything. You should go for these items when you’re around level 40 to 50. If you’re switching from a dexterity Samurai, you might want to change your stats at Rennala for this.

For this setup, you’ll need certain talismans like the Radagon Icon, Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger, and Carian Filigreed Crest. The Radagon Icon can be swapped out if you want, like with the Green Turtle Talisman or Erdtree’s Favor. It’s used in this build to make casting spells faster and is good in many situations. But if you want to switch one, swap the Radagon Icon. The Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger is important because it gives you back 15 FP every time you do a critical hit, which helps keep using your special move without running out of FP, especially when used with the Carian Filigree Crest that makes using your special move cost less FP.

Essential Equipment and Spells:

• Moonveil Katana: Main weapon, obtained in Caelid by defeating the Magma Worm.
• Meteorite Staff: Secondary weapon for spellcasting, also located in Caelid.
• Radagon Icon, Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger, and Carian Filigreed Crest: Essential talismans for this build.

Stats for the Moonlight Samurai

For the Moonveil Samurai build, having high Intelligence is important as it helps with using spells and makes the Moonveil stronger. If you started as a Samurai, you might need to change your stats to increase Intelligence. But if you started as a Prisoner, you’re probably okay and just need to adjust your Dexterity for the Moonveil. Your stats should look like this: 25 Vigor for better health in fights, 17 Mind for more FP, 18 Dexterity to use Moonveil, and at least 28 Intelligence to make your spells and weapon stronger.

If you’re thinking about using two weapons, remember that using a Magic Ash of War Uchigatana with the Moonveil means you need more Endurance, or you’ll roll slowly. While using two weapons offers a different way to fight, focusing on Transient Moonlight usually works better. But, you can still try it if you like.

As you keep playing, increase your Intelligence for better spells and stronger damage with Moonveil and your spells. Increase Vigor too, since you’ll be fighting up close and getting hit. More Mind means more FP for your spells and abilities. Extra Dexterity is less important than Intelligence and Endurance.

Stat Priorities:

• Vigor: 25 for better health in fights.
• Mind: 17 for more FP.
• Dexterity: 18 to use Moonveil.
• Intelligence: At least 28 to make your spells and weapon stronger.

Final Tips to Optimize your Gameplay

Using the Assassin’s Cerulean Dagger and Carian Filigreed Crest recovers the cost of using Transient Moonlight so that you never run out of FP, so don’t be shy about abusing this attack.

You should also use Loretta’s Greatbow to take out difficult enemies at range, and use Glintstone Pebble to do the same when they aren’t quite as far away.

Another approach is to use Carian Greatsword to AoE enemies that are grouped up, which will be very effective thanks to the buffs from Radagon Icon.

To finish, here are some extra tips: You can still use a bow with this build, especially if you’re improving Moonveil with Somber Smithing Stones, as it leaves the regular stones for improving your staff. Bows don’t really get better with your stats in Elden Ring, but using better arrows can make a big difference without taking away from your intelligence. Lastly, wearing a helmet that increases intelligence, like the Imp Helmet, can make your overall damage and defenses better, even though it’s heavy.

We have more builds coming for Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree. If you need help finding items, make sure to check the Elden Ring Map.