Gameplay needs some workš„“
Okay, Tarnished, let's talk about one of the most satisfying weapon arts in Elden Ring, especially when you're up against tough bosses like Maliketh, the Black Blade: Transient Moonlight. If you've been wondering how to make this skill truly shine, or even what it is and how to get it, you've come to the right place. I remember first getting the Moonveil Katana, which grants you this incredible skill, and it felt like a game-changer for my Int-based build. What is Transient Moonlight? Essentially, it's the unique weapon skill of the Moonveil Katana, a fantastic katana that scales primarily with Intelligence, Dexterity, and Strength. To get the Moonveil, you need to defeat the Magma Wyrm Makar in the Gael Tunnel in Caelid. Once you have it, holding L2 (or your equivalent skill button) and pressing R1 or R2 will unleash a wave of magical energy. The R1 version is a quick horizontal slash, while the R2 version is a vertical, more powerful, and chargeable slash. Both consume FP, so keep an eye on your Flask of Crimson Tears and Cerulean Flasks! Why It's a Game-Changer for Maliketh I struggled with Maliketh, the Black Blade for what felt like an eternity. His speed, his Destined Death debuff, and his relentless attacks were just brutal. That's when I decided to really lean into Transient Moonlight. What makes it so effective against him? Stance Breaking Potential: Both versions, especially the charged R2, can do significant stance damage. Landing a few well-timed Transient Moonlights can break his stance, opening him up for a critical hit, which is crucial for managing his aggressive phases. Ranged Safety: Maliketh is incredibly agile. Being able to deal damage from a slight distance with the magic waves allows you to stay safer, creating openings without needing to be right in his face constantly. Damage Type: It deals magic damage, which many bosses, including Maliketh, don't have extremely high resistances against, making it a consistent damage source. My Personal Strategy & Tips for Maliketh with Transient Moonlight When facing Maliketh, especially in his second phase as Maliketh, the Black Blade, timing is everything. Hereās what worked for me: Phase 1 (Beast Clergyman): Focus on parrying or dodging his attacks. The ranged Transient Moonlight can chip away at his health, but save your FP for phase two. If you can get him to stagger, use the critical hit. Phase 2 (Maliketh, the Black Blade): This is where Transient Moonlight shines. Keep your distance but stay aggressive. After his aerial attacks, especially the one where he slams down leaving a lingering flame, there's often a small window to get in a charged R2 Transient Moonlight. Buff Up: Before the fight, or during safe openings, make sure to use Flame, Grant Me Strength. This incantation significantly boosts physical and fire damage, and while Transient Moonlight is magic, your katana's physical swings will benefit greatly, adding to your overall damage output. Consider the Shard of Alexander talisman to boost the skill's damage even further. Don't Get Greedy: Always prioritize dodging his Destined Death attacks. A single hit can rapidly drain your HP. Use your Flask of Crimson Tears+12 (or whatever level you have) wisely. Patience is Key: It might take a few tries to get the timing down, especially for those stance breaks. Learn his moves, find your openings, and don't be afraid to back off and heal. The satisfaction of seeing "LEGEND FELLED" and getting the Remembrance of the Black Blade is absolutely worth it!





































































































