Why is the Moonlight Greatsword in Every Game?
The Moonlight Greatsword, a beloved weapon in many Dark Souls games, has been a staple in every FromSoftware title since the King’s Field series. In recent years, players have questioned the reason behind the Greatsword’s seemingly inevitable inclusion in every FromSoft game. In this article, we’ll dive into the history of the Moonlight Greatsword, its origins, and the reasons why it continues to be featured in every game.
History of the Moonlight Greatsword
The Moonlight Greatsword originated in the King’s Field series, where it was introduced as the primary weapon for Shinobi (ninja) in feudal Japan. The Greatsword’s straight blade design makes it ideal for its ninjatos concept, characterized by its utility in combat and stealth capabilities.
The Moonlight Greatsword then made its appearance in the Dark Souls series, starting with Dark Souls 1, where it served as one of the top-tier weapons. It reappeared in Dark Souls II, Demon’s Souls Remake, and Dark Souls III, solidifying its position as a fan-favorite among players.
In-game Significance and Benefits
The Moonlight Greatsword offers several significant benefits and advantages in combat, including:
• Increased Dark Damage: This sword inflicts dark-based damage, making it suitable for Dark-based builds or as an alternative to Soul Arrows.
• Elemental Magic: The sword also comes with a fire-elemental magic attack, deal[ing 76 dark damage and adding fire to the sword, enhancing its overall damage potential.
• Unique Handling: Its straight blade makes it relatively easy to control, and its lightened design contributes to its reduced swing animation time.
• Durability: When equipped, the Moonlight Greatsword has a longer duration between durability breaks and has lower durability loss rate than most other greatswords.
Why Is It Included in Every Game?
- **Easter Egg and Callback: The Moonlight Greatsword serves as a tribute to the developers** at FromSoftware and an acknowledgement of the long-standing dedication to their own works. By including a similar design in every new game, they honor the rich history of their gaming lineage.
- Balanced Design: In most FromSoft games, the Moonlight Greatsword remains one of the well-balanced weapons, featuring both offensive and defensive prowess. Its inclusion ensures there is an option for both strength- and intelligence-focused players to enjoy.
- Player Familiarity and Comfort: Gamers can rely on seeing familiar, well-tested swords and skills in every FromSoftware title. The continued appearance of the Moonlight Greatsword provides a measure of familiarity and comfort.
- Development Resources and Expertise: Maintaining continuity across games facilitates collaboration, knowledge sharing, and more efficient development pipelines among teams. This factor highlights the importance of this process.
- Brand and Franchise Value: With each new FromSoftware release, the expectation and hope for the re-inclusion of beloved classics (including the Moonlight Greatsword) sustains enthusiasm and drives players’ interest in continuing series’ storylines or spin-offs.
Game-Dependent Information for Moonlight Greatsword Appearance and Features
| Game Title | Source/Location | Statistics | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Souls | Lordvessel Exchange Box | Physical Damage: 128 | Dark |
| Dark Souls II | – | Physical Damage: 114, Fire Damage: 90 | Dark+Fire |
| Demon’s Souls | – | – | Dark |
| Sekiro | – | No inclusion in Sekiro due to non-Dark Fantasy setting | |
| Elden Ring | – | Unannounced, but the concept artwork hints at similar elements and design |
From its origin in the King’s Field series to its subsequent inclusion in the Dark Souls trilogy, the Moonlight Greatsword has demonstrated staying power and relevance among gamers. Its enduring value can be attributed to:
- Inspirational Influence: The greatsword continues to inspire loyalty, nostalgic feelings, and eagerness for new series.
- Legacy Continuation: FromSoft has mastered the art of connecting stories and game themes while exploring new worlds.
While players may wonder "why not introduce new iconic swords," the Moonlight Greatsword’s sacred status as an FromSoft staple reflects a broader understanding of these titles, their creators’ experiences, and the game worlds within which they develop narratives and build camaraderie. The Moonlight Greatsword stands as a cherished token, symbolizing trust in development, commitment, and nostalgia.
In an interview with IGN, fromsoft producer, Hidetaka Miyazaki, hinted at the symbolic meaning of the Moonlight Greatsword: ‘[…] to create a bridge between worlds, between past and future, and make memories… So this can never disappear.’
As games like Sekiro and the unannounced Elden Ring offer new, darker realms and storylines to explore, the Moonlight Greatsword remains an evocative reminder of past and ongoing adventures, strengthening our attachment to these works.
So, here’s why the Moonlight Greatsword is in every FromSoft game: An emotional anchor, a dedication to artistic continuity, familiarity and balance, brand longevity, and the pursuit of making enduring memories.
Read next article: [An Insider’s Look at from Software: The Secret Forces Behind Elden Ring Success]