- Holy Moonlight Sword is Ludwig's trick weapon, dropped by Ludwig, the Holy Blade in The Old Hunters DLC
- Two forms: a one-handed greatsword and a transformed two-handed blade with arcane moonlight waves
- Scaling: scales with Strength, Skill, and Arcane, making it ideal for hybrid builds
- Best timing: aim for level 60-80 before challenging Ludwig in the Nightmare Church
- Signature move: the transformed R2 fires a moonlight projectile for powerful ranged pressure
Holy Moonlight Sword Overview
The Holy Moonlight Sword is one of the most celebrated weapons in Bloodborne, obtained by defeating Ludwig, the Holy Blade—the first major boss of The Old Hunters DLC. Unlike most trick weapons that split into fast and heavy forms, the Holy Moonlight Sword pairs a reliable one-handed greatsword with a transformed two-handed mode that channels pale blue arcane energy, launching crescent moonlight waves with heavy attacks.
Few weapons in the game combine physical and arcane damage so naturally, which is why this weapon anchors so many late-game builds.
| Attribute | One-Handed Form | Transformed Form |
|---|---|---|
| Damage type | Physical | Physical + Arcane |
| Attack speed | Moderate | Slower, heavier |
| Range | Standard greatsword reach | Extended blade + projectile waves |
| Stamina cost | Moderate | High |
| Best use | General combat, crowd control | Burst damage, ranged pressure |
The transformed heavy attack releases a moonlight projectile, letting you punish bosses from a safe distance while still dealing excellent melee damage up close.
How to Get the Holy Moonlight Sword
The weapon is a guaranteed boss drop, so you cannot miss it once you reach Ludwig—provided you can defeat him. Follow this route through the Hunter's Nightmare.
Unlock The Old Hunters
Defeat Vicar Amelia in the main game, interact with the skull in the Grand Cathedral, then collect the Eye of a Blood-drunk Hunter from the Hunter's Dream. Let the Amygdala near the Oedon Chapel lamp grab you to enter the Hunter's Nightmare.
Fight Through the Opening Area
Progress through the blood-soaked streets of the Hunter's Nightmare, dealing with or avoiding the Nightmare Executioner, and follow the route toward the Nightmare Church.
Defeat Ludwig, the Holy Blade
Ludwig is the first required major DLC boss and the progression gate for the entire route. Bring a fully upgraded weapon, plenty of Blood Vials, and study his charge attacks before committing to punish windows.
Claim Your Reward
Ludwig drops the Holy Moonlight Sword upon defeat. The Guidance Caryll Rune and blood gem opportunities in the surrounding area round out the rewards for this route.
The DLC is designed for experienced hunters. A character around level 60-80 can begin exploring, while level 80-100 or higher is generally more comfortable for a first Ludwig attempt.
Scaling, Stats, and Best Builds
The Holy Moonlight Sword scales with Strength, Skill, and Arcane simultaneously, which makes build planning more flexible than most weapons but also demands investment across multiple stats.
| Build Focus | Stat Priority | Weapon Role | Gems |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality hybrid | STR/SKL toward 25 each | Main physical weapon | Tempering / physical gems |
| Arcane hybrid | Arcane toward 25-50 | Transformed form focus | Nourishing gems |
| Strength lean | STR 40-50, Arcane secondary | One-handed focus | Physical gems |
| Endgame optimized | STR/SKL/ARC all raised | Full moveset use | Nourishing abyssal gems |
Quality Build
- Balanced STR/SKL scaling
- Strong one-handed moveset
- Familiar greatsword rhythm
Arcane Hybrid
- Maximizes moonlight waves
- Nourishing gems boost all damage
- Pairs with hunter tools
Strength Build
- Heavy stagger pressure
- Simple stat plan
- Reliable physical damage
Nourishing gems are usually the strongest choice because they boost both the physical and arcane portions of the transformed form, while pure physical gems favor the one-handed moveset.
For runes, Clockwise Metamorphosis for health and Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis for stamina support the weapon's demanding transformed attacks, while Oedon Writhe helps recover Quicksilver Bullets for hybrid playstyles.
Moveset and Combat Strategy
Mastering both forms is the key to getting full value from the weapon. The one-handed form handles everyday exploration and crowds, while the transformed form turns boss fights into a rhythm of melee pressure and ranged punishment.
| Situation | Recommended Form | Tactic |
|---|---|---|
| Group enemies | One-handed | Wide swings, quick repositioning |
| Boss punish window | Transformed | Heavy attacks into moonlight waves |
| Ranged pressure | Transformed | R2 projectile from safe distance |
| Tight corridors | One-handed | Avoid wide transformed arcs |
| Stagger fishing | Either | Charged attacks, then visceral |
Land a transformed light attack chain up close, then finish with a heavy attack—the moonlight wave extends the combo's reach and often catches enemies during their recovery animations.
Stamina management matters more than with lighter weapons. Transformed attacks consume significant stamina, so keep Anti-Clockwise Metamorphosis equipped and avoid emptying your bar mid-combo against aggressive bosses like Orphan of Kos or Lady Maria.
Preparation Checklist Before the Ludwig Fight
Before Challenging Ludwig:
- Upgrade your current weapon to +9 or +10
- Stock 20+ Blood Vials and Quicksilver Bullets
- Reach level 70+ with Vitality around 30
- Carry Fire Paper or Bolt Paper for elemental damage
- Unlock shortcuts back to the Nightmare Church lamp
Even if Ludwig takes several attempts, the Holy Moonlight Sword remains one of the strongest and most versatile weapons for the rest of the DLC and New Game Plus.
FAQ
Q: Where do I get the Holy Moonlight Sword in Bloodborne?
The Holy Moonlight Sword is dropped by Ludwig, the Holy Blade, the first major boss of The Old Hunters DLC. Reach him by progressing through the Hunter's Nightmare to the Nightmare Church after unlocking the DLC near Oedon Chapel.
Q: What stats does the Holy Moonlight Sword scale with?
It scales with Strength, Skill, and Arcane. Physical damage benefits from Strength and Skill, while the transformed form's moonlight attacks gain significant value from Arcane investment, making hybrid builds the most popular choice.
Q: Is the Holy Moonlight Sword good for a Strength build?
Yes. Its one-handed greatsword form offers strong physical damage and stagger potential with Strength investment, though the transformed form reaches full potential when Arcane is also raised.
Q: What level should I be to get the Holy Moonlight Sword?
Aim for level 70-80 with a well-upgraded weapon before challenging Ludwig. The DLC becomes noticeably more comfortable in the level 80-100 range for a first complete run.