The vast, interconnected world of Elden Ring continues to be a treasure trove for explorers even years after its initial release. While many powerful artifacts are placed conspicuously along main paths, some of the most intriguing tools demand a true adventurer's spirit, tucked away in the game's most obscure corners. The Full Moon Crossbow stands as a prime example—a unique weapon that rewards meticulous exploration and clever use of the game's verticality. Why would a player go through such trouble for a single crossbow? The answer lies not just in its power, but in the journey required to claim it, a journey that perfectly encapsulates the FromSoftware philosophy of rewarding the observant and the daring.

A Journey Off the Beaten Path

Acquiring the Full Moon Crossbow is less about brute force and more about parkour and perception. The quest begins at the Debate Parlor site of grace, a location familiar to those who have bested the Red Wolf of Radagon. From this point, the path diverges sharply from the main progression.

1. Exit through the west-facing door from the grace site.

2. Immediately look left to spot a destroyed staircase and climb it.

3. Ascend the next staircase you encounter.

4. Run past the two sorcerers in this area and take a left.

5. Here, the platforming begins: jump over the stone railing to land on a lower set of stairs.

6. Climb these stairs, turn the corner, and prepare for another jump over a railing to land on the academy's rooftops.

This rooftop section is fraught with danger. A sorcerer patrols the area, guarded by three enemies perched atop high poles. The wise Tarnished will dispatch these foes from a distance before proceeding. After clearing the area, the real descent starts:

• Navigate to the back side of the tower and carefully drop down to the roofs below.

• Continue forward and drop down again to another rooftop level.

• From this vantage point, a running jump is required across a gap to the west, landing on an adjacent rooftop.

• Follow this leftward path along the roofs to discover the entrance to a secluded tower.

• Inside, a ladder awaits. Climb to the top, and your perseverance is rewarded with a chest containing the elusive Full Moon Crossbow.

Mastering the Arcane Artillery

So, what makes this hard-to-find weapon worth the intricate platforming challenge? The Full Moon Crossbow is a unique armament that blends martial and magical prowess. Its stat requirements are 10 Strength, 10 Dexterity, and 14 Intelligence, making it accessible to a variety of builds, especially those dabbling in sorceries.

Unlike most weapons in the Lands Between, the Full Moon Crossbow does not scale with your attribute levels. Its damage output is fixed, dealing a combination of physical and magical damage. This makes it an exceptionally powerful tool for characters who haven't heavily invested in Intelligence but still want to incorporate magic damage into their arsenal. It's the perfect sidearm for a Strength or Dexterity-focused build looking for a ranged option that can chip away at enemies resistant to pure physical attacks.

The crossbow comes with the Kick Ash of War skill. While it might seem simple, Kick is a surprisingly versatile tool. It costs no FP, allowing for unlimited use to:

• Create distance from aggressive, close-quarters enemies.

• Interrupt enemy attacks.

• Potentially stagger lighter foes.

• Provide a melee-range option when an enemy gets too close for a reload.

A crucial detail for builders to note: the Full Moon Crossbow cannot be infused with other Ashes of War. Its skill is permanently locked to Kick. This limitation is balanced by its innate magic damage and unique acquisition.

Strategic Applications in the Current Meta (2026)

In the ever-evolving landscape of Elden Ring, how does the Full Moon Crossbow hold up years later? Its value remains niche but significant. For PvE, it excels in situations where enemies have high physical resistance. It's also superb for pulling enemies or finishing off low-health targets from a safe distance without consuming FP for spells.

In player-versus-player scenarios, its fixed damage can be a double-edged sword. While it won't hit as hard as a dedicated build's primary weapon, its magic damage can catch opponents off-guard, especially when used to apply pressure or finish a fleeing foe. The Kick skill gains new life in PvP, serving as an excellent "get off me" tool to reset an engagement.

Aspect	Detail	Best For...
Damage Type	Mixed Physical & Magic	Bypassing physical shields/resistance
Stat Scaling	None (Fixed Damage)	Hybrid or non-Intelligence builds
Unique Trait	Innate Magic Damage	Adding magic utility without stat investment
Skill	Kick (Non-replaceable)	Crowd control & creating space
Acquisition	Complex platforming in Raya Lucaria	Explorers & completionists

The Full Moon Crossbow is more than just a weapon; it's a testament to Elden Ring's design philosophy. It reminds players that the greatest rewards are often hidden, waiting for those willing to look beyond the obvious path. In 2026, as new players continue to arrive in the Lands Between and veterans start fresh journeys, this arcane piece of artillery remains a coveted prize for those in the know—a symbol that mastery of the game's world is just as important as mastery of its combat. 🏹✨