To obtain the Dark Moon Greatsword and progress through Ranni's extensive questline in Elden Ring, players must confront the peculiar entity known as the Baleful Shadow. At one stage of the quest, Ranni assigns the player the task of defeating this creature, as it possesses a crucial item required to advance the witch's storyline. While defeating the Baleful Shadow may not prove excessively challenging for some, locating it presents a separate challenge altogether.
The whereabouts of this particular entity have proven troublesome for numerous players, as its presence is contingent upon specific initial actions that players must undertake. Here's a guide on how to locate the Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring and the necessary steps to make it materialize.
Updated August 3rd, 2023: To successfully complete Ranni's questline, players must eliminate the Baleful Shadow. However, locating this elusive creature can be quite challenging. First, players need to reach Nokstella, the Eternal City. From there, they must navigate to a hidden and lesser-known location to find the spirit. Finding the Baleful Shadow Location can be frustrating, so we have enhanced our guide by providing a video that offers a more comprehensive insight into reaching the Baleful Shadow Location.
Getting To Nokstella, Eternal City
To acquire the Key Item guarded by the Baleful Shadow, players must enter the enigmatic hidden area called Nokstella, Eternal City. However, gaining access to this zone is no simple task. Players must progress significantly in the game (unless they are content with a specific ending) to reach it. The path to Nokstella, Eternal City involves traversing Nokron, Eternal City, a region only accessible after defeating the Starscourge Radahn. Once this formidable boss is vanquished, a crater emerges to the South of Mistwood Ruins, revealing the buried location.
Finding The Baleful Shadow In Elden Ring
To progress in the game, players must venture through Nokron to retrieve the coveted Fingerslayer Blade for Ranni. Once in possession of the weapon, Ranni will then grant them access to Renna's Rise in the Three Sisters. This location houses a Waygate that leads directly to the Ainsel River Main. A short walk from there will bring players to the majestic Nokstella, the Eternal City. For those seeking a more comprehensive guide on navigating the intricate maze of the underground city, please refer to this link.
Discovering the Baleful Shadow can be a fairly straightforward task once it materializes, but the challenge lies in coaxing its appearance. To begin, players must procure the Miniature Ranni Doll from the coffin positioned near the start of the Ansel River Main area, near the Site of Grace. With this tiny figurine in their possession, players are then required to venture to any of the Site of Grace locations and engage with it. This initiates an interaction where the Miniature Ranni emits a curious "...". Though the lifeless object may initially seem unresponsive, players must persevere. After several attempts at conversing with the doll and receiving the same muted reaction, players will gradually unlock a brief dialogue with Ranni herself. It becomes apparent that Ranni utilizes the Miniature Ranni Doll as a conduit to reach out to the Tarnished. It is during this interaction that Ranni inquires about the Baleful Shadow.
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After players have received instructions from Ranni on how to defeat the Baleful Shadow, they can proceed to its location. Reaching there is quite simple, as players only need to enter Nokstella, the Eternal City, and head West from the Site of Grace, passing through a watery path guarded by numerous electrified Silver Tears. Once they cross to the other side, players will notice a tower-like structure in the distance to the left. Venturing into this building will take players on a lengthy elevator ride, leading them to another Site of Grace and a nearby cave. By traversing through the cave (while being cautious of the three Basalik enemies), players will enter a reddish area, where they will encounter the Baleful Shadow.