Unveiling the Hidden Secrets: Mastering the Path to Nokstella Eternal City in Elden Ring

Players will encounter Ranni, an intriguing blue NPC, as they explore Elden Ring. Ranni, a witch, is regarded as one of the most captivating characters in the Lands Between. She grants players access to the Spirit Calling Bell, enabling them to utilize Spirit Ashes. What few may realize is that Ranni's appearances aren't limited to just a single encounter. As players progress through Liurnia of the Lakes, they will stumble upon her again, this time with her own questline to follow.

To embark on this questline, players must journey to a clandestine location known as Nokstella, Eternal City. Not only is it crucial for completing Ranni's questline, but it also boasts a wealth of valuable resources, especially for those seeking to enhance their Spirit Ashes. Here's a guide on how players can navigate their way to Nokstella, Eternal City in Elden Ring and gather the trove of treasures awaiting them.

Updated August 11th, 2023: In order to complete Ranni's extensive questline in Elden Ring, players must make their way to Nokstella, the renowned Eternal City. However, reaching this location can prove to be a formidable challenge for beginners. Without knowledge of the correct path or the bosses that need to be defeated, finding Nokstella can become a tedious task. To assist players in successfully navigating the journey to Nokstella, Eternal City and embarking on the crucial steps to conclude Ranni's questline, we have provided an updated guide accompanied by a helpful video.

Starting Ranni's Questline

To begin the journey towards Nokstella, the Eternal City, players must initiate Ranni's questline. Along the way, they will need to acquire an item from Ranni herself, which will grant them access to the desired zone. Progressing through Ranni's questline until this point is vital. The starting point for Ranni's quest is her tower, known as Ranni's Rise, situated in the enchanting Three Sisters region of Liurnia of the Lakes. However, reaching this destination is not without its challenges, as players must navigate through the daunting Caria Manor dungeon.

Upon advancing in Caria Manor, players will stumble upon a grand circular platform encircled by an array of chairs. It is within this splendid enclave that an epic confrontation with the esteemed Royal Knight Loretta awaits. Following a triumphant victory over Loretta, players can conveniently exit the premises through a humble archway before venturing forth to the fabled Three Sisters.

3 Images

Close

Ranni's Rise is a towering structure located in the distance, protected by the formidable Glintstone Dragon Adula. Fortunately, players are not required to defeat this formidable field boss in order to gain entry to Ranni's Rise. It should be noted, however, that players are unable to fully vanquish the dragon within this location, as it will teleport away once its health reaches 50 percent remaining. Upon successfully reaching the pinnacle of Ranni's Rise, players will encounter Ranni herself. Upon pledging their loyalty, players will set off on a quest to retrieve a precious item from Nokron, Eternal City.

Getting The Fingerslayer Blade For Ranni

Players must first defeat Starscourge Radahn, a formidable Demi-God boss, in order to access Nokron, the Eternal City in Elden Ring. Once Starscourge is vanquished, a cascade of falling stars will create a crater in Limgrave, located south of Mistwood Ruins. Descending through the crater will lead players into Nokron. Upon navigating through the city, players will encounter the Mimic Tear boss, whose defeat will reveal a Site of Grace situated at the base of a grand bridge. Crossing this bridge will eventually reveal a gap in the stone railing and a narrow path descending down a hill. Following this path and hugging the left wall will guide players up a small hill, leading them to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace.

11 Images

Close

Getting To Nokstella, Eternal City

Upon reaching the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace, players are required to plunge from the cliffside onto the rooftop below. From there, they will engage in a challenging sequence of platforming sections that lead them through the bustling city. Eventually, they will arrive at an area housing a colossal ball, nestled within a structure reminiscent of a church. Departing through the front entrance of this location will set them on a path that guides them towards another edifice, inhabited by a swarm of formidable Silver Tear enemies. The very last Silver Tear, right before entering the building, will undergo a mind-boggling transformation, assuming the form of a colossal giant. Once this formidable foe is conquered, a chest awaits containing the highly coveted Fingerslayer Blade.

9 Images

Close

Once players hand over the Fingerslayer Blade to Ranni, she will grant them entry to Renna's Rise. Scaling to the summit and utilizing the Waygate there will transport players directly to Ansel River Main. From this point, players must advance through the Uhl Palace Ruins, followed by navigating a network of tunnels that lead to Nokstella, the Eternal City. Here, players have the opportunity to amass a vast array of valuable resources for Spirit Ash upgrades, as well as acquire a crucial item necessary to progress Ranni's questline.

The Alternate Path To Nokstella, Eternal City

There is an alternative route for players to reach Nokstella, Eternal City, without fully completing Ranni's questline. This alternative path is considered to be much more challenging as it involves facing a formidable Duo Boss. To access this path, players need to return to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace and head east, crossing the roadway and entering a small forested area. Players will know they have reached the correct location when they start encountering Jellyfish. By sticking to the right side in this area, players will eventually reach a cliffside where numerous Jellyfish can be found. Following the left wall will lead players to a cliff edge from which they can jump down and continue along a trail. This trail will eventually lead to another Site of Grace, and moving past it will enable players to leap off a cliff, enter a tower, and access the Siofra Aqueduct.

5 Images

Close

Progressing through the area will lead players to a battle against a pair of Valiant Gargoyles – fast-moving bosses who use powerful sweeping attacks and poison AOEs to punish the players. Those who manage to defeat these bosses will unlock a new Site of Grace at the waterfall's base, as well as a coffin that grants access to the Deeproot Depths. Heading North, players will eventually come across another coffin that will transport them to Ansel River Main, allowing them to enter Nokstella, Eternal City.

Alternatively, players can also reach the Deeproot Depths by traversing the Subterranean Shunning Grounds in Leyndell, Royal Capital, and facing off against the boss Mohg, known as The Omen. After defeating Mohg, players can take a secret path behind the boss's reward chest to enter the Deeproot Depths without ever visiting Nokron. It is important to note, however, that choosing this route will result in being locked into the Flame of Frenzy ending.