The world of Elden Ring is vast and filled with secrets, offering players countless challenges and mysteries to unravel. Among the many hidden locations in this beautifully crafted universe lies Nokstella, Eternal City, an underground metropolis teeming with lore, enemies, and treasures. In the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, reaching this enigmatic city is central to advancing certain questlines, particularly Ranni the Witch’s. This guide will outline the paths you can take to discover Nokstella and the rich rewards that await you there, including Elden Ring Runes and items vital for upgrading Spirit Ashes.
Introduction to Ranni the Witch
Ranni the Witch is one of the most captivating characters in the Lands Between. Known for her ethereal presence and deep connection to the game's lore, Ranni is pivotal in many players’ journeys. Early in the game, she provides the Spirit Calling Bell, enabling players to summon Spirit Ashes for assistance in combat. As players traverse Liurnia of the Lakes, Ranni reappears, offering a series of quests that culminate in the necessity to travel to Nokstella, Eternal City.
Path 1: Starting Ranni’s Questline
Step One: Initiate Ranni’s Quest
The first step in reaching Nokstella involves initiating Ranni’s questline. This begins with an encounter at Caria Manor, where players must navigate the treacherous manor and defeat Royal Knight Loretta and Glintstone Dragon Adula. Once these challenges are overcome, players will ascend to Ranni’s Rise, located in the Three Sisters area of Liurnia of the Lakes.
After defeating Loretta and Adula, Ranni will provide players with her allegiance quest. Pledge your loyalty to her to unlock the next objective: retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade from Nokron.
Step Two: Obtaining the Fingerslayer Blade
To retrieve the Fingerslayer Blade, head to Redmane Castle in the southeastern part of Caelid. Here, you will face Starscourge Radahn, a powerful demigod. Defeating Radahn will cause a comet to crash-land near the Ancestral Woods, thereby opening the pathway to Nokstella.
Once you navigate through the Ancestral Woods and defeat various enemies like skeletons and Nokstella warriors, you will eventually confront the Mimic Tear boss. After defeating this formidable foe, you will activate a Site of Grace called Mimic Tear at the base of a large bridge.
Cross the bridge and follow the path down a hill, where you will eventually arrive at the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace. Here, you will continue to face Albinauric enemies and encounter a giant spherical enemy. Exiting this area leads to another building where you will face several Silver Tear enemies. Defeating the final Silver Tear, which transforms into a giant, will allow you to access a chest that contains the Fingerslayer Blade.
Step Three: Journey to Nokstella, Eternal City
After acquiring the Fingerslayer Blade, return to Ranni and present her with the item. In exchange, she will grant you access to Renna’s Rise. Ascend to the top of the tower and utilize the portal, which transports you to Ainsel River. From here, navigate through the Uhl Palace Ruins and proceed through the tunnel system leading directly to Nokstella, Eternal City.
Path 2: Alternative Route to Nokstella
If you prefer a different approach to reach Nokstella, a secondary path involves facing a challenging double boss fight.
Step One: Return to Ancestral Woods
To embark on this alternative journey, return to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace. From there, head east, crossing the road and entering a small forested area. Keep an eye out for spirit jellyfish; following the path to the right will lead you to a cliff’s edge dotted with more jellyfish.
Step Two: Navigate to Siofra Aqueduct
Staying along the left wall will guide you to the cliff’s edge. Jump down and continue along the path until you reach another Site of Grace. Proceed into a nearby tower, which leads you to the Siofra Aqueduct. Traverse through this area until you reach the end, where you will face a formidable duo: Valiant Gargoyle and another Valiant Gargoyle. These fast-moving bosses possess powerful sweeping attacks and poison AoE abilities, making this battle particularly challenging.
Upon defeating them, you will unlock a Site of Grace at the waterfall’s base, along with a coffin that will teleport you to Deeproot Depths.
Step Three: Accessing Ainsel River
After arriving in Deeproot Depths, head north until you locate another coffin. Interacting with this coffin will transport you to Ainsel River Main, from where you can enter Nokstella, Eternal City.
Additionally, an alternate method to access Deeproot Depths involves traversing the Subterranean Shunning Grounds in Leyndell and defeating Mohg, Omen. After vanquishing this boss, a secret passage behind his reward chest will lead you to Deeproot Depths without having to travel through Nokron. However, be cautious: this route locks you into the Flame of Frenzy ending.
Preparing for Your Adventure
Regardless of the path chosen, be prepared for the formidable challenges that lie ahead. Both routes to Nokstella involve significant combat encounters and strategic navigation. Players are encouraged to equip themselves with appropriate gear, consumables, and knowledge of enemy patterns to maximize their chances of success.
To ease the challenges associated with exploring the depths of Elden Ring, consider joining community channels, such as a Discord server focused on Elden Ring, where players often share tips, strategies, and even giveaway information for Elden Ring items. This community support can prove invaluable as you prepare to delve into the mysteries of Nokstella.
Conclusion: Discovering the Mysteries of Nokstella, Eternal City
Once you reach Nokstella, Eternal City, players are rewarded with an abundance of lore, resources, and formidable foes to conquer. This hidden underground city is filled with various enemies and items, including Elden Ring Runes and materials vital for upgrading Spirit Ashes. As players explore its vast architecture and uncover the secrets that Nokstella has to offer, they will find themselves immersed in the rich tapestry of Elden Ring’s lore.
Whether embarking on Ranni’s quest or exploring through best place to buy elden ring items alternate routes, the journey to Nokstella is one that promises both challenges and discoveries. Equip yourself for the trials ahead, gather your courage, and prepare to uncover the secrets of this magnificent city, adding another layer to your Elden Ring experience in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
