In Elden Ring, Nokstella, Eternal City is one of the game's most intriguing and atmospheric locations. This hidden underground city is rich with lore, challenging enemies, and valuable resources, making it a key area for players looking to deepen their exploration and enhance their Spirit Ashes. Reaching Nokstella involves navigating a complex series of steps, and this guide will walk you through the process, including both the primary and alternate routes.

Step One: Initiating Ranni's Questline

To start your journey to Nokstella, you first need to engage with Ranni the Witch. Her questline is essential not only for accessing Nokstella but also for obtaining the Spirit Calling Bell, which allows you to use Spirit Ashes. Here's how to get started:

Locate Ranni's Tower: Head to Ranni's Rise in the Three Sisters area of Liurnia of the Lakes. You'll need to traverse Caria Manor, defeating Royal Knight Loretta and weakening Glintstone Dragon Adula (bring its health below 50%) to gain access to Ranni.

Speak with Ranni: After defeating Loretta and Adula, you can finally meet Ranni. You'll need to pledge allegiance to her, which will set the stage for further interactions. Ranni will then task you with retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade from Nokron, a crucial step for progressing her questline.

Step Two: Obtaining the Fingerslayer Blade

To acquire the Fingerslayer Blade, follow these steps:

Defeat Starscourge Radahn: Travel to Redmane Castle in southeastern Caelid and defeat Starscourge Radahn. This victory will cause a comet to crash near the Ancestral Woods, revealing the path to Nokstella.

Navigate Nokstella: Once in Nokstella, deal with various enemies including skeletons and Nokstella warriors. You'll encounter a Mimic Tear boss, which, upon defeat, will unlock a Site of Grace at the base of a bridge.

Collect the Fingerslayer Blade: From the Site of Grace, cross the bridge and follow a path down a hill to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace. Jump down from the cliffside and navigate through the city while battling Albinauric enemies. You'll eventually reach a structure with a giant metal ball and Silver Tear enemies. Defeat the final Silver Tear (which transforms into a giant) and locate the Fingerslayer Blade in a chest underneath a massive skeleton.

Step Three: Entering Nokstella, Eternal City

After acquiring the Fingerslayer Blade and giving it to Ranni, follow these steps to access Nokstella:

Return to Ranni's Rise: Ranni will now grant you access to Renna's Rise. Use the Waygate at the top of Renna's Rise to be transported to Ainsel River.

Explore Ainsel River: Navigate through the Uhl Palace Ruins and proceed through the tunnel system, which will lead you to Nokstella, Eternal City. Here, you'll find numerous resources for upgrading Spirit Ashes and critical items to continue Ranni's questline.

Alternate Path to Nokstella, Eternal City

If you prefer a more direct but challenging route, you can bypass some of Ranni's questline steps:

Head to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace: From here, travel east into a forested area with spirit jellyfish. Stay to the right and follow a cliffside path to a Site of Grace.

Access the Siofra Aqueduct: Jump off the cliff into a tower and navigate through the Siofra Aqueduct. This area culminates in a boss fight against the Valiant Gargoyle and Valiant Gargoyle (Twinblade) duo.

Defeat the Dual Gargoyles: Conquer these tough bosses to gain access to a new Site of Grace and a coffin that will transport you to the Deeproot Depths.

Reach Nokstella from Deeproot Depths: From Deeproot Depths, you can access Nokstella by finding another coffin that sends you to Ainsel River Main, and subsequently, to Nokstella.

Alternatively, you can access the Deeproot Depths by traversing the Subterranean Shunning Grounds in Leyndell, Royal Capital, and defeating Mohg, the Omen. Note that this path locks you into the Flame of Frenzy ending.

By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to explore Nokstella, Eternal City, and fully engage with its mysteries and challenges. Whether you choose the direct or alternate path, Nokstella offers valuable rewards and a deeper look into Elden Ring's intricate lore.

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