Unveiling the Secrets: Reaching Nokstella, Eternal City in Elden Ring

In the competitive, ethereal world of Elden Ring, understanding the integral role of Non-Player Characters (NPCs) like Ranni is critical. To begin the journey towards Nokstella, one should start Ranni's questline. Quests solicit items needed to gain access to different zones.

Ranni's Rise, nestled in the Three Sisters area of Liurnia of the Lakes, is your first destination. Unfortunately, you must maneuver through the daunting Caria Manor to reach there.

The Royal Knight Loretta Challenge

As you journey through Caria Manor, the encounter with Royal Knight Loretta on a gigantic circular platform awaits. Once you've overcome this obstacle, exit the area through the archway to reach the Three Sisters.

Encountering the Glintstone Dragon Adula

As you approach Ranni's Rise, a sizable tower in the distance, you'll come across the imposing Glintstone Dragon Adula. While the dragon poses a threat, it will not impede your progress toward Ranni's Rise.

Remember, at 50 percent health; the dragon teleports away. Reaching the top of Ranni's Rise, you can finally meet Ranni and pledge your services.

The Nokron, Eternal City Objective

Upon pledging your service to Ranni, your journey to Nokron, Eternal City begins in earnest. Your mission is to retrieve an item from the city. However, to get there, you must first eliminate the formidable Starscourge Radahn, one of the major Demi-God bosses in Elden Ring.

With the scourge removed, you'll witness falling stars that open a crater south of Mistwood Ruins leading to Nokron. Once in Nokron, you will encounter the Mimic Tear boss. Defeating them opens a Site of Grace near the base of a large bridge.

Unraveling the Path to Nokstella

From the Site of Grace, take the bridge ahead. Look out for a gap in the stone railing with a narrow path leading down a hill. Following this path whilst keeping to the left will lead you up a small hill to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace.

From here, several platforming sections and a series of jumping tasks through the city will lead toward the coveted Fingerslayer Blade.

Accessing Renna's Rise

Provide Ranni with the Fingerslayer Blade, and she will grant you access to Renna's Rise. At the top, you'll find a Waygate that transports you to Ansel River Main.

Through the Uhl Palace Ruins and a tunnel system, you finally reach Nokstella, Eternal City, loaded with valuable resources for Spirit Ash upgrading and a key item essential for Ranni's questline.

Alternative Route to Nokstella

There's another path leading to Nokstella, bypassing Ranni's questline expansion. This alternative route begins with heading back to the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace and traveling eastwards.

Navigate through a forested area till you spot jellyfish, a sign of being on the right track. Continue along a cliff edge by keeping to the left till you reach a Site of Grace. Pass it and jump off the cliff into a tower, leaving you at the entrance to the Siofra Aqueduct.

The Final Challenge

Venturing through the aqueduct leads to a fight with a Valiant Gargoyle Duo, known for fast movements, sweeping attacks, and poison Area of Effect (AOE).

Overcoming them opens a new Site of Grace at the base of a waterfall and a coffin transporting you to the Deeproot Depths. Go north, and you'll find another key to Ansel River Main, where you can access Nokstella, Eternal City.

No matter the path chosen, reaching Nokstella, Eternal City, is a thrilling journey punctuated with challenging bosses and rewards. The choice of route ultimately lies in your hands, dictated by your strategy and willingness to take on certain risks within the world of Elden Ring.