Ranni’s quest in Elden Ring is one of the most intricate and rewarding side quests in the game. It weaves a deep narrative filled with mystery, betrayal, and cosmic power, guiding players through hidden regions, unforgettable encounters, and ultimately unlocking one of the game’s alternate endings. This journey is not only essential for lore enthusiasts but also for players aiming to access some of the most visually stunning and mechanically rich areas in the Lands Between. Completing Ranni’s questline can also lead to acquiring unique weapons, spells, and the powerful Dark Moon Greatsword. The steps are many, but with patience and the right guidance, the quest becomes one of the highlights of any Elden Ring experience.
Meeting Ranni the Witch
Where to Find Ranni
Ranni first appears at the top of Ranni’s Rise, a tower located in the northwest of Liurnia of the Lakes. However, this tower only becomes accessible after defeating Royal Knight Loretta in Caria Manor. After the boss is down, the manor opens a path to the Three Sisters area, where several towers are found.
Once you reach Ranni’s Rise, you’ll meet the witch herself and be given the option to serve her. Agreeing to serve Ranni is essential for starting her questline. This action does not negatively affect other major quests, but it will lock you out of some endings if you follow it all the way through.
Her Loyal Allies
After pledging loyalty, you will be introduced to her key allies:
- Blaidd: A half-wolf warrior investigating Nokron.
- Seluvis: A sorcerer with his own dark motives.
- War Counselor Seluvis: Provides questionable guidance throughout the quest.
This marks the beginning of a long and branching journey filled with unique characters and twisted fates.
Progressing Through Ranni’s Quest
Uncovering Nokron
Ranni disappears shortly after pledging yourself to her. Your next objective becomes helping Blaidd find a path to Nokron, the Eternal City. However, Nokron remains inaccessible until you defeat General Radahn in Caelid.
To reach Radahn, follow Blaidd’s path or progress naturally through the game until the Redmane Castle festival is triggered. This typically occurs after you activate two Grand Lift medallions or clear a major dungeon.
Defeating General Radahn
General Radahn is a significant boss both in terms of difficulty and lore. Defeating him causes a dramatic shift in the world, opening a crater south of Mistwood. This crater leads to Nokron, a hidden city filled with secrets and critical items for Ranni’s quest.
Finding the Fingerslayer Blade
Within Nokron, your primary goal is to locate the Fingerslayer Blade. This key item is required to progress Ranni’s storyline. It is found in a chest inside a Night’s Sacred Ground building. After acquiring the blade, return to Ranni’s Rise, which will now be empty as Ranni vanishes once again.
Exploring Ainsel River and Meeting Mini Ranni
Unlocking Renna’s Rise
After delivering the blade, Renna’s Rise, previously inaccessible, becomes open. Inside, you’ll find items and a portal to Ainsel River Main. Here you receive the Miniature Ranni Doll, which initially seems unresponsive when you rest at the Site of Grace. Eventually, Ranni will begin speaking and ask you to help eliminate Baleful Shadow.
Defeating Baleful Shadow
After defeating this enemy, Ranni will thank you and disappear once again, leaving behind the discarded key item required to unlock the chest in the Grand Library of Raya Lucaria the one behind Rennala’s boss room. Inside the chest, you’ll find the discarded item of Ranni’s two fingers, severed and symbolic of her rejection of the Greater Will.
Exploring Nokstella and Facing Astel
Continue through Ainsel River, fighting your way through Nokstella and eventually facing Astel, Naturalborn of the Void. This is a visually stunning and intense boss fight. Defeating Astel is not the end there is still more to unlock Ranni’s full path.
Reaching the Cathedral of Manus Celes
Unlocking the Deep Path
To proceed further, you need the Dark Moon Ring, which is found in the locked chest behind Rennala. This ring is essential to open the sealed gate past Astel’s arena. With the ring in hand, return to Astel’s location and interact with the blue seal in the back to access a lift leading to the Moonlight Altar plateau.
Only players who have followed Ranni’s questline can access this area. Other players are permanently locked out of this part of the game unless they pledged to Ranni earlier.
The Final Meeting with Ranni
At the top of the Cathedral of Manus Celes, you’ll find Ranni’s lifeless body. Use the Dark Moon Ring to place it on her finger, symbolizing your union. This moment signifies the completion of her questline and binds your fate to hers. Ranni becomes your consort, and this opens the door to the Age of Stars ending.
Rewards and Significance of Ranni’s Quest
Items and Weapons
Throughout this quest, players are rewarded with various rare and powerful items:
- Dark Moon Greatsword: A legendary weapon and spiritual successor to the Moonlight Greatsword from previous FromSoftware titles.
- Discarded Palace Key: Unlocks secrets in Raya Lucaria.
- Summon Spirit Ashes: Including access to more powerful and unique spirits as you delve into hidden areas.
Alternate Ending: Age of Stars
By completing Ranni’s quest, you unlock a unique ending called the Age of Stars. At the end of the game, instead of touching Fractured Marika, look for Ranni’s summon sign near her body. Choosing this option results in a cosmic journey beyond the Lands Between, where you become her consort and help usher in an age removed from the influence of the Greater Will.
Lore Impact
Ranni’s story is deeply intertwined with the themes of rebellion, freedom, and the rejection of predestination. Her path challenges the established order and invites players to embrace the unknown. The Age of Stars is seen by many fans as one of the most hopeful and freeing endings in Elden Ring, though not without its ambiguities.
Tips for Completing Ranni’s Quest Smoothly
- Don’t miss Caria Manor: Skipping this area locks you out of the entire quest.
- Talk to all NPCs: Characters like Blaidd and Seluvis provide clues and necessary progression triggers.
- Collect Site of Grace checkpoints: Fast travel is essential due to the vast distances between objectives.
- Hold onto the Dark Moon Ring: It is easy to overlook its importance, but it’s critical for late-game access.
Ranni’s quest in Elden Ring is an unforgettable journey that combines rich lore, challenging combat, and hidden wonders. From serving a mysterious witch to defying cosmic deities and unlocking one of the game’s most beautiful endings, this questline offers players a deep and satisfying narrative payoff. Whether you’re chasing the Age of Stars or simply exploring every corner of the Lands Between, Ranni’s tale is one worth following to its cosmic conclusion.