Nokstella, Eternal City, is one of the most fascinating and hidden areas in the Elden Ring, known for its mysterious atmosphere and unique enemies. Getting to Nokstella is part of a larger quest that involves a series of key steps. Here's a detailed guide on how to reach Nokstella, as well as tips for collecting runes along the way.

Steps to Reach Nokstella, Eternal City

Begin Ranni's Questline

To access Nokstella, you must first engage in Ranni the Witch's questline. Ranni is located in Ranni's Rise at the Three Sisters area, west of Caria Manor in Liurnia of the Lakes.

After defeating Royal Knight Loretta in Caria Manor, head to Ranni's tower, where you'll begin her questline by speaking with her.

Proceed with Ranni's Quest

Follow Ranni's quest, which will involve a series of tasks like retrieving the Fingerslayer Blade from Nokron, Eternal City, and meeting characters like Blaidd and Seluvis.

Eventually, you will be sent to the underground area of Ainsel River.

Obtaining the Miniature Ranni Doll

Once you reach Ainsel River Main, you will find a Miniature Ranni Doll at a nearby Site of Grace. Pick up the doll and rest at the Site of Grace until an option to talk to the doll appears. This step is crucial for progressing the quest.

After talking to the doll a few times, Ranni will speak to you giving further instructions.

Defeating the Baleful Shadow

Follow the Ainsel River to a location where you will face the Baleful Shadow. This enemy blocks your path and is a significant encounter. Defeat the Baleful Shadow to progress.

Upon victory, you'll receive the Discarded Palace Key, which is used later in the quest line.

Accessing Nokstella

After defeating the Baleful Shadow, continue along the Ainsel River, and you will come across an elevator that leads to Nokstella, Eternal City.

The city features a vast underground network with stunning visuals, dangerous enemies, and valuable loot.

Exploring Nokstella, Eternal City

Once you've reached Nokstella, there's plenty to explore:

Unique Enemies: The city is filled with dangerous enemies like the Nokstella Knights and Mimic Tears. Defeating these enemies will reward you with runes, so it's a good place for farming.

Loot and Runes: Nokstella is rich in loot, including powerful Elden Ring items, Ashes of War, and crafting materials. Enemies drop a decent amount of runes, so defeating them consistently while exploring can help you gather resources.

Boss Encounter: As you progress, you will face powerful bosses, such as Astel and Naturalborn of the Void, who give significant rune rewards upon defeat.

Elden Ring Runes: Farming Tips

While exploring Nokstella and other regions in the Elden Ring, accumulating runes is essential for leveling up and enhancing your gear. Here are some tips on efficient rune farming:

Rune Boosting Items

Use consumables like the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot to increase rune acquisition by 30% for a limited time.

Equip the Golden Scarab Talisman to boost runes collection by an additional 20%.

Best Rune Farming Spots

Mohgwyn Palace: This late-game area, especially near the Dynasty Mausoleum, offers one of the best rune farming spots. The Albinaurics in the region drop a large number of Elden Ring runes, and with rune-boosting items, this can be even more profitable.

Farum Greatbridge (Dragonbarrow): The giants and large enemies in this area can be farmed repeatedly for significant rune drops.

Co-op Rune Farming

Playing co-op allows you to help others defeat bosses and difficult enemies while still collecting a share of the rune rewards. This can be a fast way to farm runes while also enjoying the multiplayer experience.

Defeating High-Level Bosses

Some bosses, such as Malenia, Radahn, and Godrick, offer significant rune rewards. Farming these bosses by helping other players in co-op can be a fast way to accumulate runes.

Conclusion

By following Ranni's questline, you'll gain access to Nokstella, Eternal City, one of Elden Ring's most intriguing and beautiful areas. Along the way, make sure to collect plenty of Elden Ring runes to power up your character by farming key locations, utilizing rune-boosting items, and defeating high-level enemies and bosses. Nokstella itself offers valuable loot and rune-farming opportunities, making it a worthy destination for adventurers.