With the release of the Elden Ring DLC, In the Shadow of the Erdtree, a new and mysterious location has emerged: the Nokstella Eternal City. This forgotten city, steeped in rich lore and packed with perilous challenges, invites players to explore its haunting ruins.
Before you can even set foot in Nokstella, you must first obtain the Fingerslayer Blade, an essential item tied to a series of quests involving Ranni. Ranni a key character in the Elden Ring narrative, will guide you on this path. After securing the blade, return it to Ranni to unlock Renna Rise, a tower that houses a portal leading deep into the Ainsel River. From here, you’ll have two distinct routes to choose from to access Nokstella Eternal City.
Path 1: The Uhl Palace Route
The first path to Nokstella takes you through the ruins of Uhl Palace, a forgotten landmark filled with both lore and danger. This route is more about exploration and patience, but it offers rich rewards for those willing to delve into its secrets.
Thorough Exploration: Uhl Palace is a site steeped in history. Take your time to explore the ruins, as they are filled with lore and valuable items that offer deeper insight into the Elden Ring universe. Carefully examine your surroundings to uncover hidden treasures and clues to the area’s past.
Navigating the Tunnels: Within the palace ruins, you’ll need to find and traverse a network of tunnels that lead deeper into the area. These tunnels can be disorienting, so pay attention to landmarks and the layout of the environment. Enemies lurk in these passages, and they can be formidable, so clear them out as you go.
The further you delve into the tunnels, the tougher the enemies become. Make sure your gear is up to the task, and be ready for surprise ambushes. The environment can also be hazardous, so proceed with caution and always keep your wits about you.
Once you’ve navigated the tunnels, you’ll emerge on the outskirts of Nokstella, entering the Eternal City from one of its most ancient and weathered access points.
Path 2: The Double Boss Gauntlet
For those seeking a more direct—but far more dangerous—route, there is the option to face a double boss challenge. This path offers a thrilling test of your combat skills and perseverance.
Head East: To begin this path, return to the Grace Land in the Ancestral Forest. From there, head east through a small, dense forest. Along the way, watch for Soul Jellyfish, which act as environmental cues to indicate you’re on the right track.
Cliffside Path: As you move eastward, you’ll encounter a cliffside. Follow the left edge and jump down to continue along a narrow path. Eventually, you’ll find another Grace Land, which will serve as your checkpoint before the real challenge begins.
Tower and Aqueducts: From the second Grace Land, enter a nearby tower that leads down into the Siofra Aqueduct. This sprawling underground area is vast and filled with enemies, so keep your guard up as you explore.
At the end of the Siofra Aqueduct, you’ll face one of the most difficult encounters in Elden Ring: a battle against two Brave Gargoyles. These dual bosses are highly agile and can inflict massive damage with their sweeping attacks and poison-based area-of-effect moves.
Dodge and Weave: These gargoyles move quickly and deliver powerful sweeping attacks. The key to surviving is to keep dodging and never stop moving. Timing your rolls correctly will be critical to avoid devastating damage.
Isolate a Target: If you can manage it, focus on one gargoyle at a time. By isolating one boss, you simplify the battle and reduce the number of attacks coming your way.
Use the Environment: Look for any opportunities to use the environment to your advantage. High ground, pillars, and other obstacles can shield you from the gargoyles most deadly moves, giving you time to recover or heal.
Once you’ve defeated the gargoyles, you’ll unlock a new Grace Land at the base of a nearby waterfall. At the bottom, you’ll find a coffin. Interacting with this coffin will transport you to the Deep Roots, a new area that leads north to yet another coffin, which takes you to the Ansel River Main Path. From here, you’ll finally gain access to the Nokstella Eternal City.
For players looking for a different challenge, you can bypass Nokstella entirely by venturing into the Deep Abyss, a hidden area accessible through the Liondale Sanctuary.
Whether you choose the more methodical Uhl Palace route or the high-stakes double boss gauntlet, your journey to Nokstella Eternal City will test both your exploration skills and combat prowess. Each path offers unique challenges, rewards, and glimpses into the rich lore that surrounds the Eternal City. To further enhance your journey, consider using MMOExp trusted Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items for sale services to power up your gaming experience and overcome future challenges!
