Unlocking the secrets of the underground regions in Elden Ring is one of the most rewarding challenges for players seeking to progress through Ranni the Witch's complex questline. Nokron, Eternal City is a hidden zone that holds legendary treasures, powerful spirit ashes, and crucial plot progression points. Accessing this subterranean metropolis requires defeating a massive cosmic threat and investigating a sudden geological shift in the surface world.
Defeating Starscourge Radahn to Alter the Stars
Before you can step foot inside Nokron, you must first trigger the Radahn Festival in Caelid and defeat General Radahn in his massive desert arena. This legendary demi-god is physically holding back the stars, preventing fate from moving forward for Ranni and her followers. Once his immense gravity magic is broken, a dramatic cutscene will play showing a blazing meteor crashing down into the Lands Between.This cosmic impact serves as the literal and metaphorical gateway to the hidden eternal city below the surface. Players who have been searching for a standard magical portal or hidden elevator will find that the entrance is entirely dynamic. Defeating Radahn is the absolute mechanical prerequisite to opening up the physical path.
Locating the Crater in East Limgrave
After the general falls, you need to fast travel back to the Mistwood region located in the eastern portion of Limgrave. As you approach the southern edges near Fort Haight, you will immediately notice massive floating debris suspended high in the air. Following this floating rubble leads directly to an enormous, smoking crater that has completely reshaped the landscape.
The crater is a massive visual landmark that cannot be missed if you track the floating rocks from the sky. Carefully position your mount, Torrent, near the edge of this rocky chasm to prepare for the descent. Taking your time during this transition is highly recommended to avoid unnecessary falling damage.
Navigating the Rocky Descent Safely
Entering the eternal city requires jumping down into the crater by utilizing a series of naturally formed rocky ledges along the cliffside. You must carefully navigate these platforms to descend deeper into the earth without dying from a fatal drop. Looking closely for safe footholds and tracking the scattered glowing ruins will guide your path down.
As you progress further along the cliffside openings, you will eventually reach a narrow stone window that looks out over the underground landscape. Crossing this threshold officially transitions your character into the upper rooftops of Nokron. From this vantage point, the breathtaking view of the starry underground architecture becomes fully visible.
Exploring the Rooftops of the Eternal City
The initial section of Nokron forces players to travel across narrow stone tiles and ruined walls high above the main streets. You will encounter several dangerous enemies, including specialized silver tears that can shift their shapes during combat. Keeping your balance on these elevated platforms is essential while dealing with these unique subterranean threats.
Continue following the linear path across the rooftops until you locate an open ledge leading inside a grand stone building. Dropping down into this chamber safely positions you near the very first Site of Grace for the zone. From this newly activated checkpoint, you are completely free to explore the vast treasures and secrets waiting within the main city layout.