Guide to Nokron Eternal City: Secrets and Strategy
Nokron Eternal City is a secret, underground region in Elden Ring that becomes accessible only after defeating Starscourge Radahn. It is a vital location for completing Ranni the Witch’s questline and contains legendary items like the Mimic Tear Ashes and the Fingerslayer Blade. To enter, you must find the crater in southern Mistwood where the falling star struck the earth.
Exploring the Depths of Nokron Eternal City
Finding your way into Nokron Eternal City is one of the most cinematic moments in the game. After you take down Radahn in Caelid, a cutscene shows a meteor screaming across the sky and crashing into Limgrave. This isn't just for show; the impact actually opens a physical path into the earth. You will find the entrance just south of the Mistwood Ruins, where floating rocks hover over a massive hole in the ground.
Once you descend the platforms into the crater, you’ll find yourself in a world that looks like a dream. Despite being deep underground, the "sky" is filled with glittering stars and a purple haze. This city was once the home of the Nox, a civilization that was banished by the Greater Will long ago. Today, it is filled with Silver Tears, Fallen Hawk soldiers, and some of the most unique bosses you'll encounter.
Key Takeaways for Your Journey
- Requirement: You must defeat Starscourge Radahn to open the entrance.
- Location: The entrance is a crater in southern Limgrave, west of Fort Haight.
- Crucial Items: Mimic Tear Ashes, Fingerslayer Blade, and Larval Tears.
- Major Bosses: Mimic Tear, Regal Ancestor Spirit, and Valiant Gargoyles.
How to Access the Eternal City
Many players make the mistake of looking for a way into the city too early. While you can see the structures of Nokron Eternal City from the Siofra River well early in the game, you cannot actually reach the main city from there. The path is strictly locked behind the Radahn boss fight.
Steps to Reach Nokron
- Travel to Redmane Castle in Caelid and defeat Starscourge Radahn.
- Head to the Mistwood Outskirts in Limgrave.
- Look for the area with floating rocks near the southern edge of the forest.
- Carefully platform down the ledges into the crater.
- Follow the path through the ruins until you reach the first Site of Grace.
Essential Loot and Rewards
The rewards found in Nokron Eternal City are some of the best in the game. If you are struggling with difficult bosses, the Mimic Tear Ashes found here can be a total game-changer, as it creates a spirit version of your own character to fight alongside you.
| Item Name | Location | Benefit |
| Mimic Tear Ashes | Night's Sacred Ground | Summons a copy of the player. |
| Fingerslayer Blade | Chest in Night's Sacred Ground | Essential for Ranni's Questline. |
| Celestial Dew | Scattered throughout | Allows for "Absolution" at the Church of Vows. |
| Larval Tear | Dropped by Silver Tears/Mimic Boss | Used to respec your character stats. |
| Black Whetblade | Night's Sacred Ground | Unlocks Poison, Blood, and Occult infusions. |
According to the comprehensive Elden Ring Wiki at Fextralife, the city also serves as the primary source for Ghost Glovewort, which is necessary for upgrading your elite spirit summons.
The Bosses of Nokron Eternal City
There are three primary boss encounters in this region. Each offers a different challenge and unique rewards that make the trek worthwhile.
1. The Mimic Tear
This is perhaps the most famous fight in the area. The boss transforms into an exact replica of your character, using your armor, weapons, and spells.
- Pro Tip: If you want an easy win, unequip all your weapons and armor before entering the fog gate. Once the Mimic transforms into a naked, unarmed version of you, quickly re-equip your gear and take it down.
2. Regal Ancestor Spirit
To fight this boss, you need to light six braziers scattered around the Ancestral Woods. Once they are lit, you can touch the glowing carcass in the Hallowhorn Grounds to teleport to the arena. This spirit is a beautiful, ethereal deer that uses teleportation and healing to drag out the fight.
3. Valiant Gargoyles
Located at the end of the Siofra Aqueduct, this is a duo fight. You start against one gargoyle, but a second joins when the first reaches half health. This is often considered one of the toughest "stat-check" fights in the mid-game. Defeating them allows you to access a stone coffin that transports you to the Deeproot Depths.
As noted by IGN's Elden Ring Guide, managing the poison breath of the Valiant Gargoyles is the key to surviving this encounter, as it builds up damage quickly and obscures your vision.
Navigating Night's Sacred Ground
The "secret" part of Nokron Eternal City is an area called Night's Sacred Ground. To get there, you need to jump across the rooftops from the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace. This area is packed with Silver Tears that transform into humanoid enemies.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Falling off rooftops: The platforming here is tricky. Use a lantern or torch to see the edges clearly.
- Ignoring the Giant Ball: There are giant silver spheres that roll toward you. These are actually enemies and can be killed for Larval Tears.
- Missing the Fingerslayer Blade: This item is at the very end of the path, inside a chest under a massive statue. You cannot open it unless you have started Ranni's quest.
Pros and Cons of Exploring Nokron
Pros:
- Access to the best Spirit Ash in the game (Mimic Tear).
- High-level upgrade materials for weapons and summons.
- Essential for reaching the "Age of Stars" ending.
- Breathtaking visual design and lore depth.
Cons:
- Difficult platforming sections that can lead to cheap deaths.
- Valiant Gargoyles can be a massive difficulty spike.
- Enemies like the Silver Tears can be unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get to Nokron without fighting Radahn?
No, the main portion of the city is physically blocked until the meteor hits Limgrave. While there is a teleporter at The Four Belfries that sends you to a small isolated balcony in Nokron, you cannot access the rest of the city from there.
Where is the Fingerslayer Blade?
The Fingerslayer Blade is located in a chest at the bottom of the Night's Sacred Ground area, beneath the giant statue of a seated figure.
Why can't I open the chest in Nokron?
The chest containing the Fingerslayer Blade is locked by fate. You must talk to Ranni the Witch at Ranni's Rise and agree to serve her before the game will allow you to open that specific chest.
How do I get out of the Siofra Aqueduct?
After defeating the Valiant Gargoyles, look for a stone coffin near the waterfall. Interacting with it will trigger a cutscene and transport you to the Deeproot Depths, another underground region.
How many Larval Tears are in Nokron?
You can find several Larval Tears here, including two from the Mimic Tear boss and others dropped by the giant silver spheres (Silver Spheres) found throughout the city ruins.
