How to find Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring

Completing Ranni's questline will require players to defeat the Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring. Defeating him will grant them the Dark Moon Greatsword and a key item within Ranni's story arc, the Miniature Ranni. Although the Baleful Shadow isn't impossible to find, he can be a bit elusive as players will need to complete certain tasks for him to show up.

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Where to find Baleful Shadow in Elden Ring

Players can find the Baleful Shadow in Nokstella, Eternal City. However, because this is a hidden zone, players will have to complete some prerequisites to find it. While players can force their way into the hidden zone, this will lock them into only one ending for the entire playthrough. For this reason, there is a proper way to reach this hidden area.

To find Nokstella, Eternal City, players will need to take the path through Nokron, Eternal City. Nokron will only be reachable to players who have slain the Starscourge Radahn. After defeating him, a crater will open up south of the Mistwood Ruins. This will lead players to Nokron.

While heading through Nokron, players will need to collect the Fingerslayer Blade for Ranni. When players give this item to her, she'll grant them access to Renna's Rise in the Three Sisters. This area has a Waygate that leads to the Ainsel River Main. From here, players only need to take a short walk southwest through the Uhl Palace Ruins.

Head down through the ant tunnels and keep west. This will lead players into Nokstella, Eternal City. Jump down into the main area and follow the river. Head into the building on the river's edge with a statue out in plain view. Pull the lever on the right to bring up the lift. Take the lift down and head into the cave across the river. This cave will open up to a red-lit forest where the Baleful Shadow resides.

For more Elden Ring content, be sure to check out How to obtain the Tonic of Forgetfulness in Elden Ring on Pro Game Guides.