As I guide fellow Tarnished through the enigmatic world of the Lands Between, few quests are as sprawling and rewarding as that of Ranni the Witch. In 2026, with the game's legacy firmly cemented, understanding its deepest secrets remains a key part of the journey. One of the most pivotal—and initially confusing—steps in this epic quest is acquiring the so-called "Ring of Oath," a mysterious key item required to progress. If you find yourself stuck before a magically sealed door, know this: the Ring of Oath is, in fact, the Dark Moon Ring. This guide will detail the precise steps to claim this crucial artifact and continue your service to the Lunar Princess.

The Path to the Key: Laying the Groundwork

Before you can even think about the ring itself, you must first secure the means to access it. The journey begins deep within Nokron, the Eternal City. Your primary objective here is to retrieve the Fingerslayer Blade. This legendary dagger is not just a weapon; it is a vital offering for Ranni. Once you have it, return to Ranni's Rise in the Three Sisters region and present the blade to the witch's spectral form. In return for your service, she will grant you the Discarded Palace Key. This key is your ticket to the ring, but the path there is fraught with peril.

Confronting the Baleful Shadow

With the Discarded Palace Key in your possession, your next destination is the top of Renna's Rise. Activate the portal you find there, which will transport you to Ainsel River Main. A Site of Grace awaits nearby. Rest here, and then investigate the coffin close by to find a Miniature Ranni Doll. Exhaust its dialogue by repeatedly selecting the "Talk to Miniature Ranni" option at subsequent Graces. This will eventually summon your true adversary.

Your target, the Baleful Shadow, awaits in Nokstella, Eternal City, specifically south of the Nokstella Waterfall Basin Site of Grace. Follow the main river south until you find an elevator. This leads to a long tunnel culminating in a distinctive red room—the Baleful Shadow's arena.

This fight demands patience and strategy. The Shadow is agile, dodges attacks frequently, and will heal itself with Crimson Tears Flasks. To triumph, consider these tactics:

• Exploit Weaknesses: The Baleful Shadow is notably weak to Frost and Freezing damage. Weapons or spells that inflict Frostbite are highly effective.

• Critical Attacks: Its aggression can be punished. Look for openings to land powerful backstab critical hits.

• Perseverance: Stay mobile and avoid trading blows. Chip away at its health methodically.

Victory over the Baleful Shadow is essential, as it drops the very key you seek.

Claiming Your Prize: The Dark Moon Ring

Once the Shadow is defeated, the real Discarded Palace Key is finally yours. Now, you must retrace your steps to a familiar, yet transformed, location: Raya Lucaria Academy. Return to the grand library boss chamber where you once battled Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. In the back of this hallowed hall, you will find a previously locked chest. Use the Discarded Palace Key to open it, and inside, gleaming with lunar power, awaits the Dark Moon Ring—the true Ring of Oath.

Beyond the Ring: The Final Leg

Holding the Dark Moon Ring is a major milestone, but Ranni's quest is far from over. With the ring equipped, you must journey to the Lake of Rot and descend to the Grand Cloister. There, a formidable sealed door blocks your path. This is the moment the Ring of Oath fulfills its purpose. Present the ring, and the door will unlock, granting you access to the final, hidden challenges and the profound conclusion of Ranni's storyline. Be prepared; the areas beyond are guarded by some of the most demanding bosses in the game.

Why This Quest Endures

Even years after its release, the meticulous design of Ranni's questline exemplifies what makes Elden Ring a masterpiece. It's a journey of discovery that rewards curiosity, perseverance, and attention to lore. The Ring of Oath is more than a key item; it's a symbol of the player's dedication to one of the game's most intricate narratives. For new players embarking on this path in 2026 or veterans revisiting it, the thrill of uncovering the hunt—and the rewards—are永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的永恒的不变的.

In summary, the journey for the Dark Moon Ring is a quintessential Elden Ring experience:

1. Retrieve the Fingerslayer Blade in Nokron.

2. Give it to Ranni at Ranni's Rise for the Discarded Palace Key clue.

3. Use the portal at Renna's Rise, find the Miniature Ranni Doll, and summon the Baleful Shadow.

4. Defeat the Baleful Shadow in Nokstella to obtain the true Discarded Palace Key.

5. Return to Rennala's chamber in Raya Lucaria Academy and unlock the chest to claim the Dark Moon Ring.

6. Equip the ring and use it to open the sealed door near the Grand Cloister to progress Ranni's quest to its epic conclusion.

May this guide light your way through the darkness, Tarnished. The stars await your choice.