Elden Ring offers several distinct conclusions to its grand narrative, but few are as captivating and lore-rich as the Age of the Stars ending. This outcome requires players to complete one of the longest and most complex questlines in the game alongside Ranni the Witch. By choosing this path, the Tarnished alters the fate of the Lands Between by ushering in a new cosmic order that frees the world from the control of the Greater Will.
How to Unlock Ranni's Questline
Unlocking the Age of the Stars ending begins by meeting Ranni at Ranni's Rise in the Liurnia of the Lakes region. She will task you with serving her alongside her companions, including the warrior Blaidd and Preceptor Seluvis. To progress her story, players must venture into the underground city of Nokron after defeating Starscourge Radahn.
Inside Nokron, you must retrieve the Finger Slayer Blade and return it to Ranni to gain her favor. This action unlocks the path toward the Ainsel River Main and allows you to continue her personal journey. Careful exploration and completion of these prerequisite encounters are required before advancing further into the storyline.
Crucial Items and Key Locations
After acquiring the Miniature Ranni doll in Ainsel River, players must speak to it at a Site of Grace until it responds. Ranni will task you with defeating the Baleful Shadow, an aggressive invader guarding the passage to the Lake of Rot. Eliminating this foe rewards you with the Discarded Palace Key, which unlocks the chest containing the Dark Moon Ring in the Raya Lucaria Grand Library.
With the ring in hand, travel past the Lake of Rot and defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, to gain access to the Moonlight Altar. Deep within the Cathedral of Manus Celes, you will find Ranni's physical body where you can place the Dark Moon Ring on her finger. Completing this ritual seals your pact with her and grants you the legendary Dark Moon Greatsword.
Executing the Age of the Stars Ending
To trigger the Age of the Stars ending, players must first defeat the final bosses in the Erdtree, Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. Once the battles are complete, do not interact with the Fractured Marika statue at the center of the arena. Instead, look nearby for a blue summon sign on the ground that allows you to summon Ranni.
Interacting with this summon sign initiates a cinematic sequence where Ranni replaces the Golden Order with her own cold, starry reign. Choosing this option permanently locks in her ending and completes her narrative arc. It represents one of the most rewarding narrative payoffs in modern action RPGs.
Story Meaning and Narrative Impact Explained
The Age of the Stars signifies a complete departure from the Golden Order and the influence of the Outer Gods. Rather than repairing the shattered Elden Ring to rule as Elden Lord, the Tarnished joins Ranni as her consort to remove divinity from direct reach. By taking the Elden Ring into the cosmos, Ranni ensures that mortals can live without divine interference.
This ending is widely considered one of the most benevolent outcomes for the inhabitants of the Lands Between. Although the world enters a thousand-year voyage under the cold night sky, it gains true free will away from cosmic manipulators. Understanding this distinction highlights why Ranni's path remains a favorite among dedicated lore enthusiasts.
