What Do I Do With the Dark Moon Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

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The Dark Moon Ring is a crucial item in Elden Ring, essential for progressing through Ranni the Witch’s questline and achieving one of the game’s multiple endings. This seemingly simple ring is key to unlocking pivotal moments and offers deeper insight into Ranni’s motivations and the world’s lore. It is not, however, used in a straightforward way like other key items, which is why many players find themselves confused about its purpose. Let’s break down exactly what you need to do with this mysterious ring.

The primary function of the Dark Moon Ring revolves around interacting with a specific character, not unlike many other key items in Elden Ring, but its use requires a bit more legwork. Once you possess the Dark Moon Ring, your task is to locate the Miniature Ranni doll found within the depths of the Ainsel River.

How to Use the Dark Moon Ring

Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Obtain the Dark Moon Ring: This is achieved after making significant progress in Ranni’s questline, which involves venturing deep into the Lake of Rot.
2. Travel to the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace: Ensure you are at this specific Site of Grace for the next step to work correctly.
3. Locate the Miniature Ranni Doll: The doll is located deeper within the cave beyond the Ainsel River Main Site of Grace.
4. Interact with the Miniature Ranni Doll: You will need to speak with the doll repeatedly before Ranni will respond. Do so three times, and she will speak to you, asking for help eliminating the Baleful Shadow.
5. Defeat the Baleful Shadow: Locate the Baleful Shadow near the Nokstella Waterfall Basin grace point and eliminate it.
6. Re-engage the Miniature Ranni Doll: Return to where the Ranni doll was found and once again interact with it. This time, she is visibly bloody.
7. Equip the Dark Moon Ring: Interact with the bloody Ranni doll and your character will place the Dark Moon Ring onto her. This will trigger a short cutscene where Ranni communicates with you and then disappears. This is the primary, and perhaps only, use for the Dark Moon Ring.

The successful placement of the ring on the doll is pivotal for advancing Ranni’s storyline and leading you to the possibility of experiencing her ending. It’s a significant milestone in her quest and demonstrates your commitment to her cause.

The Significance of the Dark Moon Ring

The Dark Moon Ring isn’t just an arbitrary item. It’s directly linked to the concept of the Dark Moon and its relationship to the outer god that Ranni seeks to serve. Its use on the doll indicates the player’s acceptance of Ranni’s destiny and their role in fulfilling her ambitions. It’s also a symbolic act representing a bond between the player and Ranni, sealing the fate of the Lands Between. It demonstrates a clear commitment from your character to be Ranni’s consort as she begins her new order.

What Happens After Using the Ring

After you equip the Dark Moon Ring on the Miniature Ranni doll, Ranni speaks to you, and then she disappears. Do not expect to see her again immediately after this event. Her next appearance will be at Ranni’s Rise, a tower located in the northwestern part of Liurnia, past the Carian Manor. It is at this location that she will ask you to join her service, which you must accept to continue her quest line.

The Broader Context of Ranni’s Quest

Ranni’s quest is one of the most intricate and rewarding storylines in Elden Ring. It’s not just about getting an ending; it delves deep into the lore, offering unique challenges and rewards. The Dark Moon Ring is a crucial part of this journey, symbolizing a pivotal shift in the narrative. Without it, the progression into the later parts of her questline becomes impossible. This also directly ties into the ability to obtain the Moonlight Greatsword, Ranni’s signature weapon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dark Moon Ring

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you fully understand the role and importance of the Dark Moon Ring in Elden Ring:

1. Where is the Dark Moon Ring located? The Dark Moon Ring is not located in a specific, fixed location. You will progress through Ranni’s questline, and once you venture through the Lake of Rot, the ring will be obtained. It’s part of a series of events tied to Ranni’s quest.

2. What does the Dark Moon Ring look like? The Dark Moon Ring is a delicate, ornately designed ring with a deep blue hue, symbolizing the Dark Moon and its mystical association.

3. Is the Dark Moon Ring essential to beat the game? While not essential for completing the game, it is essential for achieving Ranni’s ending, which is often considered to be one of the more fulfilling conclusions.

4. Can I miss the Dark Moon Ring? Yes, it is possible to miss the Dark Moon Ring if you do not follow Ranni’s questline correctly. Therefore, thorough exploration and careful attention to dialogue are crucial to obtain the ring.

5. Does the Dark Moon Ring do anything besides Ranni’s quest? No, the sole purpose of the Dark Moon Ring is to advance Ranni’s questline by interacting with the Miniature Ranni doll. It does not have any other uses.

6. Can I get the Dark Moon Ring if I kill Ranni? No, you will not be able to obtain the Dark Moon Ring if you kill Ranni. She needs to be alive to continue her questline.

7. Is the Dark Moon Ring related to Gwyndolin’s Darkmoon Seance Ring? No, despite the similar naming and the association with ‘Darkmoon’, these rings are from separate FromSoftware games, and they do not have any connection to each other. The Darkmoon Seance Ring is from Dark Souls.

8. What happens if I equip the ring to my character? Equipping the ring to your character does nothing. It only functions when used on the Miniature Ranni doll.

9. Is there a boss fight associated with the ring? The ring itself does not lead to a specific boss fight. The events around it, such as the Baleful Shadow encounter, lead to conflicts, but not directly related to the ring itself.

10. What is the Baleful Shadow and why do I need to defeat it? The Baleful Shadow is an enemy that Ranni asks you to defeat. You must complete this task to proceed further in Ranni’s questline.

11. Can I use the Dark Moon Ring more than once? No, once you have used the Dark Moon Ring on the Miniature Ranni doll, it is consumed and cannot be used again.

12. Does placing the Dark Moon Ring on the doll lock me into an ending? No, merely completing Ranni’s quest does not automatically lock you into her ending. You must complete additional steps to witness her ending.

13. What other items are important in Ranni’s questline? The Discarded Palace Key, Fingerslayer Blade, and Cursemark of Death are all important in Ranni’s quest.

14. Where do I find Ranni after using the ring? After using the Dark Moon Ring, you will encounter Ranni next at the top of Ranni’s Rise, the middle tower located at the northwest part of Liurnia, past the Carian Manor.

15. Can I give Ranni the ring after completing the game? No, once the game is complete, you will not be able to proceed with Ranni’s questline if you have not already, making this a required item prior to completing the game.

The Dark Moon Ring is a vital part of the Elden Ring narrative. Knowing exactly how to use it and understanding its importance is crucial for fans of the game. It is not merely a means to an end; it’s a symbolic item that resonates with the overarching themes of destiny, free will, and the consequences of your actions. Ensure you follow Ranni’s questline diligently to experience the full depth and richness of Elden Ring.