Can you fight Ranni the Witch?

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

Yes, Ranni the Witch can be fought as an optional boss in Elden Ring after progressing her questline to a certain point. She is located in Ranni‘s Rise in northwest Liurnia, and serves as one of the most pivotal characters in the game‘s mythology and ending paths. This guide will cover everything you need to know about facing off against the bewitching demigod herself!

Ranni‘s Backstory – The Driving Force Behind Her Rebellion

To understand why facing Ranni as a foe is even possible, we must first dig into her history. As the daughter of Queen Marika and Radagon, Ranni was born an Empyrean chosen by the Greater Will and tasked with succeeding Queen Marika one day as a god. However, Ranni outwardly rejected this fate and the oppressive control of the Two Fingers.

Her defiance traces back to the Night of the Black Knives when Ranni mysteriously lost her mortal body. While the details are unclear, leading theories suggest Ranni coordinated with the assassin group of the same name to slay Godwyn and trigger the Shattering. This also allowed her to escape the confines of her flesh.

These events drive Ranni‘s conviction to subvert the Greater Will‘s order and destine herself as Elden Lord. Let‘s examine her motives further.

Ranni‘s Motivations and Goals

Ranni seeks to create a new order independent from the meddling outer gods led by the Greater Will. Having discarded her flesh, she wishes to follow the Dark Moon and establish an age of fearless cold, emotionless order not manipulated by an arrogant god figure.

Her ending means stripping all outer gods of their influence over the Lands Between. But we‘ll cover implications of that later.

How To Fight Ranni as a Boss

While Ranni is central to unlocking Elden Ring‘s Age of Stars ending, she can be battled as an optional encounter by angering her spectral ally Blaidd partway through her quest. Here is how to make Ranni hostile:

Prerequisites for Fighting Ranni

  • Access Ranni‘s Rise tower
  • Speak to Ranni and join her service
  • Clear Nokron and defeat Starscourge Radahn
  • Interact with Blaidd in Mistwood Ruins AFTER Nokron
  • Return to Ranni‘s Rise and fight the scowling Blaidd

If you have met these steps, attacking Blaidd will trigger a boss fight against him. Defeating Blaidd will then set Ranni as your enemy as well when you meet her again in her tower!

Facing Ranni as a Boss

After besting Blaidd, seek out Ranni for retribution at the top of her Rise tower. You will face off against both her spectral form and a Baleful Shadow she leaves behind.

Some key stats and attack patterns to expect:

  • HP Pool: 18,960
  • High magic damage and frostbite buildup
  • Summons magic glintblades and agile spectral familiars to overwhelm you
  • Casts dangerous ranged sorceries like Comet and Stars of Ruin
  • At 50% HP she vanishes and spawns her Baleful Shadow

With evasive attacks and ranged harassment, she is tricky for melee builds. But spirit summons help draw her focus while you get in close. Frost and magic resistance also helps counter her moveset.

And watch out for sudden teleports to keep pressure on you! Patience is key in this dance of death against the beguiling Ranni.

Rewards for Defeating Ranni and Her Shadow

Triumphing over both Ranni and her Baleful Shadow nets you the Discarded Palace Key item from her robes. This unlocks access to the Moonlight Altar in Miquella‘s Haligtree zone. Interact with the Miniature Ranni Doll here after defeating her to continue her questline still.

But of course, betraying Ranni will lock you out of her Age of Stars ending, so choose wisely!

The Significance of Allying With or Betraying Ranni

Now that we‘ve covered confronting Ranni as an opponent, let‘s examine why your relationship with her matters in Elden Ring‘s mythology…

If You Complete Ranni‘s Questline (The Age of Stars Ending)

Guiding Ranni to mend the Elden Ring and become lord as her consort leads to the game‘s Age of Stars ending that is widely considered Elden Ring‘s best and most complete conclusion:

  • It fulfills Ranni‘s ambition to establish a cold, dispassionate new order free from meddling outer gods and golden order fundamentalism
  • This balance of Death and intelligence/wisdom resonates closer to the game‘s themes of existentialism and free will
  • Her ending also suggests a bright future with enlightened leadership under her rule

Many praise this finale as a fitting capstone for the game‘s narrative roof all questlines tied to Demigods converge under her banner to reshape the world.

If You Betray and Kill Ranni Mid-Quest

Alternatively, players who grow disillusioned with Ranni can turn on her by attacking Blaidd first after clearing the Nokron zone before continuing her quest. But there are consequences:

  • Killing Blaidd locks you out of the Age of Stars ending path
  • You‘ll miss a legendary armor set and her concluding quest rewards
  • The world continues on its trajectory of stagnation under the Greater Will‘s imposed order

So while Ranni makes for a challenging battle herself behind her unassuming doll body, she is Elden Ring‘s best chance at defying the old tyrannical order and establishing a new age. Choose carefully whether to ally with or turn against her!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

Similar Posts