Elden Ring: How To Solve Chelona's Rise Puzzle
"Elden Ring" has been out on PC, PlayStations 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S since February 22, 2022, and since then millions of players have been exploring the game's open world. Like other games in FromSoftware's library–the "Dark Souls" trilogy, "Bloodborne," and "Sekiro Shadows Die Twice,"–"Elden Ring" doesn't hold the player's hand. The Lands Between is full of secrets, but many of them are easy to miss.
Chelona's Rise is one location that offers a valuable reward: Ranni's Dark Moon. It's a high-level sorcery that casts a large, dark moon at your enemies. It requires an Intelligence of 68 to use and takes up two spell slots to equip, so most likely Ranni's Dark Moon is only useful for intelligence builds. For those who do use Sorceries, not only does Ranni's Dark Moon offer high damage, it's buffed by the Carian Regal Scepter. As one of the few Full Moon Sorceries available in the game, it's a must-have if you're using the Carian Regal Scepter–one of the two most powerful Glintstone staffs in the game.
Problem is, you can only access Chelona's Rise late in the game, and once you do you'll still have to solve a puzzle. Here's what you need to do.
Put aside your qualms about attacking harmless animals
First, you'll need to reach Chelona's Rise. This is only possible after defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void, the large insectoid boss you'll fight during Ranni's quest. Astel is found in the Lake of Rot region near Grand Cloister. Once Ansel is down, this will allow the player to access the lift found in Deep Ainsel Well. That lift takes the player to the Moonlight Altar plateau. Chelona's Rise is in the southwest corner of Moonlight Altar.
When you first find it, Chelona's Rise is sealed off by a blue magic force field. A book on a pedestal outside prompts the player to find "three great wise beasts." This refers to the three huge, blue-tinged tortoises found across Moonlight Altar.
Note: don't fast-travel or rest until all three tortoises are defeated, otherwise they'll disappear.
The first tortoise is found just behind Chelona's Rise. From the entrance, head west to the cliffs and look over the edge. The tortoise will be clinging to the side of the cliff. Dispatch it with a ranged weapon or spell.
From there, head east along Moonlight Altar. Follow the cliffs until you reach a rock formation that leads to a higher plateau. Follow that plateau to the southeast corner, look over the edge, and find Tortoise #2 on a lower plateau.
Finally, travel to the northwest corner of Moonlit Altar, near Ringleader's Evergaol. Look for the Spirit Spring. Tortoise #3 is floating at the top of it. Just hop on Torrent and ride the Spirit Stream upwards. Doing so will break the Chelona's Rise seal. Find Ranni's Dark Moon in a treasure chest at the top (via YouTube).