The Most Chosen Fate: Unveiling the Most Popular Elden Ring Ending

The most popular ending in Elden Ring is, without a doubt, the Age of the Stars, achieved by completing Ranni the Witch’s questline. This ending sees the player ushering in a new age under the guidance of Ranni, where the influence of the Greater Will wanes and humanity is set on a path toward a more decentralized existence governed by the cosmos. Data suggests that roughly 25.9% of players have unlocked this ending, making it the most frequently attained conclusion to the epic journey in the Lands Between.

Diving Deeper: Why the Age of the Stars Reigns Supreme

The popularity of the Age of the Stars ending isn’t simply a matter of chance. Several factors contribute to its widespread appeal:

• Compelling Narrative: Ranni’s questline is arguably one of the most intricate and engaging side stories in Elden Ring. It features a rich cast of characters, mysterious lore, and challenging boss battles, captivating players from start to finish.

• Moral Ambiguity: Unlike some of the more overtly “bad” endings, such as the Lord of Frenzied Flame, the Age of the Stars offers a more nuanced perspective. It presents a future that is neither utopian nor dystopian, leaving players to ponder the potential implications of Ranni’s vision.

• Character Affinity: Ranni herself is a beloved character within the Elden Ring community. Her enigmatic nature, powerful magic, and willingness to challenge the status quo resonate with many players who are drawn to her cause.

• Power Dynamic Shift: The Age of the Stars ending represents a significant shift in the power dynamics of the Lands Between. The player, guided by Ranni, helps to distance the world from the influence of the Greater Will, offering a potential for true freedom and self-determination.

• Difficulty and Discovery: While Ranni’s questline can be complex, it is also immensely rewarding. The sense of accomplishment in unraveling her secrets and navigating treacherous dungeons makes the Age of the Stars ending feel particularly earned.

Contrasting Fates: Examining Other Endings

While the Age of the Stars holds the top spot, it’s crucial to understand how it compares to the other possible endings in Elden Ring:

• Elden Lord (Age of Fracture): This is the default ending, achieved by simply following the main story path. While a significant number of players (around 19.6%) have unlocked this ending, it’s often seen as less impactful than the others, offering only a restoration of the existing order.

• Age of Order: This ending, tied to Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s questline, seeks to restore the Golden Order to its “true” form. While considered a “positive” ending by some, it is less popular due to its relative obscurity and potentially rigid interpretation of order. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores different narratives in gaming and the impact they can have on player decisions.

• Age of the Duskborn: Following Fia’s questline, this ending introduces the Rune of the Death-Prince to the Elden Ring, ushering in an age where Those Who Live in Death are accepted. This ending can be more difficult to achieve, but some theorize it as the canon ending due to Shadow of the Erdtree.

• Blessing of Despair: This ending, associated with Dung Eater, is considered one of the “worst” endings. It curses the Lands Between with the Seedbed Curse, ensuring a future of suffering and despair. Its morally reprehensible nature makes it a less popular choice.

• Lord of Frenzied Flame: This ending involves embracing the Three Fingers and succumbing to the Frenzied Flame, ultimately destroying the world. It’s considered the “bad” ending and is often avoided due to its drastic and destructive consequences. This ending also has a significant story impact as Melina abandons the player.

Understanding Player Choice

The popularity of the Age of the Stars ending reflects the player’s desire for a nuanced and impactful conclusion to their journey. It suggests that many players are drawn to stories that challenge established power structures and offer the possibility of a new beginning, even if that beginning is uncertain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Elden Ring Endings

H3 FAQ 1: What determines which Elden Ring ending I get?

The ending you receive is primarily determined by the questlines you complete and the Mending Rune you choose to use (or not use) when repairing the Elden Ring. Each ending is tied to a specific NPC questline and often requires specific actions or choices to be made along the way.

H3 FAQ 2: Can I get multiple endings in a single playthrough?

No. Once you defeat the final boss and choose an ending, the game concludes. To experience different endings, you must either reload a previous save or start a New Game Plus playthrough.

H3 FAQ 3: Is there a “true” or canon ending in Elden Ring?

FromSoftware has intentionally left the concept of a true ending ambiguous. While certain endings might resonate more with some players based on lore or thematic elements, there is no officially designated canon ending.

H3 FAQ 4: How difficult is it to get the Age of the Stars ending?

The Age of the Stars ending requires completing Ranni’s extensive questline, which involves traversing numerous areas, solving puzzles, and defeating several challenging bosses. It requires time, dedication, and a willingness to explore the game’s intricate world.

H3 FAQ 5: Does choosing a particular ending affect my New Game Plus playthrough?

No, choosing a particular ending does not directly impact your New Game Plus playthrough. You will retain your levels, equipment, and most items, allowing you to pursue a different ending on your next run.

H3 FAQ 6: Are there any rewards for getting specific endings?

Aside from the in-game achievement/trophy, there are no specific item rewards tied to individual endings. The primary reward is the satisfaction of experiencing the narrative conclusion of your chosen path.

H3 FAQ 7: Can I mess up a questline and become locked out of an ending?

Yes, it is possible to fail or lock yourself out of certain endings by making incorrect choices or triggering specific events. It’s crucial to research questlines or use a guide if you’re aiming for a particular ending.

H3 FAQ 8: Which ending is considered the “worst” ending in Elden Ring?

The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the “worst” due to its destructive nature and the potential consequences for the Lands Between. This decision results in Melina abandoning the player and leaving them to their own fate.

H3 FAQ 9: What is a Mending Rune, and how does it affect the endings?

Mending Runes are special items obtained by completing specific NPC questlines. When you repair the Elden Ring, you can choose to use a Mending Rune to alter the nature of the restoration, leading to different endings.

H3 FAQ 10: Is it possible to reverse a decision that locks me into a specific ending?

In most cases, once you’ve progressed far enough down a particular questline, it’s difficult or impossible to reverse your choices. Your best bet is to reload a previous save or start a New Game Plus if you want to pursue a different outcome.

H3 FAQ 11: Does the ending I choose impact the availability of certain areas or items in my next playthrough?

No. However, some areas become easier to access in New Game Plus due to your increased power and knowledge.

H3 FAQ 12: Can I get help from other players to achieve a specific ending?

Yes, you can summon other players to assist you with boss battles and challenging areas within questlines. However, the critical decisions that determine the ending ultimately rest with you.

H3 FAQ 13: Which ending has the most intriguing lore implications?

Many players find the Age of the Stars ending to have the most intriguing lore implications due to its exploration of cosmic forces and the potential for a new era beyond the influence of the Greater Will.

H3 FAQ 14: Is it worth exploring all the different endings in Elden Ring?

Absolutely! Each ending provides a unique perspective on the world of Elden Ring and offers valuable insights into the motivations of different characters and factions. Exploring all the endings greatly enriches the overall experience.

H3 FAQ 15: Where can I learn more about the lore and details of each Elden Ring ending?

Numerous online resources, including wikis, forums, and video essays, offer detailed analyses of the lore and implications of each Elden Ring ending. Communities like the Games Learning Society are a great resource to ask questions and get perspectives from other players.

In conclusion, the Age of the Stars reigns supreme as the most popular Elden Ring ending due to its compelling narrative, intriguing character, and thought-provoking implications. However, each ending offers a unique and rewarding conclusion to the Tarnished’s journey, making it worthwhile to explore them all.