Decoding Destiny: What Is Elden Ring’s Canon Ending?

The question of a canon ending in Elden Ring is deliberately complex and, to some extent, unanswerable with absolute certainty. FromSoftware, the game’s developer, is notorious for its ambiguous storytelling and encourages player interpretation. However, based on clues within the game, pre-release materials, and the unveiling of Shadow of the Erdtree, the Age of the Duskborn ending is the strongest contender for the closest thing Elden Ring has to a canon ending. This ending sees the player character, the Tarnished, becoming Elden Lord while subtly influencing the Lands Between with the power of Destined Death, represented by a dark, ash-like substance. It leaves the Erdtree intact but also creates a bleak atmosphere around the capital, hinting at a world in transition rather than complete destruction or perfect order. This ending balances the narrative threads present throughout the game and aligns well with the aesthetic themes suggested by the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.

Understanding Elden Ring’s Endings

Elden Ring boasts a rich tapestry of endings, each reflecting the player’s choices and the fate they choose for the Lands Between. Unlike some games that designate a “good” or “bad” ending, Elden Ring presents a spectrum of outcomes, each with its own merits and consequences. To truly understand which ending might be considered “canon,” we need to briefly explore the major possibilities:

• Age of Fracture: The standard ending, achieved by simply mending the Elden Ring after defeating the final boss. It represents a continuation of the status quo, with the Tarnished becoming the new Elden Lord.
• Age of Order: Achieved by using the Mending Rune of Perfect Order from Goldmask. This ending seeks to restore order and stability to the Lands Between, a potentially “good” outcome focusing on rigid control.
• Age of the Duskborn: Requires completing Fia’s questline and using the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince. This ending introduces Destined Death back into the Elden Ring, creating a balance between life and death.
• Age of Stars: The Ranni ending, arguably the most transformative. This ending involves Ranni, the witch, ushering in an age of the stars, separating the Lands Between from the influence of the Greater Will.
• Lord of Frenzied Flame: The ending most often deemed the “bad” ending. The Tarnished becomes the Lord of Frenzied Flame, consuming the world in chaotic fire. This ending requires the player to embrace the Three Fingers.
• Blessing of Despair: Achieved by using the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse provided by the Dung Eater. This ending curses the future generations of the Lands Between.

Why Age of Duskborn Stands Out

Several factors point towards the Age of Duskborn ending as a plausible “canon” option:

1. Theme of Balance: The game heavily emphasizes the concept of balance, particularly between life and death. The Golden Order, which previously dominated the Lands Between, suppressed Destined Death, leading to stagnation and corruption. Restoring this balance through the Age of Duskborn ending aligns with the overall narrative arc.

2. Shadow of the Erdtree Visuals: The art and trailers for Shadow of the Erdtree depict a landscape that is both familiar and subtly altered. The Erdtree remains standing, but there is a sense of decay and a dark, ash-like substance permeating the environment. This visual aligns strongly with the consequences of introducing Destined Death back into the world, as seen in the Age of Duskborn ending.

3. Fia’s Questline: Fia’s quest is intricately woven into the lore surrounding the Night of Black Knives and the death of Godwyn the Golden. Completing her quest feels narratively significant and addresses unresolved issues within the game’s world.

4. Grey Morality: Elden Ring shies away from simple “good vs. evil” narratives. The Age of Duskborn ending, with its mixture of hope and bleakness, embodies this grey morality. It acknowledges the necessity of death in the cycle of life and doesn’t promise a utopian future.

The Importance of Player Choice

It’s crucial to remember that FromSoftware’s games are designed to encourage player agency. There is no definitively “correct” ending. The player’s journey and the choices they make throughout the game are equally important. While the Age of Duskborn ending may align most closely with the visual cues from Shadow of the Erdtree and thematic undercurrents, any of the endings can be considered valid based on the player’s own interpretation and roleplaying choices. The developers at GamesLearningSociety.org study how games, like Elden Ring, empower players through choice and narrative agency.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Elden Ring’s Canon Ending

1. Is there a definitively confirmed canon ending for Elden Ring?

No, FromSoftware has not officially declared a canon ending for Elden Ring. The game is designed to allow for player interpretation and choice.

2. Why is the Age of Duskborn considered a strong contender for canon?

The Age of Duskborn ending aligns well with the visual themes of Shadow of the Erdtree, the narrative emphasis on balance, and the morally grey nature of Elden Ring’s story.

3. Does the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC provide any clues about the canon ending?

Yes, the visual design of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, with its depiction of a decaying Erdtree and a dark, ash-like substance, strongly suggests that the world has been influenced by Destined Death, aligning with the Age of Duskborn.

4. What happens in the Age of Fracture ending?

In the Age of Fracture ending, the Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord by mending the Elden Ring, essentially maintaining the status quo.

5. Is the Frenzied Flame ending considered a “bad” ending?

Many players consider the Frenzied Flame ending a “bad” ending because it involves the Tarnished becoming the Lord of Frenzied Flame and burning the world to the ground.

6. What is the Age of Stars ending about?

The Age of Stars ending, orchestrated by Ranni, involves separating the Lands Between from the influence of the Greater Will and ushering in a new era ruled by the stars.

7. What is the significance of Destined Death in Elden Ring?

Destined Death is the power of true death, which was initially sealed away by Queen Marika. Reintroducing it into the Elden Ring, as done in the Age of Duskborn ending, brings balance to the world.

8. Who is Fia, and what role does she play in the Age of Duskborn ending?

Fia is a Deathbed Companion who seeks to restore Destined Death to the Elden Ring. Completing her questline allows the player to achieve the Age of Duskborn ending.

9. What are Mending Runes, and how do they affect the ending?

Mending Runes are special items that can be used to alter the Elden Ring when mending it, leading to different endings. The Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, for example, leads to the Age of Duskborn ending.

10. How does Melina feel about the Frenzied Flame ending?

Melina strongly opposes the Frenzied Flame ending and will abandon the player if they choose to embrace it. She sees it as a path of utter destruction. She vows to deliver “Destined Death” to the newly-christened Lord of Frenzied Flame.

11. Is there a “happy” ending in Elden Ring?

The Age of Order ending, achieved by using Goldmask’s Mending Rune, is often considered the closest thing to a “happy” ending, as it aims to restore stability and order to the Lands Between. However, it’s a rigid order, and many may not see it as happy.

12. What happens if you refuse Melina’s guidance in Elden Ring?

Refusing Melina’s guidance will block your progress in the game. She provides the item needed to use the Grand Lift of Rold, necessary to reach the late-game areas.

13. Who is Queen Marika the Eternal, and why did she shatter the Elden Ring?

Queen Marika the Eternal is the ruler of the Lands Between and the vessel of the Elden Ring. She shattered the Elden Ring in response to the Night of Black Knives and the death of her son, Godwyn the Golden.

14. Does Ranni the Witch have a love interest for the Tarnished?

In the Age of Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and her “dear consort,” suggesting a close relationship and acknowledging them as her spouse.

15. What is the “Lord of Frenzied Flame” ending?

The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is an extremely volatile ending where the player burns everything away. If Melina is still alive she will come after you to deliver Destined Death.

Conclusion: Embracing the Ambiguity

Ultimately, the question of Elden Ring’s canon ending is best approached as a matter of personal interpretation. While the Age of Duskborn ending presents a compelling case based on available evidence, the game’s true strength lies in its ability to empower players to shape their own destinies and define their own version of the Lands Between’s future. Embrace the ambiguity, explore the different endings, and decide for yourself which path resonates most deeply with your Tarnished’s journey. The exploration of such player-driven narrative choices is a key area of interest for organizations like the Games Learning Society, emphasizing the educational and engaging potential of video games.