Can You Skip Godrick and Rennala in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
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Yes, you absolutely can skip both Godrick the Grafted and Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in Elden Ring. While the game initially guides you toward these encounters, Elden Ring’s open-world design offers alternative paths to progress. This allows players a remarkable degree of freedom in how they approach the main story, though certain caveats apply. Let’s explore the intricacies of navigating the Lands Between without these two shardbearers.
Bypassing Stormveil Castle and Godrick the Grafted
The most common route for new players involves tackling Stormveil Castle, a sprawling legacy dungeon culminating in a boss fight against Godrick. However, an alternate route exists, allowing you to entirely bypass this area.
The Path Through Liurnia
From the Stormhill Shack Site of Grace, instead of heading towards Margit the Fell (the gatekeeper to Stormveil), follow the road north under the large archway. This path leads to a broken bridge. Carefully navigate the cliffs to the west of the bridge. Dropping down strategically, you can traverse alongside the castle, eventually reaching Liurnia of the Lakes.
Implications of Skipping Godrick
Skipping Godrick allows early access to Liurnia, opening up new areas, items, and quests. You can explore the Academy of Raya Lucaria and other locations much earlier than intended. However, keep in mind that Godrick holds a Great Rune, a powerful item that grants significant stat boosts when activated. While not mandatory for finishing the game, these runes significantly enhance your character’s power.
Navigating Liurnia Without Rennala
Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, resides within the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Defeating her grants the Great Rune of the Unborn and the ability to respec your character’s stats. While these are incredibly valuable, neither are strictly necessary to complete the game.
Alternative Shardbearers
To access Leyndell, Royal Capital, you need to defeat at least two shardbearers. Godrick and Rennala are common choices, but other demigods hold shards, offering alternative paths to progression. These include:
- Radahn, Starscourge: Located in Caelid, accessible via the Redmane Castle festival.
- Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy: Found in Volcano Manor.
- Morgott, the Omen King: Located in Leyndell, Royal Capital.
- Mohg, Lord of Blood: Found in Mohgwyn Palace.
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Found in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree.
By defeating any two of these demigods, you can proceed to Leyndell, even if you’ve skipped Godrick and Rennala.
Respeccing and the Great Rune of the Unborn
Skipping Rennala means missing out on the opportunity to respec your stats. This allows you to reallocate your attribute points, enabling you to experiment with different builds and optimize your character for specific challenges. However, if you are confident in your build or willing to start a new character to explore different playstyles, skipping Rennala remains a viable option. The Great Rune of the Unborn allows you to rebirth with Rennala after defeating her.
Is Skipping Recommended?
Whether or not to skip Godrick and Rennala depends on your playstyle and goals.
For New Players
New players may find the early game easier by following the intended path and defeating Godrick. His Great Rune provides a valuable stat boost, and the experience gained fighting him prepares you for later challenges.
For Experienced Players
Experienced players or those looking for a challenge may find skipping Godrick and Rennala rewarding. It allows for a more diverse early-game experience and encourages exploration of the world’s hidden areas.
Completionists
Completionists will eventually want to defeat both Godrick and Rennala to acquire their Great Runes and experience their unique boss fights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are all shardbearers optional?
No. While you can skip certain shardbearers like Godrick and Rennala, defeating at least two is mandatory to progress to Leyndell and advance the main story.
2. What happens if I skip Godrick?
You can access Liurnia of the Lakes early, explore new areas, and potentially acquire powerful items. However, you’ll miss out on his Great Rune and the experience of fighting him.
3. Can I go back and fight Godrick later if I skip him initially?
Yes, you can return to Stormveil Castle at any time and challenge Godrick.
4. What are the benefits of defeating Rennala?
Defeating Rennala grants the Great Rune of the Unborn and the ability to respec your character’s stats. You also receive a significant amount of runes (40,000).
5. Is Rennala a difficult boss?
Rennala can be challenging, especially for melee-focused builds. Her second phase is particularly demanding, requiring precise timing and careful positioning.
6. What level should I be to fight Rennala?
It’s generally recommended to be around level 40-45 with a weapon upgraded to +7/+8 before tackling Rennala.
7. Can I use spirit ashes against Rennala?
Yes, spirit ashes can be a valuable asset in the Rennala fight. The Lone Wolf Ashes or Godrick Soldier Ashes are good choices for interrupting her spellcasting.
8. What is Rennala’s weakness?
Rennala is particularly weak to Bleed damage. Fast weapons like katanas can quickly build up the bleed meter and inflict significant damage.
9. Can I beat Elden Ring without ever respeccing?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to beat Elden Ring without respeccing. Many players complete the game with their initial builds or make minor adjustments without fully reallocating their stats.
10. Are there any negative consequences to skipping shardbearers?
There are no significant negative consequences, other than missing out on their Great Runes and unique items/spells. The story will still progress if you defeat two other shardbearers.
11. How many mandatory bosses are there in Elden Ring?
While the exact number can vary slightly depending on the chosen ending, there are approximately 12 mandatory bosses required to complete the main story.
12. What is considered the hardest optional boss in Elden Ring?
Malenia, Blade of Miquella, is widely regarded as the most challenging optional boss in Elden Ring, known for her aggressive attacks, life-stealing ability, and waterfowl dance.
13. What Great Runes are considered the most useful?
Godrick’s Great Rune (increased stats) and Malenia’s Great Rune (heal after attacking) are highly sought after due to their powerful effects.
14. Can I still access all areas of the game if I skip certain shardbearers?
Yes, skipping shardbearers doesn’t restrict access to any specific areas. The open-world design allows you to explore most locations regardless of which bosses you’ve defeated.
15. Where can I learn more about Elden Ring and game design principles?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is a great resource for those interested in the intersection of games and learning. You can find research, articles, and community discussions related to game design, educational games, and the impact of games on society. Learning about game design can enhance your appreciation and understanding of titles like Elden Ring.
Conclusion
Skipping Godrick and Rennala in Elden Ring offers an alternative path through the early game, rewarding exploration and allowing for a more customized experience. While these bosses provide valuable rewards and are part of the intended progression, Elden Ring’s open-world design empowers players to forge their own destinies. By carefully considering the implications and exploring the available options, you can tailor your journey through the Lands Between to suit your individual playstyle and preferences.