Does Anyone Have a Good Ending in Elden Ring?
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Ah, Elden Ring. FromSoftware’s magnum opus. A sprawling, breathtaking, and relentlessly challenging world where even defining “good” feels like a monumental task. So, does anyone have a good ending in Elden Ring? The answer, as with most things in the Lands Between, is a resounding… it depends. There isn’t a single ending universally considered “good”. Each ending presents a different vision for the future, loaded with nuances, moral ambiguities, and potential drawbacks. What constitutes a “good” ending is entirely dependent on your perspective, your Tarnished’s values, and your interpretation of the lore.
The game offers six distinct endings, each triggered by completing specific questlines and making crucial choices along the way. These choices fundamentally reshape the Lands Between and dictate the nature of the Elden Lordship you claim. So, let’s delve into some of the endings often perceived as “good” and examine why that perception might hold water (or crumble to dust, as things often do in Elden Ring).
Defining “Good” in a Fractured World
Before we dissect specific endings, it’s vital to establish criteria for what makes an ending “good.” Is it about restoring the Golden Order? Ushering in a new era of freedom? Alleviating suffering? Or is it simply about choosing the least destructive path?
Some players prioritize stability and order, seeing a return to a familiar structure as the “good” outcome. Others seek radical change, believing the existing order is inherently corrupt and needs to be overthrown, even if the future is uncertain. Still others focus on individual compassion, aiming to alleviate the suffering of specific characters or groups.
Endings Often Considered “Good” (With Caveats)
The Age of Stars (Ranni’s Ending)
This is perhaps the most popular contender for the “good” ending. By siding with Ranni the Witch, you usher in an age ruled by the moon and the stars, replacing the influence of the Greater Will with a new cosmic order. Ranni intends to guide the Lands Between away from the meddling of outer gods, allowing its inhabitants to forge their own destinies.
Why it’s perceived as “good”: This ending offers a clear break from the oppressive Golden Order, promising a future of freedom and self-determination. Ranni is a compelling character with a strong vision, and many players find her desire for liberation appealing. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) could even analyze this ending through the lens of player agency and its impact on narrative satisfaction.
The Caveats: Ranni’s Age of Stars is a leap into the unknown. While promising freedom, it also risks chaos and uncertainty. Her motives, while seemingly benevolent, are still shrouded in mystery. You are essentially entrusting the fate of the Lands Between to a powerful, potentially aloof, being.
The Age of Order (Goldmask’s Ending)
This ending, achieved through Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s questline, focuses on restoring the Golden Order to a state of “perfect order” by incorporating a new fundamental principle.
Why it’s perceived as “good”: This ending aims to correct the perceived flaws of the existing Golden Order, creating a more just and stable society. It offers a path of reason and intellectual enlightenment.
The Caveats: “Perfect order” can easily become oppressive. While the intention is noble, the practical application of such an ideology could lead to the suppression of individual freedom and dissent. What does it mean for the living and the dead? How does it affect the different demigods?
The Age of Duskborn (Fia’s Ending)
Achieved by using the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince granted by Fia, this ending reintroduces destined death into the Elden Ring, restoring a natural balance to the cycle of life and death.
Why it’s perceived as “good”: This ending addresses the unnatural state of undeath that plagues the Lands Between. By restoring destined death, it allows the dead to finally find peace and prevents the further corruption of Those Who Live in Death.
The Caveats: Reintroducing destined death might not be universally welcomed. Some might see it as a return to a more brutal and unforgiving world, where death is no longer a distant fear but an ever-present reality.
The Subjectivity of “Good”
Ultimately, the “goodness” of an ending is a matter of perspective. Elden Ring excels at presenting morally ambiguous choices with far-reaching consequences. There is no easy answer, no clear-cut “happily ever after.” The best ending is the one that aligns with your personal values and your interpretation of the complex lore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the default ending in Elden Ring?
The default ending is the Age of Fracture, where you simply mend the Elden Ring and become Elden Lord, essentially restoring the previous world order.
2. Is Ranni’s ending actually good?
That’s debatable! While many see it as the best, it’s a gamble. You’re trusting Ranni’s vision for the future, which is inherently uncertain. It’s a leap of faith. You trade the stability of what you have for the uncertainty of something that may be better.
3. What is the worst ending in Elden Ring?
Most players consider the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending the “worst” as it involves embracing chaos and burning the Erdtree and the entire world to the ground.
4. Does it matter which ending I get?
Yes! Each ending drastically alters the future of the Lands Between and shapes the role of the Elden Lord.
5. Is the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending canon?
It’s highly unlikely. The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the “bad” ending, and FromSoftware tends to favor more neutral or ambiguous outcomes for canon.
6. How do I get the Age of Stars ending?
You need to complete Ranni’s lengthy and complex questline, which involves exploring various regions, defeating specific bosses, and making key choices that align with her goals.
7. What are the requirements for the Age of Order ending?
You must complete the questline involving Brother Corhyn and Goldmask, culminating in obtaining the Mending Rune of Perfect Order.
8. How do I achieve the Age of Duskborn ending?
You need to complete Fia’s questline, which involves interacting with Those Who Live in Death and obtaining the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince.
9. Is Melina good or bad?
Melina is generally considered a benevolent figure, guiding the Tarnished on their quest. She ultimately sacrifices herself to ignite the Erdtree, though, her motives and past are shrouded in mystery.
10. What happens if I refuse Melina?
You cannot progress far into the game without Melina. She is essential for leveling up and accessing key areas.
11. Is Marika a good or bad person?
Marika is a complex and morally ambiguous figure. Her actions have shaped the entire conflict in the Lands Between, and her motives are not entirely clear. Some see her as a liberator, while others see her as a destroyer.
12. Are Radagon and Marika the same person?
Yes, Radagon and Marika are two halves of the same being. This is a crucial revelation that sheds light on the complex lore of Elden Ring.
13. Which ending is the hardest to achieve?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is arguably the most difficult to achieve due to its obscure requirements and the risks involved in embracing the Three Fingers.
14. Is Elden Ring’s story actually good?
Absolutely! Elden Ring’s story is a masterclass in environmental storytelling, world-building, and ambiguous narrative. It rewards players who delve into the lore and piece together the fragmented history of the Lands Between.
15. Where can I learn more about game narratives and world-building?
Exploring resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org website can offer deeper insights into these topics. The organization promotes research and understanding of games as learning environments and cultural artifacts, perfect for those interested in dissecting the narrative depth of games like Elden Ring.
In conclusion, while some endings may seem “better” than others, the beauty of Elden Ring lies in its nuanced portrayal of morality and the freedom it gives players to shape the destiny of the Lands Between according to their own values. Each ending is a valid conclusion to your Tarnished’s journey, and the “best” one is simply the one that resonates most deeply with you. Now, go forth and forge your own legend, Tarnished!