Is Duskborn a Good Ending?
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Whether the Duskborn ending is “good” is subjective and depends entirely on player interpretation and values. There’s no single objective answer. It’s a bittersweet resolution, offering a form of solace and continuation at the cost of significant sacrifice and fundamental changes to the Lands Between. Some players find it hopeful and compassionate, while others see it as bleak and ultimately detrimental. The “goodness” hinges on whether you prioritize the well-being of the Tarnished and undead over the traditional Golden Order and the flourishing of life as it once was.
Understanding the Duskborn Ending
The Duskborn ending, also known as the “Age of the Stars” or “Age of Fracture” ending (depending on the specific nuances achieved through Ranni’s questline), is achieved by completing Ranni the Witch’s questline and choosing to use her Great Rune during the Elden Ring’s final moments. It fundamentally alters the natural order of the Lands Between, bringing about a new age influenced by the cold, uncaring laws of the cosmos.
The Core of the Ending
This ending effectively severs the influence of the Greater Will and the Golden Order from the Lands Between. Ranni aims to replace the existing order with a new one dictated by the stars and the moon, a realm of cold intellect and perhaps, ultimately, less direct divine interference. The Tarnished becomes her consort, aiding her in this grand cosmic ambition. This separation allows beings previously deemed “undesirable,” such as Those Who Live in Death, to exist without the constant persecution and existential dread they faced under the Golden Order.
Key Elements
- Ranni’s Agenda: She seeks to break the Outer Gods’ influence and establish a new, independent order.
- Those Who Live in Death: This ending promises a more comfortable existence for beings like Fia and those resurrected through the power of Deathroot.
- Cosmic Coldness: The new order prioritizes intellectual freedom and a departure from the warmth and life fostered by the Erdtree.
- The Tarnished’s Role: The player becomes a consort to Ranni, actively involved in ushering in and maintaining this new age.
Arguments For It Being a “Good” Ending
- Freedom from Divine Control: The Duskborn ending liberates the Lands Between from the direct influence of the Greater Will and potentially other Outer Gods. This allows for true self-determination, albeit under Ranni’s cosmic guidance.
- Acceptance of Death: By accepting the Rune of Death, the ending acknowledges the natural cycle of life and death, offering solace to those who exist in a state of undeath. This can be seen as a compassionate resolution to the suffering caused by the Golden Order’s attempts to control and deny death.
- Potential for Progress: While cold and intellectual, Ranni’s new order could lead to unforeseen progress and understanding. The focus shifts from faith and dogma to reason and exploration.
- A Choice: The player actively chooses this ending, making it a reflection of their values and beliefs. It’s not forced upon them.
Arguments Against It Being a “Good” Ending
- Replacing One Tyranny with Another: Some argue that Ranni’s cold, cosmic order is simply replacing the Golden Order with a different form of control. The Lands Between are still subject to an external power, albeit one less overtly interventionist.
- Loss of Warmth and Life: The emphasis on the cold laws of the cosmos may lead to a decline in the vibrant life and warmth that once characterized the Lands Between. It could result in a more sterile and emotionally detached world.
- Uncertain Future: The long-term consequences of Ranni’s rule are unknown. While she desires freedom, her methods and goals remain somewhat enigmatic, leaving the future uncertain and potentially bleak.
- Sacrifice of the Erdtree: The Erdtree, a symbol of life and prosperity, is essentially abandoned, marking a significant loss for those who valued its presence.
Player Perspectives and Moral Grayness
Ultimately, the “goodness” of the Duskborn ending rests on the player’s interpretation and moral compass. There is no easy answer. It presents a complex situation with both potential benefits and significant drawbacks. It’s a morally gray ending that encourages players to reflect on the nature of power, control, and the balance between life and death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is the Rune of the Unborn, and how does it relate to the Duskborn ending?
The Rune of the Unborn is not directly related to the Duskborn ending. The Rune of Death is the essential Great Rune for this ending, which is held by the Gloam-Eyed Queen and later transferred into the form of the Deathrite Bird and finally consumed by Maliketh. Ranni’s ending requires the player to collect the Cursemark of Death from the Divine Towers, which is related to the Rune of Death. The Rune of the Unborn is connected to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and is used for respecing your character.
2. How do I trigger the Duskborn ending? What are the specific steps involved?
To trigger the Duskborn ending, you must complete Ranni the Witch’s questline. This involves:
- Meeting Ranni at the Three Sisters in Liurnia.
- Working with Blaidd, Iji, and Seluvis (until his death).
- Defeating Astel, Naturalborn of the Void.
- Obtaining the Dark Moon Ring.
- Using the Dark Moon Ring in the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
- Choosing to use Ranni’s Great Rune at the Elden Ring’s final moments after defeating the final boss.
3. What happens to the other characters in the game after the Duskborn ending?
The fate of other characters is largely implied. Blaidd is already dead during Ranni’s questline. Iji is killed by assassins, and Seluvis is found dead as a puppet. Fia dies giving birth to a cursed child. Ranni’s new order likely impacts them indirectly, depending on their relationship to the Golden Order and the new cosmic regime. NPCs aligned with the Erdtree may struggle, while those who embrace death may find a place.
4. Is there a “canon” ending to Elden Ring?
No, there is no officially declared “canon” ending. FromSoftware typically leaves endings ambiguous and open to player interpretation. Each ending offers a valid, if potentially flawed, vision for the future of the Lands Between.
5. How does the Duskborn ending compare to the other Elden Ring endings?
The Duskborn ending differs significantly from the other endings:
- Age of Fracture (Default): Simply fixing the Elden Ring without fundamentally changing the order.
- Age of Order: Repairing the Elden Ring based on the principles of Goldmask.
- Age of Stars (Ranni’s): Ushering in a new age of cosmic influence and freedom from the Greater Will.
- Lord of Frenzied Flame: Embracing chaos and burning the world.
- Age of Duskborn (Fia’s): Mending the Elden Ring with the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, ushering in a new order where Those Who Live in Death are accepted.
6. Does the Duskborn ending affect the possibility of an Elden Ring sequel?
It’s possible. Any ending could serve as a springboard for a sequel. The Duskborn ending, in particular, offers the opportunity to explore the consequences of Ranni’s new order and the challenges of navigating a world shaped by cosmic forces.
7. What are Ranni’s true motivations? Can she be trusted?
Ranni’s motivations are complex. She desires freedom from the Greater Will’s control and seeks to establish a new order based on the cold laws of the cosmos. Whether she can be “trusted” is debatable. She’s a powerful and enigmatic figure with her own agenda, which may not perfectly align with the Tarnished’s interests.
8. Is the Duskborn ending considered a “bad” ending by the Elden Ring community?
Opinions vary. Some consider it a tragic but necessary step towards liberation, while others see it as a bleak and undesirable outcome. There’s no consensus.
9. Does the Duskborn ending have any unique in-game content or dialogue?
The ending itself features unique cutscenes and dialogue with Ranni. It also influences the final moments of the game and the subsequent New Game Plus cycle.
10. What are the potential downsides of Ranni’s cosmic order?
Potential downsides include:
- A loss of warmth and life in the Lands Between.
- A shift towards a more sterile and emotionally detached society.
- The uncertainty of Ranni’s long-term rule and the potential for unforeseen consequences.
- A change to the physical realm itself.
11. Is there a way to reverse or change my ending choice after completing the game?
No, there is no way to reverse or change your ending choice within a single playthrough. You must start a New Game Plus cycle to pursue a different ending.
12. How does the ending influence the lore and world-building of Elden Ring?
It reshapes the power dynamics and foundational principles of the world. It introduces the influence of the stars and the moon, potentially opening the door to new cosmic entities and conflicts. It also fundamentally alters the relationship between life and death.
13. What are some common player interpretations of the Duskborn ending?
Some interpret it as a triumph over oppressive divine forces, while others view it as a tragic sacrifice of warmth and life for the sake of freedom. Many see it as a morally ambiguous ending that challenges conventional notions of good and evil.
14. Is it possible to achieve the Duskborn ending without killing certain NPCs?
Yes, you do not have to kill a large number of NPCs to achieve the Duskborn ending. Some NPCs, however, might have to die, like Seluvis (who dies from the fingerslayer blade) and Iji (who is killed by assassins).
15. What is the significance of the Dark Moon in Ranni’s plan?
The Dark Moon is central to Ranni’s plan, representing her desire to break free from the influence of the Golden Order and the Greater Will. It symbolizes a cold, intellectual force that stands in opposition to the warmth and life associated with the Erdtree and the Golden Order. She seeks to establish a new age ruled by the principles of the Dark Moon.