Is Lord of Frenzied Flame the Bad Ending in Elden Ring?
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The short answer is complex but leans towards yes. While “bad” is subjective, the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending in Elden Ring is generally considered the most destructive and arguably least desirable ending, fulfilling the destructive will of the Frenzied Flame to burn the Erdtree and all life within the Lands Between to usher in an age of chaos. It’s a stark contrast to the other endings that strive, in their own ways, to restore or redefine order.
Understanding Endings in Elden Ring
Elden Ring offers multiple endings, each reflecting different ideologies and choices made throughout the player’s journey as the Tarnished. These endings aren’t simply “good” or “bad”; they represent different visions for the future of the Lands Between, each with its own implications for its inhabitants. The Lord of Frenzied Flame, however, stands apart due to its sheer destructive nature. It doesn’t aim to rebuild or reform; it seeks annihilation and a return to a primordial state.
Why Lord of Frenzied Flame is Often Considered “Bad”
Several factors contribute to the perception of the Lord of Frenzied Flame as a negative ending:
- Destruction and Anarchy: This ending involves consuming the Frenzied Flame and embracing its power. This results in the Erdtree being engulfed in flames, potentially destroying all life. This is a far cry from the other endings that attempt to establish some form of order.
- Betrayal of Melina: Melina, the player’s guiding companion throughout the game, actively opposes the Frenzied Flame. Choosing this path betrays her trust and forces her to abandon her purpose. This has significant emotional weight for many players. She vows to deliver Destined Death to you, the player.
- Lack of Control: The Frenzied Flame represents chaos and madness. By embracing it, the player essentially relinquishes control and becomes a vessel for its destructive will. This contrasts sharply with the Tarnished’s role in shaping the Lands Between’s destiny in other endings.
- Dialogues & Implications: The game’s narrative and character dialogues suggest that the Frenzied Flame is a force of pure destruction, offering no real hope for the future. Characters who support the Frenzied Flame are often depicted as fanatical and unhinged.
Is it Objectively Bad?
It’s crucial to remember that “good” and “bad” are subjective moral concepts. From a certain nihilistic perspective, the Lord of Frenzied Flame could be interpreted as a necessary reset, cleansing the world of its corrupted systems and paving the way for a new beginning, albeit through complete destruction.
However, from a conventional moral standpoint, the destruction of all life and the betrayal of a trusted companion are generally considered negative actions. The overwhelming consensus among players and critics is that the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is the least desirable outcome. This is based on the narrative presented, the characters’ reactions, and the inherent destructiveness of the act.
The Purification Option
It’s important to note that players have the option to purify the Frenzied Flame using Miquella’s Needle after acquiring it from Millicent’s questline. This allows the player to embrace the Frenzied Flame initially to gain access to the ending, but then revert back to a normal state before the final choice. This adds a layer of complexity, as the player can experience the Frenzied Flame without being permanently bound to its destructive path.
Exploring the Philosophical Implications
Despite its destructive nature, the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending does raise interesting philosophical questions. It challenges the idea of order and control, suggesting that perhaps destruction is sometimes necessary for true change. It also explores the corrupting nature of power and the potential for madness when faced with overwhelming suffering.
Conclusion: A Destructive Choice
While the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending may offer some philosophical intrigue, its destructive nature and the negative consequences for the player character and the Lands Between make it widely regarded as the “bad” ending in Elden Ring. It represents a complete rejection of hope and order, embracing chaos and annihilation instead. Understanding the nuances of this ending, including the option for purification, adds depth to the player’s overall understanding of Elden Ring’s narrative and moral complexities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I reverse the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending after choosing it?
No, once you have chosen the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, it is permanent for that playthrough. However, you can use Miquella’s Needle to prevent it before triggering the ending, allowing you to choose a different ending. Miquella’s Needle can only be used in a specific area near Crumbling Farum Azula.
2. What are the requirements for the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending?
To achieve this ending, you must:
- Complete the questline of Hyetta.
- Reach the Frenzied Flame Proscription beneath the Cathedral of the Forsaken.
- Remove your armor and allow the Three Fingers to embrace you, receiving the Frenzied Flame.
3. Does choosing the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending affect future playthroughs?
No, the ending you choose in one playthrough does not affect subsequent playthroughs. Each playthrough starts with a clean slate.
4. How do I get Miquella’s Needle to cure the Frenzied Flame?
You must complete Millicent’s questline. This involves finding and helping Millicent overcome her rot. The final steps occur in Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. Failing to complete Millicent’s questline correctly will bar you from receiving Miquella’s Needle.
5. What happens to Melina if I choose the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending?
Melina is deeply hurt and betrayed. She vows to deliver Destined Death to you, viewing you as a traitor to the Greater Will and the Lands Between. She essentially becomes your enemy.
6. Are there any benefits to choosing the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending?
There are no gameplay benefits. The primary incentive is narrative curiosity – to experience the consequences of embracing complete chaos and to understand the lore surrounding the Frenzied Flame. You will also receive the trophy or achievement associated with this ending.
7. Is the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending harder to achieve than other endings?
The steps to unlock the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending are not inherently more difficult than those for other endings, but they do require venturing into a hidden area and making a morally questionable choice.
8. Can I get locked out of other endings if I receive the Frenzied Flame?
Yes, unless you use Miquella’s Needle to cure yourself, you will be locked into the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, no matter what other quests you completed.
9. Does the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending have any unique cutscenes or dialogue?
Yes, it has a unique cutscene showing the burning of the Erdtree and your character taking on the mantle of the Lord of Frenzied Flame. The dialogue is also distinct, reflecting the chaotic and destructive nature of the ending.
10. What is the Frenzied Flame, and what does it represent?
The Frenzied Flame is an outer god in Elden Ring, representing chaos, madness, and the desire to return all things to a primordial state of nothingness. It is a force of destruction, opposed to the order and control of the Greater Will.
11. Is there any way to see all the endings in one playthrough?
No, you can only achieve one ending per playthrough. You would need to play the game multiple times or create save files at a critical juncture to experience all endings.
12. What is the lore behind the Three Fingers and their connection to the Frenzied Flame?
The Three Fingers are servants of the Frenzied Flame, seeking to spread its influence throughout the Lands Between. They believe that all life is born of suffering and that the only way to end this suffering is to return everything to nothingness.
13. How does the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending compare to other “evil” endings in Soulsborne games?
It is comparable to endings in other Soulsborne games that involve succumbing to dark forces or bringing about widespread destruction. However, the Frenzied Flame is arguably more nihilistic and destructive than some other “evil” endings, as it aims for complete annihilation rather than simply establishing a new, potentially oppressive, order.
14. Does choosing the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending affect my character’s appearance?
Yes, after accepting the Frenzied Flame, your character’s eyes will glow yellow and crackle with fire. This visual effect remains throughout the rest of the game and in subsequent New Game Plus cycles, unless you use Miquella’s Needle.
15. Where is the Frenzied Flame Proscription located?
The Frenzied Flame Proscription is located deep beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital. You must navigate a challenging platforming section in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds to reach it. Be cautious of the Omens, which are common enemies down there.