Is Ranni’s Ending a Bad Ending in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
Unequivocally, no. The Age of Stars ending, achieved through Ranni the Witch’s questline, is far from a “bad” ending in Elden Ring. While morality is subjective in the fractured world of the Lands Between, and each ending carries its own implications, Ranni’s conclusion offers a path of liberation and a departure from the stifling influence of the Greater Will. It’s a nuanced outcome that presents both promise and potential uncertainty, but labeling it as inherently negative is a gross oversimplification of its profound themes.
Understanding the Nuances of Ranni’s Age of Stars
To truly understand why Ranni’s ending isn’t “bad,” we must move beyond simple notions of good and evil. The Lands Between is a world of conflicting ideologies and desperate struggles for power. Each ending presents a different vision for the future, shaped by the player’s actions and allegiances.
What Does the Age of Stars Actually Entail?
The Age of Stars represents a shift away from the Golden Order and the influence of the Greater Will. It’s a rejection of external control and a move towards individual agency and self-determination. Ranni, guided by the light of the moon, seeks to usher in an age where humanity is free to chart its own destiny, unbound by the dictates of cosmic forces.
This isn’t necessarily a utopian vision. It’s a transition into the unknown. Removing the Elden Ring’s influence and the Greater Will’s oversight means accepting the inherent chaos and uncertainty of existence. However, for those weary of the rigid order and oppressive dogma of the Golden Order, this freedom is a desirable outcome.
The Role of the Tarnished: Consort and Partner
In the Age of Stars, the Tarnished doesn’t become the traditional Elden Lord bound to the Erdtree. Instead, they become Ranni’s consort, a partner in shaping the new age. This partnership is crucial; it suggests a collaborative future where decisions are made together, rather than dictated from on high. It’s a more equal relationship than the Elden Lord position typically implies, and suggests a future based on mutual respect rather than servitude.
This ending empowers the player, acknowledging their role in dismantling the old order and building something new alongside Ranni. It’s a reward for those who questioned the status quo and sought a different path.
Morally Grey, But Ultimately Hopeful
While Ranni’s methods are undoubtedly morally grey—involving assassination, betrayal, and the manipulation of others—her goal is arguably the most forward-thinking of all the endings. She seeks to break the cycle of divine interference that has plagued the Lands Between for so long.
Compared to endings like the Frenzied Flame Ending, which embraces chaos and destruction, or the various restorations of the Golden Order, which perpetuate a flawed system, the Age of Stars offers a path toward genuine progress, even if the road ahead is uncertain. For a deeper exploration of game design and its impacts, resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offer valuable insights.
The Subjectivity of “Best” and “Worst” Endings
Ultimately, the “best” ending in Elden Ring is subjective and depends entirely on the player’s values and perspective. There is no objectively “correct” choice. Each ending presents a different interpretation of the world and a different vision for the future. What one player considers a positive outcome, another might view as a tragic mistake.
Ranni’s ending is best suited for players who prioritize:
- Freedom and self-determination: Rejecting external control and embracing individual agency.
- Progress and change: Moving beyond the established order and seeking a new path.
- A collaborative partnership: Working alongside Ranni to shape the future.
If these values resonate with you, then the Age of Stars is likely to be a satisfying and meaningful conclusion to your journey in the Lands Between.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ranni’s Ending
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Ranni’s ending, providing additional information and addressing common concerns:
1. What exactly happens in the Age of Stars ending?
Ranni replaces Queen Marika as the vessel of the Elden Ring, but instead of maintaining the Golden Order, she ushers in an age where the influence of the Greater Will wanes. She then departs with the Tarnished as her consort to begin that age, which focuses on destiny delivered by the moon, not the stars.
2. Is Ranni good or evil?
Ranni is a morally ambiguous character. Her methods involve betrayal and manipulation, but her goal is to free humanity from divine control. Her actions are driven by a desire for liberation, not malicious intent.
3. Does Ranni sacrifice herself in her questline?
Yes, Ranni orchestrates the death of her physical body during the Night of Black Knives to free herself from the Greater Will’s influence. This is a crucial step in her plan to become a god and usher in the Age of Stars.
4. Is the Frenzied Flame ending worse than Ranni’s ending?
The Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the “worst” ending because it involves burning the Erdtree and embracing chaos. Ranni’s ending, while not without its uncertainties, offers a more hopeful and progressive vision.
5. Does giving Ranni the ring lock you out of other endings?
No, completing Ranni’s questline and giving her the Dark Moon Ring does not lock you out of other endings, with one minor exception. You may be locked out of the Dung Eater puppet ending, but that has more to do with choices made during the Dung Eater quest line than with Ranni’s.
6. What is Ranni’s ultimate goal?
Ranni’s goal is to sever the connection between the Lands Between and the Greater Will, allowing humanity to determine its own fate without divine intervention. She seeks to usher in an age of freedom and self-determination.
7. Is Ranni’s ending the canon ending of Elden Ring?
There is no officially confirmed canon ending for Elden Ring. However, some theories suggest that the Age of Duskborn ending or Ranni’s Age of Stars ending might be the most likely candidates, depending on hints found in the DLC artwork.
8. Does Ranni love the Tarnished?
In the Age of Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and “dear consort,” suggesting a deep connection and partnership. While “love” is subjective, their relationship is clearly one of mutual respect and affection.
9. Was Ranni mistranslated?
Yes, there were instances of mistranslation in Ranni’s dialogue, which have been corrected by fans. These mistranslations primarily affect the nuances of her motivations and goals, but they don’t fundamentally change the core message of her questline.
10. Should I give Ranni the ring?
Yes, giving Ranni the Dark Moon Ring is essential to completing her questline and achieving the Age of Stars ending. It also rewards you with the Dark Moon Greatsword.
11. Does summoning Ranni end the game?
Yes, after defeating the final boss, summoning Ranni using the summoning sign on the ground will trigger the Age of Stars ending and end the game.
12. Is Fia’s ending better than Ranni’s?
Whether Fia’s ending is better than Ranni’s is a matter of personal preference. Fia’s ending focuses on restoring the sanctity of death, while Ranni’s ending focuses on liberation. Each ending appeals to different values and perspectives.
13. Is Ranni the true villain of Elden Ring?
No, Ranni is not the true villain of Elden Ring. She is a morally grey character whose actions are driven by a desire for freedom and self-determination. She opposes the tyrannical influence of the Greater Will.
14. Did Ranni kill Godwyn?
Yes, Ranni orchestrated the Night of Black Knives, which resulted in the death of Godwyn the Golden. This event was a crucial step in her plan to free herself from the Greater Will’s influence.
15. Is Ranni the Tarnished’s wife?
In the Age of Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and “dear consort,” indicating a spousal relationship. Their partnership is central to shaping the new age.
In conclusion, judging Ranni’s ending as “bad” ignores the complex themes and motivations at play. It’s a nuanced outcome that offers liberation and a chance for a new beginning, making it a compelling and ultimately positive choice for players seeking change in the Lands Between.