Is Rennala the Last Boss in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
No, Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, is definitely not the last boss in Elden Ring. While she is a significant boss and a Shardbearer who must be defeated to progress towards certain endings, she is encountered relatively early in the game, specifically in the Academy of Raya Lucaria in Liurnia of the Lakes. After defeating Rennala, the path forward in Elden Ring opens up considerably, leading to numerous other challenging bosses, vast regions to explore, and a complex storyline that culminates in a final confrontation with Radagon of the Golden Order and the Elden Beast. Think of Rennala as a critical stepping stone on a long and arduous journey, not the final destination.
Charting Your Course After Rennala
Rennala’s defeat is significant for a few reasons. Primarily, it grants you the Great Rune of the Unborn, which allows you to respec your character’s stats. This is incredibly useful if you want to experiment with different builds or optimize your character for specific challenges. Secondly, defeating Rennala unlocks the path to the Altus Plateau and eventually Leyndell, Royal Capital, a critical area for progressing the main story.
However, the world of Elden Ring is vast and open, meaning you have numerous options after defeating Rennala. You could choose to immediately pursue the main story and head towards Leyndell, or you could explore other regions like Caelid and the Volcano Manor, facing optional bosses and uncovering hidden secrets. Continuing the storylines of various NPCs found in Liurnia, Limgrave, and Caelid is also a rewarding experience.
Preparing for the Challenges Ahead
After Rennala, the difficulty curve in Elden Ring ramps up considerably. Regions like Caelid and the Mountaintops of the Giants are significantly more challenging than Limgrave and Liurnia, so it’s essential to prepare accordingly. Upgrading your weapons, leveling up your character, and experimenting with different builds are all crucial for success. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and learn from your mistakes. Elden Ring is a challenging game, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. For further exploration of game design and learning through interactive experiences, explore the work of the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is the actual final boss in Elden Ring?
The true final boss of Elden Ring is a two-stage fight. First, you must defeat Radagon of the Golden Order, followed immediately by the Elden Beast. This encounter concludes the main storyline and determines which ending you achieve.
2. What level should I be to fight the final boss?
It is generally recommended to be around level 120-150 with fully upgraded weapons (+9 or +10 regular weapons, +9 or +10 somber weapons) before attempting the final boss. However, skilled players can defeat the final boss at lower levels.
3. What Great Runes are required to beat Elden Ring?
While you don’t need to “equip” all the Great Runes, you must acquire at least two Great Runes from Shardbearers to access Leyndell, Royal Capital, a critical area for progressing the main story. Godrick’s Great Rune and Rennala’s Great Rune are two early options, but you can choose any two from the major Shardbearer bosses.
4. What should I do immediately after beating Rennala?
Consider respecing your stats with Rennala’s Great Rune if you’re not happy with your current build. Then, decide whether to progress the main story towards Altus Plateau or explore other regions like Caelid for more challenging encounters and valuable loot.
5. Is Rennala considered an optional boss?
Rennala is considered somewhat optional in that you don’t strictly need to defeat her to finish the game, depending on which ending you are going for. However, she is a Shardbearer, and defeating at least two Shardbearers is necessary to enter Leyndell. Additionally, she is required to complete Ranni’s questline and achieve the Age of Stars ending.
6. Is Rennala weak to anything specific?
Rennala is particularly weak to Bleed damage. Using weapons or spells that inflict Bleed can significantly speed up the fight, especially during her first phase.
7. Can I re-fight Rennala after defeating her?
No, you cannot re-fight Rennala in the same playthrough. However, you can fight her again in New Game Plus (NG+).
8. What is the best weapon to use against Rennala?
Fast weapons that inflict Bleed are highly effective against Rennala. Katanas are a popular choice. If you are building for Rennala, try using a katana like Uchigatana and apply grease that inflicts bleed.
9. What is the item in the chest behind Rennala?
The chest behind Rennala contains the Dark Moon Ring. This ring is crucial for progressing Ranni the Witch’s questline and unlocking the Age of Stars ending.
10. What level should I be to fight Starscourge Radahn?
A recommended level for fighting Starscourge Radahn is around 60-70 with a weapon upgrade level of +12 or higher. Radahn is a challenging boss, and being adequately leveled will significantly increase your chances of success.
11. Is Malenia the hardest boss in Elden Ring?
Many players consider Malenia, Blade of Miquella, to be the hardest boss in Elden Ring due to her aggressive moveset, self-healing ability, and the infamous “Waterfowl Dance” attack.
12. What is the maximum level in Elden Ring?
The maximum level in Elden Ring is 713. Reaching this level requires an immense amount of rune farming and progressing through multiple New Game Plus cycles.
13. Where do I go after Altus Plateau?
After Altus Plateau, you can proceed to Leyndell, Royal Capital. Alternatively, you can explore other areas like the Volcano Manor on Mt. Gelmir or head north towards the Mountaintops of the Giants.
14. What are some good Spirit Ashes to use against later bosses?
Some highly effective Spirit Ashes for later bosses include the Black Knife Tiche, the Mimic Tear, the Lhutel the Headless, and the Ancient Dragon Knight Kristoff Ashes. These summons can provide valuable support, deal significant damage, and draw aggro from the boss.
15. How does New Game Plus (NG+) work in Elden Ring?
In NG+, you start the game again with your existing character, level, stats, equipment, and spells. The enemies are stronger, and you can acquire more runes per kill. You can also obtain certain items that were missed in the previous playthrough. NG+ allows you to experience the game with a powerful character, explore different choices, and achieve different endings.
In conclusion, while Rennala is an important boss in Elden Ring, she is far from the last. Many challenges and adventures await you beyond the Academy of Raya Lucaria. Remember to explore, experiment, and prepare yourself for the trials that lie ahead. Good luck, Tarnished! For more on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.