Is the Ranni Ending the Best in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Whether the Age of Stars ending, achieved through Ranni’s questline, is truly the “best” in Elden Ring is subjective and depends entirely on the player’s interpretation of “best.” Objectively, it’s arguably the most transformative, completely reshaping the world’s fundamental order. It removes the influence of the Greater Will and ushers in an age of cold, cosmic darkness guided by the Moon, with the Tarnished as Ranni’s consort. This appeals to players who desire radical change and reject the established order, even if that change is shrouded in uncertainty. However, the “best” ending hinges on individual values: is it about restoring order, embracing chaos, or forging a completely new path? There’s no single right answer, making the beauty of Elden Ring’s narrative choice a matter of personal preference.
Understanding the Allure of the Age of Stars
Ranni’s ending stands out because it’s the most ambitious. It doesn’t just mend the Elden Ring or usher in a new version of the existing order. It dismantles the existing cosmic structure and replaces it with something entirely different – a vision of a world free from the Outer Gods’ influence. The allure lies in its potential for liberation and the promise of a new, albeit potentially bleak, future.
Ranni’s Motivations: A Morally Grey Character
Ranni herself is a complex and morally ambiguous figure. She orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives, a pivotal event that triggered the Shattering and plunged the Lands Between into chaos. Her motivations are driven by a desire to escape the control of the Greater Will and forge her own destiny, even if it means sacrificing others along the way. This moral complexity makes her a compelling character and adds depth to her ending.
The Tarnished’s Role: Consort and Co-Architect of the New Order
The Tarnished’s role in this ending is equally significant. Unlike many other endings where the Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord and sits on the throne, in the Age of Stars, they become Ranni’s consort, her partner in shaping the new age. This suggests a more collaborative and equal relationship, with the Tarnished playing a vital role in Ranni’s vision. This appeals to players who value partnership and shared leadership.
Comparing the Age of Stars to Other Endings
To truly assess whether the Age of Stars is the “best,” it’s crucial to compare it with other available endings:
- Age of Fracture (Default Ending): This is the simplest ending, where the Tarnished merely mends the Elden Ring, restoring the previous order. It’s a safe but ultimately unfulfilling option, leaving the Lands Between in a state of stagnation.
- Age of Order: This ending, achieved by completing Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s questline, seeks to restore the Golden Order but with a focus on reason and logic. While it aims for stability, some argue it’s too rigid and controlling.
- Duskborn Ending: Involving Fia and Godwyn the Golden, this ending addresses the issue of Those Who Live in Death, creating a new order where life and death are intertwined. It’s a more nuanced approach to the Elden Ring, but it may not appeal to those seeking radical change.
- Lord of Frenzied Flame: This is the most chaotic and destructive ending, where the Tarnished embraces the Frenzied Flame and burns the world to ashes. While it offers a clean slate, it comes at the cost of utter annihilation.
- Age of the Stars: As discussed earlier, it offers a complete reset and a new world order.
Each ending offers a unique vision for the future of the Lands Between, and the “best” one depends on the player’s values and preferences.
Why the “Best” is Subjective
Ultimately, the question of which ending is the “best” in Elden Ring is subjective. There’s no objectively correct answer. The game’s narrative is designed to allow players to choose the ending that aligns with their own moral compass and their desired vision for the Lands Between. Some players may prefer the stability and order of the default ending or the Age of Order, while others may be drawn to the radical change offered by the Age of Stars or the nihilistic appeal of the Lord of Frenzied Flame.
The beauty of Elden Ring lies in its narrative ambiguity and the freedom it gives players to shape the world’s destiny. The Age of Stars is undoubtedly a compelling and transformative ending, but whether it’s the “best” is a matter of personal opinion. And one could argue that the exploration of these value-based judgments is inherently engaging for players. This also aligns with research by the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational potential of games. You can learn more about their research at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly does the Age of Stars ending entail?
The Age of Stars ending sees the Tarnished aid Ranni the Witch in replacing Queen Marika and ushering in a new order governed by the Moon. Ranni becomes a goddess, and the Tarnished becomes her consort. The Lands Between are freed from the influence of the Greater Will, entering an era of cold, cosmic darkness.
2. Is Ranni a good or bad character?
Ranni is a morally grey character. She orchestrated the Night of the Black Knives, but she did so to escape the control of the Greater Will. Her motivations are complex and her actions have both positive and negative consequences.
3. How do I achieve the Age of Stars ending?
To achieve this ending, you must complete Ranni’s extensive questline, which involves exploring various areas, defeating challenging bosses, and making specific choices.
4. Is the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending a bad ending?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the “worst” ending due to its destructive nature. It involves embracing the Frenzied Flame and burning the entire world to ashes, offering a nihilistic conclusion.
5. What is the easiest ending to get in Elden Ring?
The easiest ending to achieve is the default Age of Fracture, where you simply mend the Elden Ring without any alterations. This requires only completing the main story path.
6. Which Elden Ring ending is considered the canon ending?
There’s no officially confirmed canon ending, but the default Age of Fracture is often assumed to be the most likely candidate, as it requires the least amount of deviation from the main story path.
7. What does it mean to be Ranni’s consort?
Being Ranni’s consort means becoming her partner and co-ruler in the new age she establishes. Unlike other endings where the Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord and sits on the throne, in this ending, they share power and responsibility with Ranni.
8. What happens to Melina in the Age of Stars ending?
Melina’s fate in the Age of Stars ending is somewhat ambiguous. Because you’ve largely defied the Greater Will’s plan, it’s implied that she will carry out her own “destined death” but it’s unclear on what or whom she’ll enact that destiny on.
9. Is Melina related to Ranni?
There are theories suggesting that Melina and Ranni are sisters, both daughters of Queen Marika. They share a connection as spirits and have similar physical traits.
10. Does it matter which ending I choose in Elden Ring?
Yes, the ending you choose significantly impacts the future of the Lands Between. Each ending offers a unique vision for the world and determines who will rule.
11. Can I get multiple endings in a single playthrough?
No, you can only get one ending per playthrough. However, you can back up your save file before the final boss fight to experience multiple endings without replaying the entire game.
12. What is the hardest ending to achieve?
The hardest ending to achieve is the Lord of Frenzied Flame, as it requires undertaking a complex and easily missed questline involving the Three Fingers.
13. Why is the Age of Stars ending considered a “good” ending by some players?
Some players consider the Age of Stars a “good” ending because it liberates the Lands Between from the influence of the Outer Gods and offers the potential for a new and different future.
14. How does the Age of Order ending differ from the Age of Stars?
The Age of Order, achieved through Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s questline, seeks to restore the Golden Order based on reason and logic. It differs from the Age of Stars by aiming to maintain order and stability rather than completely dismantling the existing cosmic structure.
15. Does Ranni love the Tarnished?
In the Age of Stars ending, Ranni refers to the Tarnished as her “lord” and her “dear consort,” suggesting a deep connection and acknowledgment of their importance to her. Whether it’s romantic love is open to interpretation.