Is Embracing the Frenzied Flame Worth It in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive
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The question of whether to embrace the Three Fingers and pursue the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending in Elden Ring is one that plagues many Tarnished. It’s a decision fraught with consequence, impacting not only the fate of the Lands Between but also your relationship with key characters. The short answer is: it depends entirely on your desired experience. If you’re looking for a narrative of absolute chaos, a complete rejection of the Greater Will’s order, and a truly unique ending, then yes, embracing the Three Fingers can be “worth it”. However, be prepared for the sacrifices you’ll make along the way, especially regarding your relationship with Melina.
Understanding the Three Fingers and Their Goal
The Three Fingers, a mysterious entity found deep beneath the Cathedral of the Forsaken, represent a primal force of chaos. Their ultimate goal is to undo the order imposed by the Greater Will, returning the world to its original, formless state. They seek a host, a Tarnished willing to inherit the Frenzied Flame, becoming the Lord of Frenzied Flame and burning the Erdtree, essentially ending the world as it is known. This isn’t a quest for power in the traditional sense; it’s a quest for annihilation and rebirth through destruction.
Pros of Embracing the Frenzied Flame
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A Unique Ending: The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is arguably the most visually distinct and narratively radical ending in Elden Ring. It’s a complete departure from the other endings, offering a truly different perspective on the game’s lore.
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Saving Melina (with a catch): By embracing the Frenzied Flame, you circumvent Melina’s intended sacrifice at the Forge of the Giants. She intends to burn herself to kindle the Erdtree, but the Frenzied Flame allows you to use your own body as fuel. However, this comes at the cost of her eternal hatred.
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Exploring the Lore of Chaos: The Frenzied Flame questline delves into the darker, more primal aspects of Elden Ring’s lore. It offers insights into the forces that existed before the Golden Order and the potential for a world without cosmic intervention.
Cons of Embracing the Frenzied Flame
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Melina’s Betrayal: As mentioned, choosing the Frenzied Flame ending leads to Melina abandoning you, vowing to deliver “Destined Death” upon you. This is a significant narrative consequence, especially if you’ve grown attached to her character.
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A Path of Destruction: The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is one of utter destruction. It leaves the Lands Between in ruins, offering little hope for the future. If you prefer a more optimistic or restorative ending, this path isn’t for you.
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Limited Character Interactions: Some NPCs will react negatively to your Frenzied Flame status, potentially altering or cutting off certain questlines.
Making the Decision: Is it Right for You?
Ultimately, the decision to embrace the Three Fingers depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy exploring the darkest corners of the lore, are willing to sacrifice relationships for a unique ending, and appreciate the theme of radical change through destruction, then the Frenzied Flame might be a satisfying choice. However, if you value Melina’s companionship, prefer a more hopeful ending, or wish to maintain positive relationships with certain NPCs, it’s a path best avoided.
Consider carefully before plunging into the depths of the Cathedral of the Forsaken. This choice has deep consequences.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Three Fingers
1. Where do I find the Three Fingers?
The Three Fingers are located deep beneath the Cathedral of the Forsaken in the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds under Leyndell, Royal Capital. You must descend through a challenging platforming section, eventually finding a door sealed by the Frenzied Flame Proscription. Removing your armor will allow you to open it and be embraced by the Three Fingers.
2. Does embracing the Three Fingers lock me into that ending?
Yes and no. Embracing the Three Fingers does make you eligible for the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending. However, there’s a way to reverse this effect using Miquella’s Needle, obtained after defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella and completing Millicent’s questline. Using the needle in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena will remove the Frenzied Flame, allowing you to pursue other endings.
3. What happens if I inherit the Frenzied Flame before the Forge of the Giants?
If you inherit the Frenzied Flame before reaching the Forge of the Giants, Melina will leave you, refusing to be complicit in the burning of the Erdtree. You will then have to sacrifice yourself to kindle the flame.
4. Can I still level up if Melina leaves me?
Yes. While Melina is the one who initially gives you the ability to level up, after she leaves, you will still be able to level up at Sites of Grace without her physical presence.
5. What is Shabriri’s role in the Frenzied Flame questline?
Shabriri is found at the Mountaintops of the Giants. He encourages you to embrace the Frenzied Flame and suggests that you sacrifice yourself to burn the Erdtree. Many believe him to be a manifestation or avatar of the Frenzied Flame.
6. What’s the difference between the Two Fingers and the Three Fingers?
The Two Fingers serve the Greater Will and seek to maintain order in the Lands Between. They are found at the tops of Divine Towers. The Three Fingers represent chaotic forces seeking to destroy that order and return the world to a state of primal chaos.
7. What are the best weapons and builds for the Frenzied Flame ending?
The “best” weapons are subjective, but weapons that scale with Faith and/or deal fire damage are thematically appropriate. Builds focusing on Faith and Incantations, especially those involving fire and madness, are common choices. The Frenzied Flame Seal is crucial, as it boosts the power of Frenzied Flame incantations.
8. Will NPCs attack me if I have the Frenzied Flame?
Some NPCs, particularly those aligned with the Golden Order, will react negatively to your Frenzied Flame status. Some may become hostile, while others may simply refuse to interact with you.
9. Is the Frenzied Flame ending considered the “bad” ending?
It’s a matter of perspective. While it leads to widespread destruction, some argue that it represents a necessary cleansing, a rejection of a corrupt and stagnant order. There is no objectively “good” or “bad” ending in Elden Ring; each presents a different vision for the future.
10. Does inheriting the Frenzied Flame affect my ability to complete other quests?
Yes, it can. Some quests may be altered or become inaccessible depending on your choices regarding the Frenzied Flame.
11. What is Miquella’s Needle, and how do I get it?
Miquella’s Needle is an item that can suppress the influence of outer gods, including the Frenzied Flame. To obtain it, you must defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, then use the Unalloyed Gold Needle given by Millicent, to create Miquella’s Needle. You have to complete Millicent’s entire questline for this needle to be acquired.
12. Where do I use Miquella’s Needle to remove the Frenzied Flame?
You must use Miquella’s Needle within the arena of Dragonlord Placidusax in Crumbling Farum Azula.
13. What happens if I kill Melina?
Melina cannot be killed directly by the player. She can die during certain boss fights when summoned, but she will return. Her “death” at the Forge of the Giants is a predetermined narrative event, not caused by player action.
14. Does the Frenzied Flame ending affect New Game Plus?
No. Your choice of ending does not have any impact on your subsequent playthrough in New Game Plus. You’ll start a new game cycle with your character’s stats and equipment intact, but the world will be reset.
15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Elden Ring and the Frenzied Flame?
Exploring in-game item descriptions, dialogues with NPCs, and the environmental storytelling are crucial. There are also many online communities, wikis, and lore videos dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of Elden Ring. The Games Learning Society and sites like GamesLearningSociety.org offer interesting perspectives on how games can be examined and understood, including their narratives and lore.