Should You Embrace the Deathbed Companion? A Deep Dive into Fia’s Hug in Elden Ring

The question of whether or not to let Fia, the Deathbed Companion, hug you in Elden Ring is one that has plagued many a Tarnished soul. The short answer? Yes, absolutely. Let Fia hug you. Despite the initial trepidation stemming from the associated debuff, the benefits far outweigh the costs, especially when considering the long game. Accepting Fia’s embrace unlocks essential questlines, provides valuable items, and is crucial for achieving one of Elden Ring’s unique endings. Refusing the hug shuts down these opportunities entirely, placing you at a significant disadvantage.

The Allure (and Apprehension) of Fia’s Embrace

Fia, found in the Roundtable Hold, offers comfort in the form of a hug. This seems innocuous enough, but it comes with a trade-off: she bestows upon you a Baldachin’s Blessing, a consumable item that temporarily increases your Poise and physical damage while simultaneously inflicting a minor HP debuff (-5% of your maximum health) until the Blessing is used. This debuff, visually represented by a small red square, is what causes most players to hesitate.

Why the Debuff Isn’t a Deal-Breaker

The -5% HP debuff sounds alarming, but it’s easily manageable. The Baldachin’s Blessing instantly removes the debuff upon use, restoring your HP to normal. Furthermore, the Blessing’s temporary boost to Poise can be invaluable in certain boss fights and challenging areas, allowing you to withstand enemy attacks and maintain your stance.

More Than Just a Buff: The Questline and Ending

Beyond the immediate effects of the Baldachin’s Blessing, accepting Fia’s hugs is a gateway to a crucial questline that significantly impacts the narrative. This quest culminates in the “Age of the Duskborn” ending, one of the multiple endings available in Elden Ring. This ending is arguably one of the most thematically resonant and interesting, offering a unique perspective on the game’s core themes of life, death, and rebirth. By refusing Fia, you lock yourself out of this ending and miss out on a substantial portion of Elden Ring’s lore. You also miss out on boss fights and unique items associated with the questline.

Deeproot Depths and Continuing the Embrace

Later in the game, Fia relocates to the Deeproot Depths. Continuing to hug her there is vital for progressing her questline. Each hug continues to grant the Baldachin’s Blessing and apply the HP debuff, but remember, using the Blessing instantly removes the penalty. Embrace the hugs; they are essential.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Fia and Her Hugs

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of interacting with Fia in Elden Ring:

1. What exactly does the Baldachin’s Blessing do?

The Baldachin’s Blessing, received from Fia’s hugs, is a consumable item that provides a temporary boost to your Poise and physical damage. Poise determines your ability to withstand enemy attacks without being staggered.

2. How long does the Baldachin’s Blessing last?

The effects of the Baldachin’s Blessing typically last around 30 seconds. The duration may be affected by certain Talismans or other in-game effects that modify buff durations.

3. Is the HP debuff permanent?

No, the HP debuff is not permanent. It disappears as soon as you use the Baldachin’s Blessing. The Blessing’s effect lasts for about 30 seconds, and upon its expiration, your health returns to normal.

4. Can I stack the HP debuff by hugging Fia multiple times?

No, you cannot stack the HP debuff. The debuff is only applied if you do not already have the Baldachin’s Blessing. Once you use the Blessing and return to Fia, you can receive another hug and another Blessing, reapplying the debuff.

5. What happens if I die with the HP debuff active?

Dying with the HP debuff active does not remove it. You will respawn at the last Site of Grace with the -5% HP penalty still in effect. You must use the Baldachin’s Blessing to remove it.

6. Can I get the Baldachin’s Blessing from anywhere else?

No, the Baldachin’s Blessing can only be obtained by hugging Fia. There are no other sources for this specific item in Elden Ring.

7. Does refusing Fia’s hug lock me out of anything important?

Yes, refusing Fia’s hug initially locks you out of her questline, which is essential for achieving the “Age of the Duskborn” ending. While you can return to her later, it delays your progress and potentially misses out on early-game benefits.

8. Where does Fia go after the Roundtable Hold?

After progressing through certain story events, Fia relocates to the Deeproot Depths, a hidden area accessible through various means, including defeating the Valiant Gargoyle boss fight in Nokron, Eternal City.

9. Is Fia evil?

Whether Fia is considered “evil” is a matter of perspective. Her actions are motivated by a desire to protect Those Who Live in Death, and she aims to create a new order where they are accepted. While her methods might be unconventional, her intentions are not inherently malevolent. Some might consider her a tragic figure rather than a villain. The Games Learning Society might find her actions a fascinating case study in moral ambiguity within game narratives.

10. What are Those Who Live in Death?

Those Who Live in Death are individuals who exist in a state between life and death, typically associated with the Rune of Death being stolen from the Elden Ring. They are often persecuted and feared by those who adhere to the Golden Order.

11. How important is Fia’s questline for understanding the lore?

Fia’s questline is extremely important for understanding the deeper lore of Elden Ring, particularly concerning the history of the Golden Order, the role of death, and the fate of Godwyn the Golden.

12. Can I still hug Fia after defeating her champions?

Yes, you can still hug Fia after defeating her champions in the Deeproot Depths. In fact, it is crucial to continue interacting with her to progress the questline.

13. Is there a “best” ending in Elden Ring?

The concept of a “best” ending is subjective. Each ending offers a different perspective on the Lands Between and its future. The “Age of the Duskborn” ending, achieved through Fia’s questline, is often considered one of the more nuanced and compelling endings, but ultimately the “best” ending is the one that resonates most with the player’s interpretation of the game’s themes.

14. How do I access the Deeproot Depths?

There are several ways to access the Deeproot Depths, but the most common method is to progress through Ranni the Witch’s questline. This involves defeating Radahn, exploring Nokron, Eternal City, and using the teleporter near the Ancestral Woods Site of Grace, after giving Ranni the Fingerslayer Blade. Alternatively, you can also reach it via a coffin after defeating the Valiant Gargoyles in Siofra Aqueduct.

15. What happens if I attack Fia?

Attacking Fia will make her hostile. While it is possible to defeat her, doing so will permanently lock you out of her questline and the “Age of the Duskborn” ending. It is highly recommended to avoid attacking her unless you specifically want to prevent yourself from progressing her quest.

In Conclusion: Embrace the Comfort (and the Quest)

Letting Fia hug you in Elden Ring is not just about a minor buff with a temporary drawback. It’s about embracing a complex character, unraveling a rich narrative thread, and ultimately shaping the destiny of the Lands Between. Don’t be deterred by the HP debuff; it’s a small price to pay for the profound rewards that await. Learn more about gaming and learning through resources like GamesLearningSociety.org. Now, go forth, Tarnished, and embrace the Deathbed Companion. Your journey awaits!