Should You Offer Your Finger in Elden Ring? A Tarnished Dilemma
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The question, whispered amongst the Lands Between like a chilling breeze, is this: Should you offer your finger in Elden Ring? The short, brutal truth? Absolutely not. Unless you’re actively trying to trigger a specific, unpleasant (and permanent) game state. Offering your finger to the Three Fingers, an Outer God of chaos and destruction, initiates the Frenzied Flame Ending. While this ending has its lore implications and appeals to a certain type of player (the “burn it all down” kind), it essentially locks you out of all other endings for that playthrough and subjects you to a series of challenging encounters. Let’s delve deeper into why offering your finger might be a decision you regret.
Understanding the Frenzied Flame and its Consequences
The Frenzied Flame is an Outer God associated with madness, chaos, and the desire to burn everything – the Erdtree, the Golden Order, and the very fabric of the Lands Between – to the ground. Choosing to align yourself with this destructive force has profound consequences.
- Ending Lock-In: Once you receive the Frenzied Flame from the Three Fingers deep beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, you are essentially committed to the Frenzied Flame Ending. Even completing other ending requirements will not override this choice unless you undertake a specific and arduous cleansing process.
- Melina’s Displeasure: Melina, your trusted guide and companion throughout your journey, vehemently opposes the Frenzied Flame. Choosing this path will lead to her leaving you and potentially having a significant impact on the narrative. She won’t take kindly to you embracing madness.
- Difficult Boss Fights: Accessing the Frenzied Flame involves traversing treacherous environments and facing difficult enemies. The Three Fingers are not easily reached, and the journey to them is perilous.
- Moral Implications: The Frenzied Flame Ending is undeniably the most destructive and arguably the “evil” ending of Elden Ring. If you prioritize a more heroic or restorative conclusion, this is not the path for you.
The Allure of Chaos: Why Some Players Choose the Frenzied Flame
Despite the grim consequences, the Frenzied Flame holds a certain appeal for some players.
- Unique Lore and Story: The Frenzied Flame Ending offers a unique perspective on the lore of Elden Ring, revealing unsettling truths about the Outer Gods and the origins of the Erdtree.
- Roleplaying Opportunities: Some players enjoy the roleplaying aspect of embracing madness and becoming a force of pure destruction. It provides a unique and challenging way to experience the game.
- Completionist Goals: For players aiming to see all the endings, the Frenzied Flame Ending is a necessary step. However, it’s crucial to understand the ramifications before committing.
- Challenge Run Variant: The Frenzied Flame path can be incorporated into challenge runs, adding an extra layer of difficulty and restriction.
Avoiding the Frenzied Flame: A Guide for the Unwary
If you accidentally stumble upon the Three Fingers or are simply curious but don’t want to commit to the Frenzied Flame Ending, here’s how to avoid it:
- Don’t remove your armor: When you arrive at the door to the Three Fingers, you will be prompted to remove your armor. Do not do this if you do not want to be marked.
- Simply don’t interact: The easiest way to avoid is to simply ignore the Three Fingers all together.
Cleansing the Frenzied Flame: A Path to Redemption
If you have already received the Frenzied Flame but regret your decision, there is a way to cleanse yourself and open up other ending possibilities. This involves undertaking a lengthy and challenging questline tied to Millicent, a character infected with the Scarlet Rot.
- Millicent’s Quest: Complete Millicent’s questline, which culminates in a choice between aiding her or betraying her. You must choose to aid her to obtain the Unalloyed Gold Needle.
- Malenia, Blade of Miquella: Defeat Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the most difficult bosses in the game, to obtain Malenia’s Great Rune.
- Dragonlord Placidusax: Travel to the Crumbling Farum Azula and defeat Dragonlord Placidusax. After defeating this boss, use the Unalloyed Gold Needle to obtain Miquella’s Needle. This can be used in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena to suppress the Frenzied Flame when prompted.
This is a complex and demanding process, highlighting the severity of the Frenzied Flame’s influence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly happens when I offer my finger to the Three Fingers?
Offering your finger (metaphorically, of course!) involves interacting with the Three Fingers deep beneath Leyndell. This action brands you with the Mark of the Frenzied Flame, permanently altering your character and committing you to the Frenzied Flame Ending.
2. Can I still do other quests after receiving the Frenzied Flame?
Yes, you can still complete other quests. However, they will not override the Frenzied Flame Ending unless you cleanse yourself.
3. Does having the Frenzied Flame affect my relationships with other NPCs?
Yes. Melina will leave you, and other NPCs may react differently to your presence due to the obvious signs of madness.
4. Is the Frenzied Flame Ending the “bad” ending?
That’s subjective. It’s certainly the most destructive and morally questionable ending, but whether it’s “bad” depends on your perspective and roleplaying choices.
5. Can I reverse my decision if I accidentally interact with the Three Fingers?
Yes, by completing Millicent’s questline and using Miquella’s Needle in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena.
6. How difficult is Millicent’s questline?
It’s moderately difficult, requiring exploration, combat, and specific item acquisition. The boss fights associated with it can be challenging.
7. Is Malenia required to cleanse the Frenzied Flame?
Yes, defeating Malenia and obtaining her Great Rune is essential for acquiring the Unalloyed Gold Needle.
8. What level should I be to fight Malenia?
Ideally, you should be around level 120-150, with a fully upgraded weapon. She’s one of the toughest bosses in the game.
9. Does cleansing the Frenzied Flame remove the Mark of the Frenzied Flame?
No, it does not remove the mark, but it allows you to choose other endings.
10. Are there any benefits to embracing the Frenzied Flame?
Aside from the unique lore and roleplaying opportunities, there are no significant gameplay advantages.
11. Does the Frenzied Flame affect my stats or abilities?
No, it doesn’t directly affect your stats. However, it does influence your character’s appearance and ending.
12. Can I get locked out of Millicent’s quest if I progress too far in the game?
Yes, there are points where you can fail Millicent’s quest if you advance too far without completing certain steps. Make sure to check a guide if needed.
13. Is the Frenzied Flame Ending worth it for the lore?
That depends on your interest in Elden Ring’s lore. It offers a unique perspective, but it’s also a disturbing and nihilistic one. If you like learning about how video games affect our learning processes, visit GamesLearningSociety.org
14. Does the Unalloyed Gold Needle have any other uses besides cleansing the Frenzied Flame?
No, its sole purpose is to be used on Malenia’s scarlet bloom and then later used in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena to obtain Miquella’s Needle.
15. What is the easiest way to defeat Malenia?
There is no “easy” way to defeat Malenia, but using summons, bleed weapons, and carefully learning her attack patterns are effective strategies.
In conclusion, offering your finger to the Three Fingers is a momentous decision with far-reaching consequences. Consider the implications carefully before embracing the Frenzied Flame. The path to chaos is paved with madness and regret, but redemption is always possible, albeit arduous.