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Should You Summon Ranni at the End of Elden Ring? A Deep Dive into the Age of Stars

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The burning question that haunts every Tarnished who reaches the fractured throne of the Elden Ring: Should you summon Ranni at the end? The short answer is yes, absolutely, if you desire the “Age of Stars” ending. Summoning Ranni after defeating the final boss initiates this unique ending sequence, fundamentally altering the world and ushering in a new era. However, the decision isn’t just about seeing a different cutscene. It’s about understanding the implications of this choice, the philosophical underpinnings, and the potential ramifications for the Lands Between. This guide delves into the nuances of this pivotal moment, exploring why choosing Ranni is a compelling option and answering frequently asked questions to provide a comprehensive understanding.

Understanding the Age of Stars Ending

The “Age of Stars” ending represents a radical departure from the Golden Order’s established reign. Instead of repairing the Elden Ring and becoming Elden Lord, summoning Ranni allows her to become a god, shattering the existing cosmic order. She intends to guide the Lands Between away from the influence of the Greater Will and usher in an era of cold, isolating freedom. This is a rejection of the established cosmic forces and a move towards individual autonomy.

Ranni’s vision is not one of immediate utopia. It’s a long-term project fraught with uncertainty. She aims to detach the world from external influence, allowing life to develop and evolve without the dictates of gods or cosmic entities. This is a high-risk, high-reward gamble, trading the familiar (albeit flawed) system for an unknown future. Choosing to summon her means accepting this uncertain future and trusting in her vision.

Reasons to Choose Ranni’s Ending

Several compelling reasons justify choosing the Age of Stars ending:

Philosophical Appeal: For players drawn to themes of individualism, freedom, and rebellion against oppressive systems, Ranni’s ending resonates deeply. It’s a rejection of the established order and a daring attempt to forge a new path.
Unique Lore and Narrative: The “Age of Stars” ending offers unique insights into the lore of Elden Ring, revealing more about Ranni’s motivations, her relationship with the Two Fingers, and the nature of the Greater Will. It adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the overall narrative.
Character Investment: Players who have invested time and effort in Ranni’s questline, helping her overcome obstacles and sharing her journey, are more likely to feel a strong connection to her and her goals. Summoning her is a natural culmination of this relationship.
Completionist’s Desire: For players aiming to experience all aspects of the game, seeing all available endings is a must. Each ending offers a unique perspective on the world and the Tarnished’s role within it.

Considerations Before Making Your Choice

While the Age of Stars ending is compelling, it’s crucial to consider the following before making your decision:

Moral Ambiguity: Ranni’s vision is not universally appealing. Some players may find her methods cold and calculating, and her vision of isolation unsettling. The ending is morally ambiguous, forcing players to confront uncomfortable truths about the nature of power and freedom.
Impact on the Lands Between: While Ranni aims to liberate the world, the consequences of her actions are unknown. The transition to the “Age of Stars” could be tumultuous, leading to suffering and instability.
Alternative Endings: Elden Ring offers multiple endings, each with its own unique narrative and implications. Consider exploring other options to fully understand the breadth of the game’s storytelling.

Summoning Ranni: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a simplified guide to ensure you can summon Ranni at the end:

Complete Ranni’s Questline: This is the most crucial step. Her quest involves significant exploration and combat across multiple regions.
Defeat Astel, Naturalborn of the Void: This boss is a key component of Ranni’s questline.
Obtain the Dark Moon Ring: This ring is found in the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
Use the Dark Moon Ring: Use the ring on Ranni in the Cathedral of Manus Celes.
Defeat the Final Boss: Progress through the game and defeat the final boss.
Interact with the Blue Summon Sign: After defeating the final boss, a blue summon sign appears near Marika/Radagon. Interact with it to summon Ranni.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What exactly happens during the Age of Stars ending?

Ranni replaces Marika as the vessel of the Elden Ring, severing the influence of the Greater Will on the Lands Between. She embarks on a journey to the stars, taking the Elden Ring with her, leaving the world to its own devices.

2. Does choosing Ranni’s ending affect my character in future playthroughs?

No. Endings do not carry over between playthroughs. Each new game starts fresh, allowing you to make different choices and experience different endings.

3. Can I still get other endings after completing Ranni’s quest?

Yes. Completing Ranni’s quest doesn’t lock you into her ending. You can choose to pursue other ending requirements and select them after defeating the final boss.

4. Is Ranni evil?

This is subjective. Her methods can be perceived as ruthless, but her intentions are arguably noble – to liberate the world from external control. Whether she’s “evil” depends on your interpretation of her actions and motivations.

5. What are the other endings in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring features several endings, including the Age of Fracture, Age of Order, Age of Duskborn, Blessing of Despair, and Lord of Frenzied Flame. Each ending is tied to specific questlines and choices.

6. How do I trigger the other endings?

Each ending has its own specific requirements, usually involving completing specific questlines and obtaining certain items. Researching each ending individually is recommended.

7. Is Ranni’s questline difficult?

Yes, Ranni’s questline is considered one of the most challenging and complex in Elden Ring. It requires significant exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving.

8. What level should I be to start Ranni’s quest?

There’s no set level requirement, but aiming for a level between 60-80 is generally recommended before delving deep into her questline, especially for areas like Nokron, Eternal City.

9. Can I fail Ranni’s quest?

Yes, certain actions can lock you out of Ranni’s questline. Attacking Ranni or progressing too far into the “Frenzied Flame” ending are common ways to fail the quest.

10. What are the rewards for completing Ranni’s questline?

Besides the opportunity to trigger the Age of Stars ending, you also receive valuable items, including powerful sorceries, armor sets, and insights into the game’s lore.

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

No. The “best” ending is subjective and depends on your personal preferences and values. Each ending offers a unique perspective on the world and its future.

12. Does the Age of Stars ending have any negative consequences?

Potentially. Ranni’s vision involves detaching the Lands Between from the influence of the Greater Will, which could lead to unforeseen consequences and societal upheaval. The long-term effects are left ambiguous.

13. What is the significance of the Dark Moon Ring?

The Dark Moon Ring is a symbol of Ranni’s fate and her connection to the Eternal City. It’s essential for completing her quest and ultimately summoning her at the end of the game.

14. How does the Age of Stars ending relate to the other endings?

The Age of Stars ending stands in stark contrast to the other endings, which typically involve repairing or altering the Elden Ring within the existing framework. Ranni’s ending represents a radical departure, severing ties with the established cosmic order.

15. Where can I learn more about the lore of Elden Ring?

Elden Ring’s lore is vast and intricate. Explore the game world, read item descriptions, and engage with the community to piece together the story. You can also find valuable resources and discussions at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society studies and promotes the educational uses of games, making it a great resource for understanding the deeper meanings and narratives within games like Elden Ring.

Conclusion

Choosing to summon Ranni at the end of Elden Ring is more than just selecting an ending; it’s embracing a philosophical stance, trusting in a vision of liberation, and accepting the uncertain future that follows. While the decision is complex and fraught with ambiguity, the “Age of Stars” ending offers a compelling and unique conclusion to the Tarnished’s journey. Consider your values, weigh the potential consequences, and choose the path that resonates most deeply with your interpretation of the Lands Between.