Unlocking Elden Ring’s Achievement Secrets: A Guide to Endings
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So, you’re Tarnished, and you’re hungry for that sweet, sweet 100% completion in Elden Ring. You’ve braved the Lands Between, felled demigods, and probably died to a lot of dogs. But to truly claim victory, you need those coveted achievements. The burning question is: which endings actually matter for your trophy collection?
The short answer: to unlock all ending-related achievements in Elden Ring, you’ll need to achieve three specific endings:
- Elden Lord Ending (any variation): This is the “default” ending, achieved by mending the Elden Ring after defeating the final boss. Different Mending Runes will slightly alter the final cutscene, but any of these variations will unlock the “Elden Lord” achievement.
- Age of Stars Ending: This ending is tied to Ranni the Witch’s questline. Completing her lengthy and intricate quest will allow you to summon her at the end of the game, initiating the “Age of Stars” ending and unlocking the corresponding achievement.
- Lord of Frenzied Flame Ending: This ending requires delving deep into the secrets beneath the Leyndell, Royal Capital, and embracing the Three Fingers. It’s often considered the most obscure to achieve without a guide, making it potentially the most challenging to unlock the “Lord of Frenzied Flame” achievement.
Simple enough, right? But the Lands Between are rarely simple. Let’s delve into some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to address common misconceptions and provide a more comprehensive understanding of Elden Ring’s ending-related achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Many Endings Does Elden Ring Have?
Elden Ring technically has six different endings. However, only three of these grant specific achievements. The remaining three endings are variations of the Elden Lord ending, achieved by using different Mending Runes on the fractured Elden Ring.
Do I Need Multiple Playthroughs for All Achievements?
Yes, you will need multiple playthroughs to unlock all ending-related achievements without save scumming. Each playthrough only allows for one ending unless you utilize cloud saves or USB drives (if on Playstation) to back up your save file before the final boss.
What is “Save Scumming” and How Does it Work?
Save scumming is a technique where you back up your game save data (either to the cloud or an external storage device) before making a significant choice, such as which ending to choose. After completing the game and unlocking the achievement, you can then restore your save file to the point before the ending, allowing you to choose a different ending in the same playthrough. This saves considerable time but is considered by some to be a form of cheating.
Are Any Elden Ring Achievements Missable?
Yes, there are technically missable achievements. However, the missable elements are typically tied to specific quests, such as Ranni’s questline, and failing these quests may prevent you from accessing certain items or bosses, which are required for other achievements. There are also a couple of missable weapons, but these can be acquired early in New Game+. Also, the three trophy-related endings, can only get one of each time unless you back-up your save.
What is the “Best” Elden Ring Ending?
The “best” ending is entirely subjective and depends on your personal interpretation of the lore and the overall narrative. Many players consider Ranni’s “Age of Stars” ending to be the most positive, as it ushers in a new era where the influence of the Greater Will is lessened, giving humanity more freedom. However, others might prefer the more traditional Elden Lord ending, or even the chaotic Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
Is the Lord of Frenzied Flame Ending Evil?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is arguably the most destructive and pessimistic of all endings. It involves burning the Erdtree and embracing chaos, essentially destroying the Lands Between and everything within it. Whether it’s truly “evil” is a matter of perspective, but it’s certainly the least benevolent option.
What Happens If I Get the Lord of Frenzied Flame Ending Accidentally?
If you receive the Frenzied Flame by entering the door under Leyndell that is opened by removing your armor, then Melina will be hostile toward you. However, you do have the option to cure yourself of the Frenzied Flame if you complete Millicent’s quest and obtain Miquella’s Needle. This cure allows you to choose a different ending.
Can I Undo the Lord of Frenzied Flame Ending?
Yes, it is possible to undo the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending, but it requires completing Millicent’s questline and obtaining Miquella’s Needle. Using the needle in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena will remove the Frenzied Flame, allowing you to choose a different ending.
Does Fia’s Ending Grant an Achievement?
No, Fia’s ending (the Age of Duskborn ending) is a variation of the Elden Lord ending and does not grant a separate achievement. It’s achieved by using the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince on the Elden Ring.
What About the Blessing of Despair Ending?
The Blessing of Despair ending, achieved by using the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse (obtained from the Dung Eater), is another variation of the Elden Lord ending and also does not grant a unique achievement.
How Do I Start Ranni’s Questline?
To start Ranni’s questline, you must first defeat Godrick the Grafted and gain access to the Liurnia of the Lakes region. Then, you can find Ranni in Ranni’s Rise at the Three Sisters area behind Caria Manor. After this, the journey to the Age of Stars begins!
What is the Significance of Mending Runes?
Mending Runes are special items that can be used to alter the Elden Ring when mending it at the end of the game. Each Mending Rune represents a different worldview or philosophy, and using a specific rune will result in a slightly different variation of the Elden Lord ending. While these variations change the final cutscene, only the base Elden Lord ending (achieved without using any Mending Runes) is required for the achievement.
How Long Does It Take to Get All Achievements in Elden Ring?
The time required to unlock all achievements in Elden Ring varies greatly depending on your skill level, playstyle, and whether or not you use guides. On average, it takes most players between 80 and 120 hours to achieve 100% completion. Some speedrunners have managed to do it much faster, but this requires extensive knowledge of the game and optimized strategies.
What is the Max Level in Elden Ring?
The max level in Elden Ring is 713. Reaching this level requires an astronomical amount of runes and countless hours of farming.
Why Are Games So Engaging and Educational?
Games, like Elden Ring, offer intricate systems and narratives that deeply engage players. They teach problem-solving, strategic thinking, and resource management, often without players even realizing they’re learning. It’s this blend of entertainment and education that makes games such a powerful tool. To further explore the educational aspects of gaming, consider visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. They delve into the research and design of games for learning, providing valuable insights into the potential of interactive entertainment.
So there you have it, Tarnished. Armed with this knowledge, you’re well on your way to conquering the Lands Between and unlocking all of Elden Ring’s coveted achievements. Now go forth, and may the Greater Will (or perhaps Ranni) be with you!