What Happens If You Cure the Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Curing the Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring leads to a significant shift in your character’s trajectory and drastically alters the potential endings you can achieve. By undergoing the painstaking process to reverse the influence of the Three Fingers, you essentially lock yourself out of the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending and open the door to other, arguably “better,” conclusions to your Tarnished’s journey. You also regain control of your character’s destiny, preventing them from succumbing to the destructive will of the Outer God of Frenzy.
Understanding the Frenzied Flame
Before delving into the consequences of curing the Frenzied Flame, it’s crucial to grasp what it represents within the game’s lore. The Frenzied Flame is an Outer God seeking to undo all that exists, plunging the world into a chaotic, formless state. Accepting the Three Fingers’ mark bestows immense power upon the Tarnished, but also binds them to this apocalyptic destiny.
Why Would You Want to Cure It?
While the allure of absolute power is tempting, the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is often considered the “bad” ending. It results in the complete destruction of the Lands Between and offers no hope for restoration or renewal. Many players, therefore, seek a way to break free from this predetermined fate and pursue alternative endings that offer a more positive or nuanced outcome for the world. Beyond purely narrative reasons, some players might also cure the Frenzied Flame for gameplay flexibility, wanting to explore all the ending options available in Elden Ring.
The Process of Curing the Frenzied Flame
The process of curing the Frenzied Flame is intricate and requires completing a specific questline involving Millicent and the use of Miquella’s Needle.
- Obtain Miquella’s Needle: This crucial item is obtained by defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella, one of the most challenging bosses in the entire game.
- Complete Millicent’s Questline: This lengthy quest involves numerous steps and locations, ultimately culminating in you choosing between assisting or opposing Millicent. To obtain the necessary item for curing the Frenzied Flame, you MUST choose to assist Millicent during the final stages of her quest. This will result in you acquiring the Unalloyed Gold Needle.
- Defeat Commander Niall: This boss guards the entrance to the Haligtree and must be defeated to progress further.
- Enter Dragonlord Placidusax’s Arena: Located in Crumbling Farum Azula, this hidden arena requires you to lie down in a specific spot to trigger the boss fight.
- Defeat Dragonlord Placidusax: This optional but powerful boss must be defeated.
- Use Miquella’s Needle: After defeating Dragonlord Placidusax, use the Unalloyed Gold Needle while in the arena. This will transform it into Miquella’s Needle and remove the Frenzied Flame’s influence.
Consequences of Curing the Frenzied Flame
Successfully curing the Frenzied Flame has several key implications:
- Locks You Out of the Frenzied Flame Ending: This is the most significant consequence. Once cured, you can no longer choose to become the Lord of Frenzied Flame. The option will simply not appear at the end of the game.
- Opens Up Other Ending Possibilities: With the Frenzied Flame extinguished, you are free to pursue any of the other endings available, such as the Age of Order, Age of Stars, Dung Eater’s ending, or the default Elden Lord ending.
- Removes the Frenzied Flame Eyes: Your character’s eyes, which change appearance upon embracing the Frenzied Flame, will revert to their original state.
- Retains Frenzied Flame Incantations (But with a Caveat): You can still use Frenzied Flame incantations, but you may want to. While technically usable, the lore implications are strange, as you are using magic associated with a force you have actively rejected. There’s no gameplay penalty, but it can feel narratively dissonant.
- Freedom of Choice: The most important consequence is the restoration of your free will. You are no longer bound by the predetermined path of destruction and can shape the future of the Lands Between according to your own desires.
Can you Get the Frenzied Flame Back?
No, once the Frenzied Flame is cured using Miquella’s Needle in Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena, there is no way to reacquire it in the same playthrough. You would need to start a New Game Plus to experience that ending.
FAQs About Curing the Frenzied Flame
Here are some frequently asked questions related to curing the Frenzied Flame in Elden Ring:
1. Does curing the Frenzied Flame affect any other questlines?
No, curing the Frenzied Flame primarily affects the available endings and doesn’t directly impact other questlines, with the exception of locking you out of the Frenzied Flame ending itself.
2. Can I cure the Frenzied Flame after reaching the final boss?
Yes, you can cure the Frenzied Flame at any point before actually choosing an ending. However, it’s advisable to do it before facing the final boss to avoid accidentally triggering the Frenzied Flame ending.
3. Is Miquella’s Needle a consumable item?
Yes, Miquella’s Needle is a consumable item. Once used, it’s gone. It transforms from the Unalloyed Gold Needle after use.
4. What happens if I defeat Malenia after curing the Frenzied Flame?
Nothing special happens. You will still obtain her Remembrance and other rewards, but using the Unalloyed Gold Needle on Dragonlord Placidusax’s arena is only possible while you are afllicted by the Frenzied Flame.
5. Does curing the Frenzied Flame make the game easier?
No, curing the Frenzied Flame doesn’t directly affect the game’s difficulty. However, having more ending options might make it easier to plan your character’s build and strategy.
6. Can I still use Frenzied Flame incantations after being cured?
Yes, you can still use Frenzied Flame incantations after curing the Frenzied Flame. The lore implications are strange, but there is no in-game penalty.
7. Is it worth curing the Frenzied Flame?
Whether it’s “worth it” depends on your personal preference. If you want to experience other endings or prefer a narrative that doesn’t involve destroying the world, then curing the Frenzied Flame is definitely worth it.
8. What are the benefits of accepting the Frenzied Flame?
The primary benefit is access to powerful Frenzied Flame incantations and the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending. It also provides a unique perspective on the game’s lore and the nature of Outer Gods.
9. How do I know if I have the Frenzied Flame?
Your character’s eyes will change to a bright, chaotic yellow/orange color. You will also receive a cutscene after being embraced by the Three Fingers.
10. Can I undo curing the Frenzied Flame in New Game Plus?
Yes, in New Game Plus, you can choose to embrace the Frenzied Flame again, allowing you to pursue the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
11. Does curing the Frenzied Flame affect my character’s stats?
No, curing the Frenzied Flame doesn’t directly alter any of your character’s stats.
12. Do I need to cure the Frenzied Flame to get the “true” ending?
There is no definitively “true” ending in Elden Ring. Which ending is considered “true” is subjective and depends on your interpretation of the game’s lore. However, many players consider endings other than the Lord of Frenzied Flame to be more desirable.
13. Can I respec my character after curing the Frenzied Flame?
Yes, you can respec your character’s stats at any time after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, regardless of whether you have cured the Frenzied Flame or not.
14. What are the consequences of choosing to assist or oppose Millicent?
Choosing to assist Millicent during her quest is crucial for obtaining the Unalloyed Gold Needle, which is required to cure the Frenzied Flame. Opposing her will prevent you from acquiring the needle, making it impossible to cure the Frenzied Flame in that playthrough.
15. Is the fight against Malenia required to cure the Frenzied Flame?
Yes, defeating Malenia, Blade of Miquella is absolutely necessary, as she drops the Unalloyed Gold Needle, which is the essential component for curing the Frenzied Flame.