Unraveling the Secrets of Mending Runes in Elden Ring: A Tarnished’s Guide
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.
So, you’ve stumbled upon a Mending Rune in the treacherous Lands Between? Congratulations, Tarnished! These potent items hold the key to shaping the very fabric of the Elden Ring and, consequently, the fate of the world. But what exactly happens when you acquire and use a Mending Rune? The answer, as with much in Elden Ring, is multifaceted and depends on which rune you possess.
Essentially, receiving a Mending Rune allows you to alter the ending of Elden Ring. After defeating the final boss, the Elden Beast, you’re presented with the option to “Mend the Elden Ring.” Normally, this leads to the standard ending, where your Tarnished becomes the Elden Lord. However, if you have a Mending Rune in your possession, you’ll be offered an additional choice: Use the Mending Rune. This replaces the standard mending with a unique ending determined by the specific rune you’ve acquired.
Each Mending Rune corresponds to a specific character and their vision for the Lands Between. Using that rune will impose that character’s will upon the shattered Elden Ring, resulting in a drastically different future. The key is understanding which Mending Rune you have and the consequences that follow. The consequences vary greatly, so choosing wisely is essential. For those interested in game-based learning and the educational aspects of gaming, visit the Games Learning Society’s website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more insights.
Mending Runes and Their Endings: A Breakdown
Here’s a quick overview of the most common Mending Runes and the endings they unlock:
- Mending Rune of Perfect Order (Corhyn and Goldmask): This rune leads to the Age of Order ending. It aims to restore the Golden Order to a state of absolute perfection, eradicating all forms of heresy and deviation. The cost? It risks stagnation and the suppression of individuality.
- Mending Rune of the Fell Curse (Dung Eater): By far the most bleak, this rune results in the Blessing of Despair ending. You unleash the Dung Eater’s vile curse upon the Lands Between, ensuring that future generations will be forever tainted by his depravity. It’s a truly horrific outcome.
- Mending Rune of the Death-Prince (Fia): This rune initiates the Age of Duskborn ending. It introduces the concept of Destined Death back into the Golden Order, allowing Those Who Live in Death (like Godwyn) to find peace and acceptance. This aims to create a more balanced, though perhaps unsettling, world.
- Mending Rune of the Unborn (Ranni): While not a “Mending Rune” in the strictest sense, summoning Ranni after defeating the Elden Beast triggers the Age of Stars ending. It signifies a departure from the Golden Order altogether, ushering in an era of cold, cosmic influence under Ranni’s rule. Many consider this the “best” ending, but it’s still shrouded in ambiguity.
Navigating the Mending Rune Decision
The decision of which Mending Rune to use, or whether to use one at all, is entirely yours. It reflects your Tarnished’s values and their vision for the future of the Lands Between. There is no objectively “right” or “wrong” choice. Each ending carries its own set of consequences, both positive and negative, leaving the ultimate judgment to the player.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Mending Runes to further illuminate their significance and impact in Elden Ring:
What exactly are Mending Runes?
Mending Runes are special items found in Elden Ring that represent the will and influence of various characters. They allow you to alter the way the Elden Ring is mended, leading to different endings. Think of them as keys that unlock alternative destinies for the Lands Between.
How do I acquire Mending Runes?
Mending Runes are obtained by completing specific questlines for certain NPCs. For example, you get the Mending Rune of Perfect Order by following Corhyn and Goldmask’s quest, and the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse by following the Dung Eater’s quest.
Do I have to use a Mending Rune?
No! You are not obligated to use a Mending Rune. If you choose to simply “Mend the Elden Ring” without using a rune, you will achieve the standard Elden Lord ending that Melina intended for you.
What happens if I don’t use any Mending Runes?
As mentioned above, choosing not to use a Mending Rune results in the default Elden Lord ending. Your Tarnished will become the new Elden Lord and sit upon the throne, but the overall fate of the Lands Between remains relatively unchanged.
Can I use multiple Mending Runes in one playthrough?
No, you can only use one Mending Rune (or choose not to use one at all) at the very end of the game, after defeating the Elden Beast. You’ll be presented with a single choice.
Do Mending Runes carry over to New Game Plus (NG+)?
No, Mending Runes do NOT carry over to New Game Plus. You must reacquire them in each playthrough by completing the corresponding questlines.
Is there a “best” Mending Rune to use?
That’s entirely subjective! What constitutes the “best” ending depends on your personal values and how you want to shape the Lands Between. Some players prefer the Age of Stars, while others might favor the Age of Order, and still others might believe the world deserves the Blessing of Despair (though we strongly advise against that last one!).
What is the “canon” ending?
There’s no official “canon” ending confirmed by FromSoftware. Many players speculate that the default Elden Lord ending is the closest to a “canon” ending, as it’s the one available to all players without completing any specific side quests.
Does using a specific Mending Rune affect future playthroughs?
No, your choice of ending in one playthrough has no direct impact on subsequent playthroughs. Each NG+ cycle starts fresh, allowing you to make different choices and explore different endings.
Is it possible to miss a Mending Rune?
Yes, it’s entirely possible to miss a Mending Rune if you fail to complete the necessary questlines. Some questlines can be easily missed or locked out depending on your actions during the game.
What is the hardest Mending Rune ending to achieve?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is often considered the most difficult to achieve. It requires you to embrace the Three Fingers and allow the Frenzied Flame to consume you. This questline is easily missed and involves some challenging platforming sections. While not a Mending Rune ending, it’s a significant ending choice that involves complex steps.
Does Melina approve of all the Mending Rune endings?
No, Melina has very strong opinions about the different endings. She generally approves of the standard Elden Lord ending and the Age of Order, but she strongly disapproves of the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending and will actively oppose you if you choose that path.
How does Ranni’s ending differ from the Mending Rune endings?
Ranni’s ending, the Age of Stars, is fundamentally different from the Mending Rune endings. It involves summoning her after defeating the Elden Beast, rather than choosing to use a specific rune on Marika. This ending represents a complete departure from the Golden Order and a transition to an age guided by Ranni and the cosmos.
Can I reverse my choice after using a Mending Rune?
No, once you’ve chosen to use a Mending Rune and triggered an ending, there’s no going back. You’ll have to start a new playthrough to explore other endings.
What if I accidentally touch Marika instead of summoning Ranni?
If you accidentally touch Marika before summoning Ranni, you’ll trigger one of the Mending Rune endings (or the default Elden Lord ending if you don’t have any runes). To get Ranni’s ending, you must be careful to choose her summon sign instead of interacting with Marika. This requires precision and attentiveness.
The Legacy of Your Choice
Ultimately, the choice of whether to use a Mending Rune, and which rune to use, is a deeply personal one. It’s a reflection of your Tarnished’s journey, their values, and their vision for the future of the Lands Between. So, tread carefully, Tarnished, and may your choices shape a world worthy of your efforts. And perhaps, consider exploring the intersection of gaming and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org. The fate of the Lands Between, and perhaps a deeper understanding of yourself, hangs in the balance.