Unveiling the Fell Curse: A Comprehensive Guide to Elden Ring’s Darkest Ending
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So, you’ve slain the final boss and stand before the Elden Ring, the fate of the Lands Between resting in your hands. You hold the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse, a relic of unimaginable power, offered by the enigmatic and disturbing Dung Eater. What do you do with it? The short answer is: use it if you desire the Blessing of Despair ending, the darkest and most arguably nihilistic conclusion to Elden Ring. This ending curses all future generations, guaranteeing their suffering and despair. If you’re aiming for a “good” ending or simply want to preserve the world, this isn’t the path for you. But if you crave a truly unique and impactful finale, one that leaves a mark on the lore and your own conscience, then embracing the Fell Curse is a compelling, albeit bleak, choice.
Understanding the Blessing of Despair
The Blessing of Despair ending sees your Tarnished become Elden Lord, but not in the traditional, hopeful sense. Instead, the Lands Between are subjected to a perpetual curse, ensuring the misery and hopelessness of all its inhabitants. It’s a stark contrast to the other endings, many of which strive to restore order or usher in a new age of prosperity. The Dung Eater’s questline itself is fraught with grotesque imagery and a twisted sense of purpose, making the Fell Curse a natural extension of his influence. Choosing this ending effectively condemns the world to an eternity of suffering.
Is it the “right” choice?
There is no single “right” choice in Elden Ring. The game deliberately presents you with multiple paths, each with its own ramifications. Whether you choose to embrace the Fell Curse depends entirely on your own interpretation of the world and your desired outcome. If you believe the Lands Between are beyond saving, or that suffering is an inevitable part of existence, then the Blessing of Despair might seem like a fitting conclusion. Alternatively, you might simply want to experience all the endings to fully appreciate the complexities of Elden Ring’s narrative.
How to Obtain the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse
First, you must complete the Dung Eater questline. This involves finding him in the Roundtable Hold, freeing his physical form from the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds beneath Leyndell, Royal Capital, and then defeating him in both his physical and spirit form. Upon completing his quest, he bestows upon you the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse.
The Impact of the Fell Curse Ending
The Fell Curse ending is arguably the most impactful, though perhaps not in a positive way, due to its finality. Every other possible ending allows for a glimmer of hope, a chance for improvement, or at least the potential for change. The Blessing of Despair, however, solidifies the suffering of the Lands Between, leaving no room for future redemption. It’s a powerful statement on the cyclical nature of despair and the potential for corruption to take root. It is, without a doubt, the darkest ending to the game. Choosing the ending does not provide specific advantages in the New Game Plus; it is a narrative choice.
Embracing the Darkness: Why Choose the Fell Curse?
Despite its grim nature, the Fell Curse ending offers several compelling reasons for players to consider it:
- Uniqueness: It is, without a doubt, the most unique ending. While other endings offer variations on themes of order and restoration, the Fell Curse stands apart as a testament to despair and corruption.
- Narrative Impact: It provides the most significant negative impact on the Lands Between, therefore provides the player with the greatest narrative impact on the world.
- Character Depth: It allows you to explore the darker aspects of your Tarnished’s personality and motivations. Are you willing to sacrifice everything for a nihilistic goal?
- Completionist Value: If you’re aiming to experience all of Elden Ring’s endings, embracing the Fell Curse is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse and its consequences:
1. Do I keep the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse in New Game Plus?
No. Mending Runes, like Great Runes, are reset upon starting a New Game Plus (NG+) playthrough. You’ll need to complete the Dung Eater’s questline again to acquire it in each subsequent playthrough.
2. What else is lost in New Game Plus?
You’ll lose key items essential for story progression, including Great Runes, Mending Runes, Key Items related to specific questlines. You also lose any discovered map fragments (the map itself stays uncovered, but you’ll need to rediscover the map fragments to show the topography). You will keep levels, stats, flasks, most equipment (weapons, armor, talismans), cookbooks, spirit ashes, gestures, upgrade materials, memory stones, spells, stonesword keys, flask of wondrous physick, crystal tears, golden seeds, and sacred tears.
3. Is New Game Plus Elden Ring harder?
Yes, the enemies in New Game Plus are significantly stronger than in your initial playthrough. Their health and damage output are increased, providing a greater challenge. However, with your existing levels and equipment, you should be well-equipped to handle the increased difficulty.
4. What is the point of doing New Game Plus?
New Game Plus allows you to replay the game with your existing character build, exploring different questlines, choices, and endings. It also provides an opportunity to acquire items you might have missed in your first playthrough, and it lets you continue to level up your character, eventually reaching the maximum level of 713.
5. How do I trigger the Dung Eater’s questline?
You first encounter the Dung Eater as a spectral apparition in the Roundtable Hold after reaching Altus Plateau or obtaining at least two Great Runes. He will insult you and tell you that you are maidenless. After you free his physical form from the Subterranean Shunning-Grounds, you will be able to progress his questline by giving him Seedbed Curses to devour.
6. How many Seedbed Curses do I need for the Dung Eater’s questline?
You need at least 5 Seedbed Curses to fully complete the Dung Eater’s questline and receive the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse. These can be found in various locations throughout the Lands Between, often in areas associated with death and corruption.
7. What happens if I refuse Melina?
Refusing Melina will lock you out of progressing beyond Morgott, the Omen King in Leyndell, Royal Capital. She provides the necessary item to use the Grand Lift of Rold, which is required to reach the Mountaintops of the Giants. So, in short, refusing Melina will stop you from completing the game.
8. How many Talisman Pouches can I obtain?
You can obtain a total of three Talisman Pouches, allowing you to equip up to four Talismans simultaneously.
9. Where can I find Talisman Pouches?
One Talisman Pouch is obtained by defeating Margit, the Fell Omen, at the entrance to Stormveil Castle. The other two are rewarded by Finger Reader Enia in Roundtable Hold after obtaining two Great Runes (or bought by the Twin Maiden Husks if you miss the reward), and after defeating Godfrey, First Elden Lord (Golden Shade) at Leyndell, Royal Capital.
10. Do Smithing Stones carry over to New Game Plus?
Yes, Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones carry over to New Game Plus. This allows you to continue upgrading your weapons to their maximum level.
11. Where can I buy Smithing Stones 7 and 8?
You can purchase Smithing Stones 7 and 8 from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold after giving them the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4].
12. Is there a “true” best weapon or armor in Elden Ring?
There is no objectively “best” weapon or armor in Elden Ring. The optimal choice depends on your character build, playstyle, and personal preferences. However, many players consider certain weapons and armor sets to be particularly powerful or effective in specific situations. Some may consider a weapon or armour with a higher stat is the “TRUE BEST”, but this is not the case.
13. Does romance carry over into New Game Plus in Starfield?
No, romance does not carry over into New Game Plus in Starfield. Relationships are reset, giving you the opportunity to re-romance the same character or pursue a different relationship.
14. Is there a red lightsaber in Jedi Survivor?
Yes, you can unlock a red lightsaber blade color in Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, but only in New Game Plus.
15. Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
You can learn more about the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website, https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games, learning, and society, providing valuable insights and research on the transformative potential of games in education. It’s a valuable resource for educators, researchers, and anyone interested in the power of games to promote learning and development.
Conclusion: The Choice is Yours
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to use the Mending Rune of the Fell Curse rests with you. It’s a choice that speaks to your interpretation of Elden Ring’s world and your desired legacy as the Elden Lord. Embrace the darkness, condemn the Lands Between, and bear the weight of the Blessing of Despair, or choose a different path – the fate of the realm is in your hands. No matter the path, the journey will be memorable.