Which is the Good Ending in Elden Ring? Navigating the Lands Between for the Best Outcome
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Choosing the “good” ending in Elden Ring isn’t a simple matter of black and white. It largely depends on your interpretation of “good” within the game’s complex narrative. However, considering factors like the least amount of suffering inflicted, the potential for future prosperity, and aligning with characters who demonstrate genuine concern for the Lands Between, the Age of the Stars ending, achieved through Ranni’s questline, is arguably the most optimistic and “good” ending available. It represents a departure from the control of the Greater Will and the Golden Order, ushering in an era of freedom guided by the Moon, with less direct interference in mortal affairs. While other endings may restore order, they often do so at a significant cost, maintaining a cycle of control and potentially perpetuating suffering. Ultimately, Ranni’s ending offers the most profound chance for real change and a brighter future, even if it’s a future shrouded in the unknown.
Understanding Elden Ring’s Endings
Elden Ring presents players with a multitude of choices that directly impact the fate of the Lands Between. Upon defeating the final boss, the Elden Beast, you’re given the opportunity to mend the Elden Ring, essentially choosing which force or philosophy will shape the new era. Each ending has its proponents and detractors, and understanding their implications is crucial for deciding what constitutes a “good” outcome.
Age of the Stars: A New Order
The Age of the Stars ending, unlocked by completing Ranni the Witch’s lengthy and intricate questline, sees the player becoming her consort and ushering in an age ruled by the Moon’s influence. This ending signifies a move away from the rigid control of the Greater Will and the Golden Order, offering a more individualistic and less intrusive form of governance. Ranni believes that gods shouldn’t interfere in the lives of mortals, thus bringing forth an order where the stars decide your destiny.
Age of Order: Restoring the Balance
The Age of Order ending, accessible by completing Brother Corhyn and Goldmask’s questline and using the Mending Rune of Perfect Order, aims to restore the Golden Order to a more stable and balanced state. This ending appeals to those who value order and stability, but it also implies a continuation of the existing power structures, albeit with some modifications to address its shortcomings.
Age of Fracture: The Status Quo
The Age of Fracture, also known as the default ending, is the simplest to achieve. By merely mending the Elden Ring without any special runes, you become Elden Lord, essentially returning the world to the pre-Shattering status quo. While this avoids any drastic changes, it also fails to address the underlying issues that led to the Shattering in the first place.
Lord of Frenzied Flame: Embracing Chaos
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is arguably the “worst” ending. By inheriting the Frenzied Flame from the Three Fingers, you become a vessel for destruction, intending to burn everything away and return it to a state of primordial chaos. This ending is characterized by nihilism and widespread destruction, causing immense suffering. Melina abandons you and vows revenge if you choose this path.
Other Endings: Variations on a Theme
There are also variations on the main endings, such as the Age of Duskborn and the Blessing of Despair, each with its own unique implications for the world. These endings introduce new elements or alter the existing order in specific ways, adding further nuance to the game’s narrative.
Is Ranni Truly a Savior?
While the Age of the Stars ending is often considered the “good” ending, it’s important to consider Ranni’s own motivations and actions. She orchestrated the Night of Black Knives, which led to Godwyn the Golden’s death and the Shattering of the Elden Ring. However, her actions were driven by a desire to escape the control of the Greater Will and forge her own destiny, even if it came at a great cost.
Some argue that Ranni is a morally grey character, but her ultimate goal is to liberate humanity from the meddling of external forces, allowing them to shape their own future. This aligns with a more optimistic and progressive view of the world, where individuals have agency and freedom. As noted by Julianna Swickard of CBR, her ending is the “best possible outcome” despite her morally gray character. Many view her as a hero for these reasons.
FAQs: Decoding Elden Ring’s Endings
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the complexities of Elden Ring’s endings:
1. Does it really matter which ending you get in Elden Ring?
Yes, the ending you choose has significant implications for the future of the Lands Between. Each ending brings about a different ruler or guiding principle, reshaping the world and the lives of its inhabitants.
2. Which ending is considered the most “evil”?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is generally considered the most “evil” due to its destructive nature and the immense suffering it inflicts on the world.
3. How do you unlock the Age of the Stars ending?
You must complete Ranni’s extensive questline, which involves exploring various regions, defeating specific bosses, and making key decisions that align with her goals.
4. Is the default Elden Ring ending bad?
The Age of Fracture is not inherently “bad,” but it’s also not particularly “good.” It simply returns the world to its previous state, without addressing the underlying problems that caused the Shattering.
5. What role does Melina play in the endings?
Melina plays a crucial role, guiding the player towards becoming Elden Lord. However, she strongly opposes the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending and will abandon the player if they pursue it. She vows to bring destined death to the newly-christened Lord of Frenzied Flame.
6. How difficult is it to achieve the Frenzied Flame ending?
The Lord of Frenzied Flame ending is considered one of the more difficult endings to achieve, as it requires venturing into a hidden area beneath Leyndell and accepting the Frenzied Flame from the Three Fingers.
7. Is Ranni a hero or a villain in Elden Ring?
Ranni is a complex character with both heroic and villainous traits. Her actions led to significant upheaval, but her ultimate goal is to liberate humanity from external control. Whether she’s a hero or villain depends on your perspective.
8. What is the Age of Order ending all about?
The Age of Order ending, achieved through the Mending Rune of Perfect Order, aims to restore the Golden Order to a more stable and balanced state, correcting its flaws and ensuring its continued dominance.
9. Is there a “canon” ending to Elden Ring?
FromSoftware hasn’t officially declared a canon ending. Some believe the Age of Fracture is the closest to a canon ending, as it’s the default option and aligns with the game’s initial premise.
10. What happens if you become Lord of the Frenzied Flame?
Becoming Lord of the Frenzied Flame locks you into that ending, and Melina abandons you. The world is consumed by chaos and fire.
11. Is Elden Ring 2 confirmed?
While there’s no official confirmation, hints and speculation suggest that FromSoftware may be considering a sequel to Elden Ring.
12. How many total endings are there in Elden Ring?
There are six main endings, with slight variations depending on the specific Mending Rune used. Data miners have also found evidence of a cut seventh ending.
13. How does Melina betray the player?
Melina doesn’t exactly betray the player, but she will leave their side if they choose to embrace the Frenzied Flame, deeming them unfit to become Elden Lord.
14. What is the significance of the Three Fingers?
The Three Fingers represent the opposing force to the Two Fingers and the Greater Will, advocating for chaos and the destruction of the existing order.
15. How does the Games Learning Society relate to Elden Ring?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explores the educational and social impacts of games like Elden Ring, including how they promote problem-solving, critical thinking, and narrative comprehension. Engaging with games like Elden Ring fosters these skills, aligning with the goals of the Games Learning Society.
Conclusion: Choosing Your Fate in the Lands Between
Ultimately, the “good” ending in Elden Ring is subjective and depends on your personal values and interpretation of the game’s lore. However, the Age of the Stars ending stands out as the most optimistic and forward-thinking, offering a chance for real change and liberation from the control of external forces. While other endings may provide stability or order, they often come at the cost of individual freedom and perpetuate the cycle of suffering. By choosing Ranni’s path, you’re embracing the unknown and forging a new destiny for the Lands Between, guided by the light of the Moon and the potential for true autonomy.