Is the Frenzied Flame a bad ending?

Is the Frenzied Flame a bad ending?

In the world of Elden Ring, players have the power to choose their own path and shape the destiny of the Lands Between. One of the most divisive endings is the Frenzied Flame, which sees the Tarnished embracing the Three Fingers and destroying the world. But is this ending truly bad, or is it a necessary evil? In this article, we’ll explore the implications of the Frenzied Flame ending and argue that it’s not necessarily a bad outcome, but rather a tragic necessity.

What is the Frenzied Flame?

The Frenzied Flame is an ending that can be achieved by making a specific choice in the game. This choice involves embracing the power of the Three Fingers and using it to destroy the Lands Between. The Frenzied Flame is a force of chaos that brings about a world-ending calamity, destroying all that was once beautiful and peaceful in the Lands Between.

Why is the Frenzied Flame a bad ending?

One might argue that the Frenzied Flame is a bad ending because it leads to the destruction of the world. Many characters, including Melina and Fia, are killed in this ending, and the Lands Between are reduced to ruins. This could be seen as a bad outcome, as it means the extinction of countless lives and the destruction of an entire world.

Why is the Frenzied Flame a necessary evil?

However, one could argue that the Frenzied Flame is a necessary evil. The Three Fingers represent a force of chaos and destruction that has been present in the world from the beginning. By embracing this power, the Tarnished can potentially bring about a world where the Golden Order and its oppressive rule are eradicated. In this sense, the Frenzied Flame is not necessarily a bad ending, but rather a tragic necessity.

The alternative endings

The other endings in Elden Ring are often seen as more favorable, with the Tarnished restoring balance to the world or becoming a legendary hero. However, these endings come with their own set of drawbacks and compromises. For example, choosing the Elden Lord ending means aligning with the Golden Order and perpetuating its oppressive rule. Meanwhile, the Age of Duskborn ending may bring about a new era of peace and prosperity, but it also means that the world is forever changed and may never be the same again.

The moral implications

Ultimately, the Frenzied Flame ending raises important moral questions. Is it right to sacrifice the world in order to bring about change? Should the Tarnished prioritize their own desires over the well-being of others? These questions have no easy answers, and the ending ultimately comes down to the player’s own values and beliefs.

Conclusion

The Frenzied Flame ending may not be the most popular choice among players, but it’s an important and thought-provoking outcome that raises important questions about the nature of the world and the Tarnished’s role in it. By embracing the power of the Three Fingers, the Tarnished can bring about change, but at a great cost. In this sense, the Frenzied Flame is not necessarily a bad ending, but rather a tragic necessity that forces the player to confront the difficult moral choices that lie at the heart of the game.