Should I Summon Ranni or Touch Marika? A Guide to Elden Ring’s Endings
When it comes to the finale of Elden Ring, players are faced with a crucial decision: should they summon Ranni the Witch or touch Marika’s head? This choice determines the fate of the Lands Between and the ending of the game. In this article, we’ll delve into the implications of each choice, highlighting the benefits and drawbacks of each path.
Direct Answer
Should I Summon Ranni or Touch Marika?
If you want to explore a more nuanced and morally gray ending, summoning Ranni is the way to go. Ranni’s ascension brings about a new era, governed by the moon, which sweeps away the Golden Order’s rule. On the other hand, touching Marika’s head leads to the standard Elden Lord ending, where the Tarnished becomes the ruler of the Lands Between.
Ranni’s Age of the Stars
Summoning Ranni triggers the Age of the Stars ending, a path that diverges from the standard narrative. Ranni’s ascension marks the beginning of a new era, where the moon governs the Lands Between. This ending is characterized by:
- No Golden Order: The Golden Order’s rule is overthrown, and a new era of governance begins.
- Ranni as the Moon’s Representative: Ranni becomes the representative of the moon, overseeing the Lands Between.
- A New World Order: The ending brings about a new world order, with Ranni’s guidance shaping the future.
Pros and Cons of Summoning Ranni
Pros:
- A More Nuanced Ending: Summoning Ranni provides a more morally gray ending, leaving room for interpretation.
- A New Era Begins: The Age of the Stars brings about a new era of governance, marked by Ranni’s ascension.
Cons:
- No Elden Lord: By summoning Ranni, you won’t become the Elden Lord.
- No Standard Ending: This path diverges from the standard narrative, which might disappoint some players.
Marika’s Elden Lord Ending
Touching Marika’s head triggers the Elden Lord ending, a path that leads to the standard narrative conclusion. Marika’s death marks the beginning of the Tarnished’s ascension, where they become the ruler of the Lands Between.
- The Tarnished Becomes Elden Lord: By touching Marika’s head, you become the Elden Lord, ruling over the Lands Between.
- Standard Ending: This ending follows the standard narrative, providing a more traditional conclusion.
Pros and Cons of Touching Marika
Pros:
- Becomes Elden Lord: You become the ruler of the Lands Between.
- Standard Ending: This path follows the standard narrative, providing a more traditional conclusion.
Cons:
- Limited Morally Gray Area: The standard ending is more black and white, leaving less room for interpretation.
- No New Era Begins: The Lands Between remain governed by the Tarnished, without a new era beginning.
Comparison Table
| Summoning Ranni | Touching Marika | |
|---|---|---|
| Ending | Age of the Stars | Elden Lord |
| Ranni’s Role | Representative of the Moon | N/A |
| Golden Order | Overthrown | Remains |
| Tarnished’s Role | N/A | Becomes Elden Lord |
| New Era | Begins | N/A |
In conclusion, summoning Ranni or touching Marika are two distinct paths that offer different conclusions to the game. Summoning Ranni provides a more nuanced ending, where Ranni’s ascension brings about a new era of governance. On the other hand, touching Marika triggers the standard Elden Lord ending, where the Tarnished becomes the ruler of the Lands Between. Ultimately, the choice between these two paths depends on your personal preference for a more complex or traditional narrative conclusion.