What is the Most Canon Ending of Elden Ring?
Elden Ring, the critically acclaimed action RPG, has captivated gamers with its intricate lore and multiple endings. While there are various theories and opinions on the matter, this article aims to delve into the world of the Lands Between and uncover the most canon ending of the game.
The Frenzied Flame and its Goals
Before exploring the canon ending, it’s essential to understand the motivations of the Frenzied Flame, a pivotal character in the game. The Frenzied Flame wishes to destroy the Lands Between and spread chaos, eradicating the Greater Will’s influence and corrupting people to serve its desires.
The Canon Ending: Age of the Duskborn
While there are several endings in Elden Ring, the Age of the Duskborn stands out as the most canon ending. This ending is supported by several pieces of evidence, including:
• Shadow of the Erdtree: The artwork for Shadow of the Erdtree depicts the Erdtree still standing, albeit in a decayed state, which is consistent with the Age of the Duskborn ending.
• Character Consistency: The Mimic’s actions in the game align with the outcome of the Age of the Duskborn ending.
• Story Arc: The narrative of the game, including the fate of Marika and the gods, converges to support the Age of the Duskborn ending.
• Mechanics and Pacing: The game’s mechanics and pacing build towards the Age of the Duskborn ending, with a clear escalation in difficulty and intensity as the player approaches the final boss.
Other Endings: The Lord of Chaos and Lord of Frenzied Flame
While the Age of the Duskborn ending is the most canon, the game also features two other endings:
• Lord of Chaos: In this ending, the Frenzied Flame consumes the Erdtree, bringing about a dark and chaotic era. However, this ending contradicts the Shadow of the Erdtree artwork and the character consistency argument.
• Lord of Frenzied Flame: This ending sees the player becoming the Lord of the Frenzied Flame, perpetuating chaos and destruction. However, this ending lacks the coherence and consistency of the Age of the Duskborn ending.
Conclusion
In conclusion, based on the available evidence and game mechanics, the Age of the Duskborn ending is the most canon ending of Elden Ring. While there are various theories and opinions on the matter, this ending aligns with the game’s narrative, mechanics, and pacing. Whether you choose to interpret the ending as a ray of hope or a dark omen, the Age of the Duskborn ending provides a fitting conclusion to the epic journey in the Lands Between.
Additional Considerations
- The player’s choice of whether to quell or burn the Frenzied Flame can influence certain events and encounters in the game, but it does not impact the overall outcome of the story.
- Some players may find alternative endings appealing, such as the Lord of Chaos or Lord of Frenzied Flame, but these endings lack the cohesion and consistency of the Age of the Duskborn ending.
Table: Elden Ring Endings Comparison
| Ending | Consistency with Story | Character Motivations | Mechanics and Pacing | Coherence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age of the Duskborn | ||||
| Lord of Chaos | ||||
| Lord of Frenzied Flame |
Note: represents alignment, and represents misalignment.