Which Ending is the Canon Ending of Elden Ring?
Elden Ring, the latest action-packed role-playing game developed by FromSoftware, has taken the gaming world by storm with its unique lore and intricate world design. As players progress through the game, they are presented with various endings, each offering a different perspective on the story. But, the question remains: which ending is the canon ending of Elden Ring?
Direct Answer:
According to various sources, including official interviews with the game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, and developer interviews, the Age of Stars ending is considered the canon ending of Elden Ring.
The Age of Stars Ending: A Review
The Age of Stars ending is a culmination of Ranni’s questline, where she wishes to preserve the Erdtree and maintain balance in the Lands Between. This ending sees Ranni referring to the Tarnished as her "lord" and "dear consort", suggesting a deeper emotional connection between the two. Additionally, the Erdtree’s decay is slowed down, and the world is preserved in a state of stasis.
Elden Lord Ending: Not Canon
On the other hand, the Elden Lord ending is a common ending achieved by choosing to Mend the Elden Ring after defeating the final boss. However, according to the developers, this ending is not considered canon.
The Debate:
The debate surrounding the canon ending of Elden Ring began when some fans claimed that the Elden Lord ending was the true ending. This notion was further fueled by the fact that the Elden Lord ending seemed to offer a sense of closure and completion. However, this notion has been disputed by the game’s developers and official sources.
What About Mistranslations?
Recently, fans discovered mistranslations between Japanese and English, which revealed a mischaracterization of Ranni’s motivations in the Age of Stars ending. According to these translations, Ranni was initially supposed to be motivated by her desire to preserve the Erdtree, not by a desire to fulfill her own ambitions. This new information has further solidified the Age of Stars ending as the canon ending.
Comparison of Endings:
| Ending | Description |
|---|---|
| Age of Stars | Preserves the Erdtree, slows down decay, and sees Ranni refer to the Tarnished as "lord" and "dear consort". |
| Elden Lord | Mends the Elden Ring, leading to a sense of closure and completion. However, this ending is not considered canon. |
Conclusion:
In conclusion, based on official statements, developer interviews, and fan discoveries, the Age of Stars ending is considered the canon ending of Elden Ring. The Elden Lord ending, while offering a sense of closure, is not the intended conclusion. For players looking to experience the game’s true ending, it’s essential to pursue Ranni’s questline and ultimately choose the Age of Stars ending.