Elden Ring presents players with a moral dilemma that forces them to choose between committing a Cardinal Sin or missing out on certain endings and NPC side quests. This decision poses a philosophical question that is central to ethical theory: what is the right course of action?
The game’s decision to present players with such a dilemma is a testament to the increasing complexity and philosophical depth of video games. It raises ethical questions about the morality of actions taken to achieve a desired outcome.
As players navigate this choice, they will be forced to confront their own moral compass and make decisions that affect not only their in-game experience but also their own ethical beliefs. This article will analyze the ethical implications of this moral dilemma and provide insight into how players can make the best decision for their individual circumstances.
Key Takeaways
- Elden Ring presents players with a moral dilemma of committing a Cardinal Sin or missing out on certain endings and NPC side quests.
- Committing the Cardinal Sin is necessary to progress in the main story, but it comes with consequences, including locked NPC side questlines, limited ending options, exploring Azula’s dangers, and managing NPC relationships.
- All possible endings in the game require committing the Cardinal Sin, and the decision comes down to the player’s personal values and priorities.
- The hub serves as a central area where players can access different parts of the game, including the main story and side quests, and learn more about the game’s lore and mythology. Exploring the hub can uncover hidden paths, items, and NPCs that provide additional information about the game’s world and its inhabitants, making their experience more meaningful and rewarding.
Necessary Sacrifice
Committing the Cardinal Sin of burning the Erdtree in Elden Ring is a necessary sacrifice for players to progress in the main story. This is because all possible endings in the game require committing a Cardinal Sin.
Melina, a character in the game, will sacrifice herself to set the Erdtree aflame, and players will be thrown to Crumbling Farum Azula, where they’ll face the Godskin duo boss. To reach the first Site of Grace, players need to defeat six powerful enemies, and the island of Azula is filled with tornadoes.
However, by committing the sin, players will lock NPC side questlines that haven’t been completed yet, restricting two of the available endings. Weighing the options of committing a Cardinal Sin in Elden Ring comes with moral implications.
On one hand, players can still fight all major bosses and access all playable content after committing the sin. On the other hand, they will be unable to change their ending to either of the Three Fingers options. Players who wish to experience all possible endings should consider completing all side questlines before committing the sin.
Moreover, it is impossible to do everything in one playthrough, and the Elden Ring hub offers more stories and information about the game. Ultimately, the decision to commit the sin comes down to the player’s personal values and priorities.
Consequences and Limitations
The act of progressing in the main story of Elden Ring requires a specific action that imposes limitations on the player’s ability to experience the full range of available content. Burning the Erdtree is necessary to advance in the game, but it comes with consequences that affect the player’s ability to explore and interact with the game’s world fully.
Here are four limitations that players face after committing the Cardinal Sin:
- Locked NPC side questlines: Players who haven’t completed all NPC side questlines before committing the sin will find them locked. This means that players will miss out on the unique experiences and rewards that these quests offer.
- Limited ending options: All possible endings in Elden Ring require committing a Cardinal Sin. However, players won’t be able to change their ending to either of the Three Fingers options.
- Exploring Azula’s dangers: After committing the sin, players will be thrown to Crumbling Farum Azula, where they’ll face the Godskin duo boss. The island of Azula is filled with tornadoes, making it a challenging environment to navigate and survive.
- Managing NPC relationships: Committing the sin may affect the player’s relationship with NPCs, who may become hostile or refuse to interact with the player. This can limit the player’s ability to access certain content or receive assistance from NPCs.
Overall, committing the Cardinal Sin in Elden Ring comes with significant consequences that limit the player’s experience. Players must weigh the benefits of progressing in the main story against missing out on side quests, limited endings, and managing NPC relationships.
Exploring Elden Ring’s Hub
One key aspect of Elden Ring that players can explore is its hub, which offers additional stories and information about the game. The hub serves as a central area where players can access different parts of the game, including the main story and side quests. In addition, it provides players with a chance to learn more about the game’s lore and mythology.
The hub is also home to many secrets waiting to be uncovered. Players can explore the area and find hidden paths, items, and NPCs that provide additional information about the game’s world and its inhabitants. By taking the time to explore the hub, players can gain a deeper understanding of the game’s story, making their experience more meaningful and rewarding.
Overall, the hub serves as an integral component of Elden Ring, providing players with a wealth of knowledge and secrets that can enhance their gameplay experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Cardinal Sins in Elden Ring?
Elden Ring’s Cardinal Sins include burning the Erdtree, necessary for story progression, and required for all endings. This choice has theological implications, as it involves committing a sin, but also grants players agency over their character’s morality and fate.
Can players progress in the main story without committing a Cardinal Sin?
Ethical dilemmas arise in Elden Ring as players must commit a Cardinal Sin to progress in the main story. However, player choices determine whether to complete NPC side quests and which endings to achieve.
How many endings are available in Elden Ring?
Exploring consequences of committing a Cardinal Sin in Elden Ring unlocks secrets and leads to multiple endings. All endings require the sin, but two options will be locked. Completing side quests prior to sinning is advised.
What happens to NPC side questlines after committing a Cardinal Sin?
Committing a Cardinal Sin in Elden Ring impacts NPC relationships by locking side quests. While gameplay mechanics remain intact, two endings become unavailable. Completing side quests before committing the sin is advised due to the impossibility of doing everything in one playthrough.
What kind of content can players find in Elden Ring’s hub?
The Elden Ring hub provides players with various features, including the ability to explore the game’s lore, access additional stories, and interact with NPCs. Questing in the hub allows players to complete side quests, gather resources, and upgrade their character’s abilities.
