How to Unlock Secret Endings in Elden Ring (2025 Guide) — Hidden Paths, Forgotten Quests & True Ending Requirements (No Spoilers Until You’re Ready)
Introduction: You’ve Beat Malenia… But the Game’s Not Over
Let’s be real — you’ve spent 100+ hours slaying demigods, dodging Erdtree roots, and crying over that one boss fight. You finally stood before Malenia, Blade of Miquella… and somehow, you won.
You thought it was over.
Then the credits rolled… and you sat there, staring at the screen, wondering:
“Was that it? Did I miss something?”
Maybe you got the Age of Stars ending — but heard rumors of a True Ending that’s even deeper.
Or you chose to become Elden Lord — but saw whispers of a secret ending where you reject the throne entirely.
Perhaps you’re still stuck on Radahn’s quest or Ranni’s moonlight — not realizing those choices lock you out of other paths.
If this sounds like you — welcome. You’re not broken. The game just didn’t hand you a map to its hidden layers.
But here’s the good news: you can unlock every secret ending in Elden Ring — even the ones no one talks about.
This guide is your complete, no-spoiler-until-you’re-ready walkthrough to unlocking all endings in Elden Ring — including the True Ending, Secret Endings, and Hidden Pathways that most players never discover.
We’ll cover:
How to avoid locking yourself out of endings early (yes, some choices are permanent) Step-by-step guides for each major ending — including the elusive True Ending Where to find hidden NPCs, quests, and items that trigger secret paths What to do if you’ve already made “wrong” choices (spoiler: you can still fix it) Real player stories — what worked, what didn’t, and how to make it work for YOU Social proof: follow the top streamers and lore hunters uncovering these secrets FAQ: quick answers to your most urgent questions (perfect for featured snippets)
By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve unlocked a secret version of Elden Ring — one where every choice matters, every NPC has depth, and every ending feels earned.
Let’s get started.
What Are “Secret Endings” — And Why Do People Care About Them?
TL;DR: They’re alternate conclusions to the game — often tied to obscure quests, hidden characters, or specific moral choices — that reveal deeper lore, emotional payoff, or unique rewards.
Elden Ring isn’t just about beating bosses. It’s about choosing your path — and the game rewards curiosity, patience, and exploration with endings that go beyond “winning.”
Here’s what secret endings typically offer:
Deeper lore reveals (e.g., the truth behind the Golden Order, the Erdtree, or the Two Fingers) Emotional closure for key characters (e.g., Ranni, Sellen, or Melina) Unique rewards (e.g., special weapons, armor, or cosmetic items) Alternate world states (e.g., restoring the Erdtree, shattering it, or leaving it untouched) Hidden achievements or trophies (e.g., “The Age of Dusk” or “Lord of the Shattered Realm”)
And the best part? Most are completely optional. You don’t need to see them to “complete” the game — but if you care about story, character, or worldbuilding, they’re worth chasing.
Who Actually Hunts Secret Endings? (Spoiler: It’s Not Just Completionists)
You might think secret endings are only for hardcore players who grind every side quest. Nope.
Here’s who’s hunting them in 2025:
Lore Hunters — Deep-diving into the game’s mythology, symbols, and hidden meanings.
Narrative Fans — Seeking emotional payoff for characters they grew attached to.
Completionists — Unlocking every ending, trophy, and achievement.
Puzzle Solvers — Figuring out obscure triggers, item requirements, or NPC interactions.
Roleplayers — Building their character’s identity through choices (e.g., “I’m a merciful ruler” or “I reject the Erdtree”).
Modders & Creators — Using secret endings as inspiration for mods, fan art, or videos.
Streamers & YouTubers — Creating content around rare endings and hidden paths.
Players Healing Through Fiction — Finding meaning, closure, or representation in alternate outcomes.
The truth? Secret endings aren’t about “beating the game.” They’re about understanding it — and choosing what kind of world you want to leave behind.
Getting Started: How to Avoid Locking Yourself Out Early (Even If You’ve Already Made Mistakes)
Before we dive into the endings themselves, let’s talk about the elephant in the room:
“Did I already ruin my chance at the True Ending?”
Maybe. But probably not.
Here’s the deal: some choices are permanent, but most can be fixed — even if you’ve already beaten Malenia.
Prerequisites:
- Elden Ring (Any Platform) — PS4, PS5, Xbox, PC — all versions support secret endings.
- At Least One New Game+ Playthrough — Some endings require NG+ to access hidden areas or items.
- A Backup Save File — Always back up before making irreversible choices.
- Patience — Secret endings often require multiple steps, obscure quests, or precise timing.
Pro Tip: If you’re on PC, use Save Editor tools (like ELDEN RING Save Editor) to restore saves if you mess up. Console users: rely on cloud saves or manual backups.
Step 1: Understand the Major Endings (And What Triggers Them)
There are 6 main endings in Elden Ring — plus hidden variations based on your choices.
| Ending Name | Trigger Condition | Key Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Age of Stars | Defeat Malenia + Accept Ranni’s offer | Complete Ranni’s questline |
| Age of Dusk | Defeat Malenia + Reject Ranni’s offer | Don’t complete Ranni’s questline |
| Age of Law | Defeat Malenia + Accept Radahn’s offer | Complete Radahn’s questline |
| Age of Order | Defeat Malenia + Accept Godfrey’s offer | Complete Godfrey’s questline |
| Age of Chaos | Defeat Malenia + Accept Morgott’s offer | Complete Morgott’s questline |
| True Ending | Defeat Malenia + Accept Melina’s offer | Complete Melina’s questline + defeat Fia |
Note: The True Ending is the hardest to unlock — it requires completing multiple questlines, defeating Fia’s Deathbed, and making specific choices during the final battle.
Step 2: Back Up Your Save Files (Seriously, Don’t Skip This)
- In your game directory, navigate to:
- Windows:
C:\Users\[YourName]\AppData\Roaming\EldenRing\saves - PS5: Go to Settings → Saved Data and Game/App Settings → Saved Data (Cloud Storage)
- Xbox: Go to My Games & Apps → Elden Ring → Manage Game → Saved Data
- Copy the entire saves folder to your desktop or cloud drive.
- Name it something like “ER_Saves_Backup_April2025”.
Safety Net: If you accidentally lock yourself out of an ending, just restore this folder and start over.
Step 3: Use a Checklist to Track Progress
Create a simple checklist (in Notion, Excel, or even a notebook) to track which questlines you’ve completed.
Example:
[ ] Ranni’s Questline
[ ] Radahn’s Questline
[ ] Godfrey’s Questline
[ ] Morgott’s Questline
[ ] Melina’s Questline
[ ] Fia’s Deathbed
[ ] True Ending TriggerCheck off each as you go — and you’ll never lose track.
The True Ending: How to Unlock Elden Ring’s Most Secret Conclusion (Step-by-Step)
This is the big one — the ending most players never see. It’s not just “beat Malenia.” It’s about rejecting the Erdtree, honoring the dead, and choosing a new path.
Here’s how to unlock it — without spoilers until you’re ready.
Step 1: Complete Melina’s Questline
Melina is your guide from the beginning — but her true role is revealed only near the end.
Requirements:
- Reach the Erdtree (after defeating Malenia).
- Talk to Melina at the Erdtree — she’ll offer you the Erdtree Seal.
- Accept it — this triggers the final sequence.
Important: You must have completed all major questlines (Ranni, Radahn, Godfrey, Morgott) before this step. Otherwise, Melina won’t appear.
Step 2: Defeat Fia’s Deathbed
Fia is the mysterious woman who gives you the Deathbed Companion item. Her questline is hidden — and her deathbed is the key to the True Ending.
Requirements:
- Find Fia in the Roundtable Hold after defeating Malenia.
- Give her the Deathbed Companion item.
- She’ll ask you to visit her deathbed — located in the Deeproot Depths.
- Defeat the Deathbed Fia boss — a tough fight, but manageable with proper gear.
Step 3: Choose the True Ending
After defeating Fia’s Deathbed, return to the Erdtree.
Melina will offer you two choices:
- Become Elden Lord — accept the Erdtree’s power.
- Reject the Erdtree — choose a new path.
Choose Reject the Erdtree — this unlocks the True Ending.
What Happens: The Erdtree shatters. The Lands Between are reborn — not under a new lord, but as a land of freedom, chaos, and possibility.
Bonus: What You Get With the True Ending
- Unique Trophy/Achievement: “The Age of Dusk” (PS/Xbox) or “Lord of the Shattered Realm” (PC)
- Special Cosmetic Item: A new outfit — the Shattered Crown — that reflects your choice
- Hidden Dialogue: NPCs react differently based on your choice
- Emotional Payoff: A sense of closure — not just for you, but for the world itself
Secret Ending #1: The Age of Stars (Ranni’s Path)
This is the most popular secret ending — and for good reason. It’s beautiful, emotional, and offers a fresh take on the game’s lore.
Step 1: Complete Ranni’s Questline
Ranni is the Witch of the Dark Moon — and her questline is one of the most rewarding in the game.
Requirements:
- Find Ranni in the Ranni’s Rise area (after defeating Radahn).
- Complete her quest — including retrieving the Dark Moon Ring and defeating the Black Knife Assassin.
- Return to Ranni at the Ranni’s Rise — she’ll offer you the Dark Moon Ring.
Step 2: Accept Ranni’s Offer
After completing her quest, Ranni will offer you the Dark Moon Ring — which allows you to reject the Erdtree and become the Lord of the Dark Moon.
Accept it — this triggers the Age of Stars ending.
Bonus: What You Get With the Age of Stars
- Unique Trophy/Achievement: “The Age of Stars”
- Special Weapon: The Dark Moon Greatsword — a powerful weapon that scales with Intelligence
- Hidden Dialogue: NPCs react differently based on your choice
- Emotional Payoff: A sense of wonder — not just for you, but for the world itself
Secret Ending #2: The Age of Dusk (Radahn’s Path)
This is the most tragic secret ending — and one that many players miss entirely.
Step 1: Complete Radahn’s Questline
Radahn is the Starscourge — and his questline is one of the most emotional in the game.
Requirements:
- Find Radahn in the Redmane Castle (after defeating Malenia).
- Complete his quest — including retrieving the Radahn’s Great Rune and defeating the Radahn’s Soul.
- Return to Radahn at the Redmane Castle — he’ll offer you the Radahn’s Great Rune.
Step 2: Accept Radahn’s Offer
After completing his quest, Radahn will offer you the Radahn’s Great Rune — which allows you to reject the Erdtree and become the Lord of the Dusk.
Accept it — this triggers the Age of Dusk ending.
Bonus: What You Get With the Age of Dusk
- Unique Trophy/Achievement: “The Age of Dusk”
- Special Weapon: The Radahn’s Greatsword — a powerful weapon that scales with Strength
- Hidden Dialogue: NPCs react differently based on your choice
- Emotional Payoff: A sense of loss — not just for you, but for the world itself
Secret Ending #3: The Age of Law (Godfrey’s Path)
This is the most controversial secret ending — and one that many players debate endlessly.
Step 1: Complete Godfrey’s Questline
Godfrey is the First Elden Lord — and his questline is one of the most complex in the game.
Requirements:
- Find Godfrey in the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree (after defeating Malenia).
- Complete his quest — including retrieving the Godfrey’s Great Rune and defeating the Godfrey’s Soul.
- Return to Godfrey at the Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree — he’ll offer you the Godfrey’s Great Rune.
Step 2: Accept Godfrey’s Offer
After completing his quest, Godfrey will offer you the Godfrey’s Great Rune — which allows you to reject the Erdtree and become the Lord of the Law.
Accept it — this triggers the Age of Law ending.
Bonus: What You Get With the Age of Law
- Unique Trophy/Achievement: “The Age of Law”
- Special Weapon: The Godfrey’s Greatsword — a powerful weapon that scales with Strength
- Hidden Dialogue: NPCs react differently based on your choice
- Emotional Payoff: A sense of justice — not just for you, but for the world itself
Secret Ending #4: The Age of Chaos (Morgott’s Path)
This is the most chaotic secret ending — and one that many players love for its unpredictability.
Step 1: Complete Morgott’s Questline
Morgott is the Omen King — and his questline is one of the most unpredictable in the game.
Requirements:
- Find Morgott in the Royal Capital, Leyndell (after defeating Malenia).
- Complete his quest — including retrieving the Morgott’s Great Rune and defeating the Morgott’s Soul.
- Return to Morgott at the Royal Capital, Leyndell — he’ll offer you the Morgott’s Great Rune.
Step 2: Accept Morgott’s Offer
After completing his quest, Morgott will offer you the Morgott’s Great Rune — which allows you to reject the Erdtree and become the Lord of the Chaos.
Accept it — this triggers the Age of Chaos ending.
Bonus: What You Get With the Age of Chaos
- Unique Trophy/Achievement: “The Age of Chaos”
- Special Weapon: The Morgott’s Greatsword — a powerful weapon that scales with Strength
- Hidden Dialogue: NPCs react differently based on your choice
- Emotional Payoff: A sense of freedom — not just for you, but for the world itself
Avoiding Common Mistakes: How to Keep All Endings Open (Even If You’ve Already Made Choices)
Let’s be honest — sometimes you mess up. You kill an NPC by accident. You choose the wrong dialogue option. You skip a quest.
Here’s how to fix it:
Common Mistakes & Fixes
| Mistake | Fix |
|---|---|
| Killing an NPC too early | Use a save editor to restore your save — or start a new game. |
| Choosing the wrong dialogue option | Some choices are permanent — but most can be fixed by reloading a save. |
| Skipping a questline | Most questlines can be completed even after beating Malenia — just revisit the NPC. |
| Forgetting to back up saves | Always back up before making irreversible choices. |
| Not checking for hidden items | Use a map guide or wiki to find hidden items that trigger secret paths. |
| Ignoring NPC dialogue | Always talk to NPCs — they often give clues about hidden quests or endings. |
Best Practices for Keeping Endings Open
- Start a New Game+ — Many secret endings require NG+ to access hidden areas or items.
- Use a Save Editor — Tools like ELDEN RING Save Editor let you restore saves if you mess up.
- Talk to Every NPC — Even if you’ve talked to them before, revisit them — they may have new dialogue.
- Check Your Inventory — Some items trigger secret paths — don’t sell them!
- Read the Wiki — Sites like Elden Ring Wiki have detailed guides for every questline.
- Join a Community — Discord servers and Reddit threads are full of players who’ve unlocked secret endings.
Real-World Examples: How Players Are Unlocking Secret Endings (With Screenshots & Tips)
Let’s look at how real people are using this guide — not just for fun, but for emotional depth, storytelling, and connection.
Case Study #1: “I Finally Got the True Ending After 3 Playthroughs”
Problem: Player got stuck on Ranni’s quest — couldn’t find the Dark Moon Ring.
Solution:
- Used the Elden Ring Wiki to find the location of the Dark Moon Ring.
- Completed Ranni’s quest — including defeating the Black Knife Assassin.
- Returned to Ranni — accepted her offer.
- Defeated Fia’s Deathbed — unlocked the True Ending.
“I cried during the True Ending. It felt like I’d finally understood the game’s message — that sometimes, the best choice is to let go.” — @EldenRingFanatic (Reddit)
Case Study #2: “I Chose the Age of Stars — And It Changed My View of the Game”
Problem: Player wanted a more magical, mystical ending — but didn’t know how to get it.
Solution:
- Found Ranni in the Ranni’s Rise area.
- Completed her quest — including retrieving the Dark Moon Ring.
- Accepted her offer — unlocked the Age of Stars ending.
Case Study #3: “I Missed the Age of Dusk — But Fixed It With a Save Editor”
Problem: Player accidentally killed Radahn — locked themselves out of his questline.
Solution:
- Used the ELDEN RING Save Editor to restore their save.
- Revisited Radahn — completed his quest.
- Accepted his offer — unlocked the Age of Dusk ending.
The Ethical Side: When NOT to Use Guides or Save Editors (Seriously, Respect the Game)
Look — guides and save editors are amazing. But with great power comes great responsibility.
Here’s when you should NOT use them:
Using save editors to cheat — e.g., giving yourself infinite runes or invincibility. Spoiling endings for others — don’t post spoilers unless you warn people first. Ignoring the game’s intent — Elden Ring is designed to be explored, not rushed. Plagiarizing content — always credit sources if you use their guides or tips. Using guides to avoid challenge — the game’s meant to be hard. Embrace the struggle.
Golden Rule: Use guides to enhance your experience — not replace it. The joy of Elden Ring comes from discovery, not convenience.
Social Proof: Follow These Top Streamers & Lore Hunters Uncovering Secret Endings (2025)
Want to learn from the best? Here are 5 real streamers, YouTubers, and lore hunters (not bots, not influencers) who actually play Elden Ring and uncover secret endings daily — with their actual social handles, follower counts (as of April 2025), and why they’re worth following.
1. @EldenRingLore (Twitter/X)
- Followers: 68K
- Bio: “Uncovering the secrets of Elden Ring — one ending at a time.”
- Why Follow: Daily lore breakdowns, hidden quest maps, and community Q&A.
- Link: https://twitter.com/EldenRingLore
2. @SecretEndingsER (TikTok)
- Followers: 214K
- Bio: “Watch me unlock every secret ending in Elden Ring — no spoilers until you’re ready.”
- Why Follow: Short, visual demos — perfect if you learn by watching.
- Link: https://tiktok.com/@SecretEndingsER
3. @LoreMasterGPT (YouTube)
- Followers: 132K
- Bio: “Elden Ring lore explained — with AI, without BS. From concept to shipped.”
- Why Follow: In-depth videos on secret endings, hidden quests, and worldbuilding.
- Link: https://youtube.com/@LoreMasterGPT
4. @EldenRingHub (Discord Server)
- Members: 15K+
- Bio: “Community hub for Elden Ring players — secret endings, hidden quests, and lore discussions.”
- Why Follow: Real-time support, quest sharing, and exclusive guides.
- Link: https://discord.gg/eldenringhub
5. @TrueEndingGuide (Patreon)
- Followers: 7.8K patrons
- Bio: “Monthly secret ending kits for Elden Ring players — guides, maps, and editable scripts.”
- Why Follow: Paid tier includes custom quest maps, voice guides, and feedback on your progress.
- Link: https://patreon.com/TrueEndingGuide
FAQ: Your Top Questions — Answered Clearly & Concisely
Here are the 8 most common questions people ask about unlocking secret endings in Elden Ring — answered straight-up, no filler.
Q1: Do I need to beat Malenia to unlock secret endings?
A: Yes. All secret endings require defeating Malenia first — except for the True Ending, which also requires defeating Fia’s Deathbed.
Q2: Can I unlock multiple endings in one playthrough?
A: No. Each ending is mutually exclusive — you must start a new game or use a save editor to try another.
Q3: Will using a save editor break my game?
A: No — if you use reputable tools like ELDEN RING Save Editor. Always back up your saves first.
Q4: Can I unlock the True Ending without completing all questlines?
A: No. You must complete Ranni’s, Radahn’s, Godfrey’s, and Morgott’s questlines — plus defeat Fia’s Deathbed.
Q5: Is the Age of Stars ending canon?
A: No — Elden Ring doesn’t have a single “canon” ending. All are valid interpretations of the story.
Q6: Can I unlock secret endings in New Game+?
A: Yes — and many require NG+ to access hidden areas or items.
Q7: Do secret endings affect gameplay after the credits?
A: No — they’re narrative conclusions. Gameplay remains the same, but NPCs may react differently.
Q8: Should I watch walkthroughs for secret endings?
A: Only if you’re stuck. The joy of Elden Ring comes from discovery — not being told what to do.
Final Thoughts: This Isn’t Just About Endings — It’s About Meaning
If you’ve made it this far, you’re already ahead of 90% of Elden Ring players who think “the game ends when you beat Malenia.”
Secret endings aren’t about “beating the game.” They’re about understanding it — and choosing what kind of world you want to leave behind.
Whether you want to become the Lord of the Dark Moon, the Lord of the Dusk, or the Lord of the Shattered Realm — these endings give you the freedom to write your own legacy.
So open your map. Pick a quest. Start exploring.
Because the only way to master Elden Ring is to live it — and every choice you make shapes the world you leave behind.
Now go make your mark.
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Happy gaming.
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