Elden Ring Mending Runes Guide

Elden Ring Mending Runes Guide: How to Choose Your Ending with Wisdom and Power

In Elden Ring, every decision carries weight, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the game’s ending. Among the many branching conclusions available to the Tarnished, the Mending Runes offer distinct paths that reshape the world and redefine the Golden Order itself. These rare and significant Key Items are tied directly to the choices you make throughout your journey, influencing not only the lore but also the legacy you leave behind.

What Are Mending Runes?

Elden Ring Mending Runes Guide

Mending Runes are Key Items used to alter the outcome of the “Elden Lord” ending. After defeating the Elden Beast at the summit of the Stone Platform, players are presented with the chance to repair the shattered Elden Ring. By using a Mending Rune at Fractured Marika’s Site of Grace, you will trigger a specific ending based on the rune’s philosophy.

Unlike other Great Runes, Mending Runes are designed to redefine the future of the Lands Between. They serve as unique modifications to the Elden Ring itself—ideological blueprints that can usher in new Ages depending on your choices.

How to Use Mending Runes

  1. Defeat the Elden Beast – This is the final boss of the main story.
  2. Reach Fractured Marika – This is where the ending sequence begins.
  3. Select a Mending Rune (if you have one) – This determines the specific “Elden Lord” variant you will receive.

You may also choose not to use a Mending Rune at all. Doing so results in the default Age of Fracture, a neutral restoration of the Golden Order. Importantly, this still unlocks the Elden Lord achievement.

All Mending Runes and Their Endings

Mending Rune How to Obtain Associated Ending Description
Mending Rune of Perfect Order Complete Goldmask’s questline (with Brother Corhyn) Age of Order A highly structured and logical age that restores balance and absolute order to the Lands Between.
Mending Rune of the Death-Prince Complete Fia’s questline (involving Godwyn the Golden) Age of the Duskborn Brings death back into the cycle of life, ending immortality and restoring the natural order.
Mending Rune of the Fell Curse Complete the Dung Eater’s questline Blessing of Despair Curses the Lands Between, spreading filth and suffering as retribution for centuries of oppression.

Key Lore Insights

  • Each rune signifies a philosophical shift in the world’s structure.
  • These endings are not just cosmetic—they reflect ideological consequences driven by your in-game alliances.
  • Choosing a Mending Rune requires commitment to that character’s arc, often involving complex and hidden questlines.

Can You Miss a Mending Rune?

Yes. If you do not complete the related NPC questlines before finishing the game, you may miss the opportunity to obtain a Mending Rune. These questlines often contain timed or missable events, so it’s best to pursue them diligently if you want full control over your ending.

Elden Ring Mending Runes FAQ

Q1: What are Mending Runes in Elden Ring?

A: Mending Runes are special Key Items that allow players to choose different variations of the “Elden Lord” ending. Each rune reflects a different ideology and is tied to an NPC’s questline.

Q2: How do I use a Mending Rune?

A: After defeating the Elden Beast, interact with Fractured Marika at the Site of Grace. If you have a Mending Rune, you will be given the option to use it and initiate the corresponding ending.

Q3: Do I need a Mending Rune to complete the game?

A: No. If you choose not to use any Mending Rune, you’ll trigger the default “Age of Fracture” ending and still unlock the “Elden Lord” achievement.

Q4: How many Mending Runes are there?

A: There are currently three known Mending Runes in Elden Ring:

  • Mending Rune of Perfect Order
  • Mending Rune of the Death-Prince
  • Mending Rune of the Fell Curse

Q5: Can I get all Mending Runes in one playthrough?

A: Yes, but it requires careful planning. Each rune is tied to a separate questline, and some are missable if not completed before progressing too far in the story.

Q6: Do Mending Runes affect achievements?

A: Using a Mending Rune changes the ending cutscene, but all Mending Rune endings grant the Elden Lord achievement, just like the default Age of Fracture ending.

Q7: Which Mending Rune gives the "best" ending?

A: There is no “best” ending—each rune represents a different worldview:

  • Perfect Order = Stability and logic.
  • Death-Prince = Natural death and rebirth.
  • Fell Curse = Despair and retribution.

Choose based on the narrative you feel fits your character’s journey.

Q8: Can I see all endings in one playthrough?

A: No, only one ending can be chosen per playthrough. To see all Mending Rune endings, you must complete multiple playthroughs using New Game Plus.

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