As you progress through the main story of Elden Ring, you’ll face a difficult decision, namely that of burning the Erdtree.
Is that a wise decision? Are there any alternative choices?
Let’s find out!
Do I have to burn the Erdtree in Elden Ring?
The short answer is Yes.
You have to burn the Erdtree in order to progress in the main story. You have no choice but to set the tree on fire, it’s the only way to progress to the final boss.
You can either ask Melina to set the tree aflame or do it yourself. If you don’t burn the Erdtree, you can’t move forward.
Should I let Melina burn the Erdtree?
Letting Melina burn the Erdtree is like signing her death warrant. If you’re not going for the Frenzied Flame ending, there’s no reason you should stop her from burning the tree down.
Alternatively, you can save Melina by taking on the Frenzied Flame and burning the tree yourself.
What happens after burning the Erdtree?
After burning the Erdtree, the Royal Capital of Leyndell becomes Leyndell, the Ashen Capital. Most entrances and items get blocked, which means that you can’t reach the sewers easily anymore.
But you can still use the well located in the lowest part of the Ashen Capital to drop down in the sewers, if necessary.
Additionally, most NPCs in the Roundtable Hold will either disappear or die. The exceptions are Smith and Roderika. As a result, almost all the quests become inaccessible.
Burning the Erdtree is the first point of no return in the game.
As you can see, burning the Erdtree has some serious consequences. A lot of things change after the event.
Burning the Erdtree locks you out of a lot of quests as Roundtable Hold NPCs will suddenly disappear.
What to do before burning the Erdtree
Before burning the Erdtree, make sure to complete any side quests you’re interested in. Complete the other NPC-related questlines as well.
Several NPCs will disappear after setting the Erdtree on fire which will lock you out of their questlines.
Things to do before burning the Erdtree:
- Explore the sewers and the Royal Capital area
- Complete all side quests
- Get your hands on the Legendary Spear in the capital
- Grab the legendary Bolt of Gransax weapon
- Complete the Corhyn and Goldmask questline, this will get you the Rune of Perfect Order
- Complete Dung Eater’s questline
What to do after burning the Erdtree in Elden Ring
After burning the Erdtree, you’ll be teleported to Crumbling Farum Azul. This is a scary place with flying dragons and tornados. You need to kill the boss at the end of the Malikth area.
The game will then teleport you to the Ashen Capital, where you have to defeat the last boss.
Can you beat Elden Ring without burning the Erdtree?
You cannot beat Elden Ring without burning the Erdtree. You absolutely have to burn the tree to go inside it and fight the last bosses.
When you reach the Erdtree, your aim is to kill Radagon and take the Elden Ring so that you become the Elden Lord.
Since the Tarnished are not welcome there, your only option is to follow Melina and burn the tree open.
Enjoy the game!
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Note: This guide was updated in March 2023 to include additional details and tips.