So, you're thinking about offing Fia in Elden Ring, huh? It's a big decision, no doubt, and one that can have some pretty serious consequences for your game. Fia, the Deathbed Companion, is a key character involved in a major questline tied to one of the game's alternate endings. Before you go swinging that sword, let's break down what happens if you decide to eliminate her.

Understanding Fia's Role

First off, understanding Fia's role in the game is crucial. She's not just some random NPC hanging around the Roundtable Hold. Fia is deeply connected to the lore of the Lands Between, specifically the death rune and Those Who Live in Death. Her questline is intertwined with several other important characters and locations, making her death a significant disruption. By killing her early, you essentially cut off access to a unique ending and several associated rewards. You'll miss out on a lot of interesting story elements and character development. Fia's quest involves delving into the mysteries of the Golden Order and its fractured state, offering a perspective that challenges the established norms of the game's world. This narrative depth is something you won't experience if you choose to end her life prematurely. Additionally, her quest provides access to specific areas and boss fights that are not accessible through other means. These encounters offer unique challenges and valuable rewards, further enhancing the overall gameplay experience. Think carefully before you decide to take her out, as you might be closing the door on some of the game's most compelling content.

Impact on the Ending

One of the most significant impacts of killing Fia is that you will no longer be able to achieve the Duskborn ending. This ending requires completing her questline, which involves helping her fulfill her purpose related to the Prince of Death. Eliminating Fia means you'll have to pursue one of the other endings available in the game, which may not align with your character's story or your preferred outcome. The Duskborn ending offers a unique perspective on the themes of life, death, and rebirth, providing a satisfying conclusion for players who are invested in the lore and characters of Elden Ring. This ending also has unique cutscenes and dialogue, adding to its appeal. If you're aiming for a specific ending, make sure you understand the consequences of your actions and how they affect the overall narrative of the game.

Loss of Key Items and Rewards

Fia's questline rewards you with several unique items and blessings that can be quite useful in your journey. By killing her, you forfeit the opportunity to obtain these items, which can include powerful talismans, weapons, and armor. These rewards are not just cosmetic; they can significantly enhance your character's abilities and provide strategic advantages in combat. For example, some of the talismans you receive from Fia's quest can boost your character's resistance to certain types of damage, making you more resilient against specific enemies and bosses. The weapons and armor obtained through her questline often have unique attributes and skills that are not found elsewhere in the game. These items can open up new playstyles and strategies, allowing you to customize your character to suit your preferences. Before you decide to kill Fia, consider the value of these potential rewards and how they might benefit your character's build and progression.

Immediate Consequences of Killing Fia

Alright, so you've made up your mind and smacked Fia down. What happens next? Well, the most immediate consequence is that she, obviously, dies. But beyond that, here’s what you can expect:

No More Hugs (and Baldachin's Blessing)

Fia is known for her comforting hugs, which also grant you Baldachin's Blessing. This blessing is a useful item that provides a temporary boost to your poise, allowing you to withstand attacks more effectively. However, it comes at a cost: it slightly reduces your maximum HP while the blessing is active. Despite the tradeoff, many players find Baldachin's Blessing to be a valuable tool, especially in challenging boss fights where maintaining poise is crucial. By killing Fia, you lose access to her hugs and the Baldachin's Blessing, which can impact your ability to withstand enemy attacks and maintain your composure in battle. If you rely on this blessing as part of your combat strategy, you'll need to find alternative ways to boost your poise or adapt your playstyle accordingly.

Loss of Dialogue and Lore Interactions

Fia is a wealth of information about the lore of Elden Ring. She provides insights into the world's history, the motivations of other characters, and the mysteries surrounding the Erdtree. By killing her, you lose the opportunity to learn more about these aspects of the game, which can diminish your understanding and appreciation of the overall narrative. Her dialogue provides clues and context that can help you make sense of the complex events and relationships that shape the world of Elden Ring. Additionally, Fia's interactions with other characters in the Roundtable Hold can reveal hidden connections and conflicts that add depth to the story. If you're interested in uncovering the secrets of the Lands Between, killing Fia will rob you of a valuable source of information and perspective. Be sure to consider the impact on your understanding of the game's lore before making a final decision.

Potential Benefits (Yes, There Might Be Some)

Okay, it's not all doom and gloom. There might be a few reasons why you'd consider ending Fia's journey early, even though they're pretty niche.

Speedrunning

For speedrunners, every second counts. Skipping Fia's questline can save a significant amount of time, allowing them to reach the end of the game faster. The Duskborn ending, while narratively rich, requires completing a series of tasks and traversing specific areas, which can be time-consuming. By eliminating Fia, speedrunners can bypass these steps and focus on the most direct path to the final boss. This can be especially important in competitive speedrunning, where even small optimizations can make a big difference in the final time. However, it's worth noting that skipping Fia's questline may also require alternative strategies and routes, which can be more challenging or less consistent than the standard approach. Speedrunning is all about efficiency and optimization, so the decision to kill Fia ultimately depends on the specific goals and strategies of the individual runner.

Roleplaying a Ruthless Character

Maybe you're playing a totally evil Tarnished who cares about nothing but power. In that case, offing Fia might fit your character's persona. It's a valid choice for those who want to embrace the darker side of the game and make decisions that reflect a more ruthless and pragmatic approach. Roleplaying a villainous character can add a unique and engaging dimension to your Elden Ring experience, allowing you to explore the consequences of your actions in a morally ambiguous world. Killing Fia can be seen as an act of dominance or a means to an end, depending on your character's motivations. This choice can also influence your interactions with other NPCs and shape the overall narrative of your playthrough. If you're looking to create a character that defies the expectations of a typical hero, killing Fia can be a significant step in that direction.

Alternatives to Killing Fia

Before you commit to killing Fia, consider the alternatives. There are ways to progress her questline without necessarily agreeing with her actions or fully supporting her cause. You can make choices that reflect your own values and beliefs while still advancing the story and obtaining the rewards associated with her quest. For example, you can choose to challenge her beliefs or seek alternative solutions to the problems she's trying to address. This allows you to engage with the narrative in a more nuanced way and explore the complexities of the game's lore. Additionally, you can choose to align yourself with other characters who have opposing viewpoints, creating a dynamic and engaging conflict within the game world. Remember, your choices have consequences, and there are often multiple paths to achieving your goals. Explore the alternatives before making a final decision about Fia's fate, and consider the impact on your character's story and the overall narrative of Elden Ring.

Completing Her Questline

The most obvious alternative is to simply complete her questline. This involves helping her achieve her goals, which ultimately leads to the Duskborn ending. By doing so, you'll gain access to unique rewards, learn more about the lore of the game, and experience a satisfying conclusion to her story arc. Completing Fia's questline requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to engage with the complexities of the game's narrative. It involves traversing dangerous areas, defeating challenging bosses, and making difficult choices that can have far-reaching consequences. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, both in terms of tangible items and the satisfaction of unraveling the mysteries of the Lands Between. If you're looking for a meaningful and rewarding experience, completing Fia's questline is a great option to consider.

Ignoring Her

You can also choose to simply ignore Fia and focus on other aspects of the game. This allows you to avoid the moral implications of her questline and pursue other endings or objectives. Ignoring Fia doesn't necessarily mean you'll miss out on essential content, as there are many other paths to explore and secrets to uncover in Elden Ring. However, it does mean you'll forgo the opportunity to learn more about her story and the lore surrounding the Prince of Death. If you're not interested in her questline or prefer to focus on other aspects of the game, ignoring her is a perfectly valid choice. Just be aware that you'll miss out on some unique content and rewards.

Final Thoughts

So, should you kill Fia in Elden Ring? It really depends on your goals, your character, and how you want to experience the game. There's no right or wrong answer, only consequences. Weigh the pros and cons, consider the alternatives, and make a decision that feels right for you. After all, it's your journey, Tarnished. Good luck, and may the Greater Will guide you… or not!