The Erdtree in Elden Ring is a mysterious and majestic symbol that you’re introduced to at the very start of the game. However, as you progress, you soon start to realize that the Erdtree might not be what it seems and once you reach a certain point, you’ll be prompted to burn the Erdtree.
Below, we’ll answer the question of do you have to burn the Erdtree? So when you do get offered the choice, you’ll know exactly what to do.
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Do you have to burn the Erdtree in Elden Ring?
Once you progress Elden Ring’s story to the point where you reach the Royal Capital of Leyndell, the burning of the Erdtree will become an option. You have the option for yourself to burn it or you can ask Melina to do it in your place. At first, it’s not abundantly clear if you can simply refuse though.
So, do you have to burn the Erdtree? Well, if you want to progress the main story of Elden Ring yes, there is no other option. Say goodbye to the mythical golden tree because shortly, it will be simple ash.
What happens when you burn the Erdtree?
After you burn the Erdtree, as previously stated, you will now be allowed to progress to Godfrey the First Elden Lord. However, it also affects how a certain in-game area looks and various other aspects.
This area is the Royal Capital of Leyndell which certainly doesn’t look royal any more. Instead, it becomes Leyndell, the Ashen Capital. Alongside visual changes, there are some map changes too, with areas within Leydell becoming unreachable.
Most of the previous Leyndell entrances will be blocked off and access to the sewers is made much more difficult. You can still reach the sewers but you are still able to use the well in the lowest part of Leyndell to get there.
Some items will also become unavailable once Leyndell becomes Ashen. Our recommendation is to pick up all items before burning the Erdtree just in case to make sure you don’t lose out on anything important.
Finally, some NPCs at the Roundtable Hold will also die when the Erdtree is set alight so make sure your quests are either up to date or completed!
Can the Erdtree come back to life?
If you feel extreme guilt from destroying the Erdtree, there is a way of bringing it back to life. This is only possible though if you complete Elden Ring and get the Age of Order ending.
