Elden Ring: 8 Most Compelling Side Stories

In many ways, Elden Ring stands as the pinnacle of FromSoftware's design philosophy-a culmination of everything the studio mastered over decades of crafting dark, intricate worlds. Its open world, combat systems, and rich lore are nothing short of legendary. Yet, what truly gives Elden Ring its soul are the deeply emotional and often tragic side stories scattered throughout the Lands Between.

Each character, from noble knights to corrupted gods, has their own motivations, dreams, and suffering. These tales-woven subtly into the broader narrative-add humanity to a world consumed by decay and ambition. For lore seekers and collectors alike, delving into these side quests is not only rewarding for story and exploration but also for uncovering unique Elden Ring Items that enhance both gameplay and immersion. Below are eight of the most compelling side stories in Elden Ring, ranked by depth, tragedy, and their connection to the overarching lore.

8. Millicent - The Swordswoman Successor

·Daughter of Malenia

·One of the Prosthetic Swordswomen

·First found in Caelid

When players first stumble into Caelid, it's usually by accident, and they immediately regret it. The region's Scarlet Rot corruption is terrifying, yet amid the rot and ruin lies one of Elden Ring's most heartfelt tales.

Millicent, a red-haired swordswoman stricken by the Rot, awaits salvation in a church overlooking the wastes. Healing her triggers a journey of self-discovery and tragedy, revealing her as one of Malenia's "daughters," created in her image. Players can guide her toward redemption or betrayal, shaping her fate.

Millicent's story explores identity, free will, and legacy-mirroring Malenia's eternal struggle. Her conclusion, often bittersweet, makes her one of the most beloved characters in the game and a vital window into Malenia's lore.

7. Diallos - The Redeemed Nobleman

·A Tarnished noble of House Honslow

·First found in Roundtable Hold

At first glance, Diallos seems unremarkable-an arrogant noble with little purpose. But his evolution across the game is quietly beautiful. After a series of humiliations, Diallos finds meaning in Jarburg, a peaceful village of living jars.

There, he defends the innocent jars from destruction, ultimately sacrificing himself in their protection. Though his death is off-screen, his redemption shines brightly. Diallos' tale of humility and selflessness is a reminder that honor isn't born from status-it's earned through courage and compassion.

6. Needle Knight Leda - The Reposed Zealot

·Devotee of Miquella

·First found in Mohgwyn Palace

Few stories in Elden Ring explore blind devotion as effectively as Leda's. A steadfast follower of Miquella, Needle Knight Leda begins as a trustworthy ally. However, her faith in Miquella becomes her undoing.

Even as evidence of his manipulation emerges, Leda's zeal blinds her. She clings to her devotion until it drives her to madness and violence, eventually turning on the Tarnished. Her descent into fanaticism is chilling, illustrating how even pure intentions can rot under the weight of obsession.

5. Melina - The Doomed Finger Maiden

·The player's guide and Finger Maiden

·Heavily implied daughter of Marika

·Possibly the Gloam-Eyed Queen

Melina is one of Elden Ring's most enigmatic figures. She aids the Tarnished as their guide, helping them channel runes and progress on their quest. Yet behind her calm exterior lies an immense mystery.

Hints suggest she is Marika's daughter-and perhaps even the Gloam-Eyed Queen, a forgotten god associated with the death of divinity. Her sacrifice at the Forge of the Giants marks a turning point in the narrative. Whether seen as a martyr or a manipulator, Melina remains one of the most haunting presences in Elden Ring's story.

4. Alexander, the Living Jar - The Noble Warrior

·Known as the "Iron Fist" Warrior Jar

·Fights alongside the player against Radahn

·First found in Limgrave

Alexander embodies the heart of a warrior. When you first find him stuck in the ground in Limgrave, he's charming and humorous. But beneath his cheerful personality is a burning ambition to become a true champion.

He aids the Tarnished in battles, including the epic festival of Radahn. Yet, his quest for strength leads him to challenge you in honorable combat, seeking a warrior's death. His courage and humor, paired with his tragic end, make Alexander one of the most iconic companions in the game's history.

3. Morgott - The Damned Lord

·Omen, twin of Marika

·Devoted servant of the Golden Order

·First encountered at Stormveil Castle

Morgott's tale is a devastating one. Born cursed as an Omen-horned and reviled-he was imprisoned beneath the city he would later defend. Despite the cruelty he endured, Morgott devoted himself entirely to protecting the Erdtree and the Golden Order.

When the Tarnished confronts him, his defiance is born not from evil, but from loyalty. He defends the faith that condemns. Morgott's final words, uttered in devotion to an ungrateful world, echo as a tragedy of faith and self-sacrifice.

2. Gideon Ofnir - The All-Knowing

·Quartermaster of the Tarnished

·Found in Roundtable Hold

Gideon begins as a mentor who is wise, collected, and helpful. Yet as the Tarnished's power grows, envy and fear consume him. His pursuit of forbidden knowledge twists him into a paranoid tyrant, turning his wisdom into arrogance.

When he betrays the player late in the game, it's a heartbreaking moment. The All-Knowing, once a pillar of reason, becomes a warning about ambition unrestrained. His fall mirrors the cycle of corruption that defines Elden Ring's world.

1. Miquella - The Unalloyed

·Empyrean child of Marika

·God of sleep and repose

·Central figure in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC

At the top of this list stands Miquella, whose brilliance and manipulation define Elden Ring's grand design. Though often unseen, his influence pervades every corner of the Lands Between. He abandoned his divine body to bring about a world free from corruption, yet his ideals conceal darker motives.

Miquella's charisma, intellect, and moral ambiguity make him both savior and deceiver. His schemes reshape the fates of countless characters-including Leda and Mohg-and his looming presence ensures that his story is far from over.

Final Thoughts

The side stories of Elden Ring elevate it beyond a typical action RPG. Characters like Millicent, Diallos, and Alexander showcase humanity amidst chaos, while figures like Melina, Morgott, and Miquella embody the philosophical and moral core of the narrative.

Exploring these quests reveals hidden lore, emotional moments, and powerful rewards. For dedicated adventurers, collecting Elden Ring Items tied to these characters-whether through discovery or choosing to buy Elden Ring Items online-can deepen your connection to their stories.

Ultimately, these tales remind us that Elden Ring isn't just about bosses and battles-it's about people, purpose, and the price of power in a world built on broken dreams.