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In many ways, Elden Ring is the peak of FromSoftware's game design, perfecting everything that came before it. While the combat, exploration, and lore are all brilliant, it's the side stories hidden that make the world feel alive. Each character you meet has their own motivations, dreams, and tragedies, and often their fates play out alongside your journey.

For players looking to dive deeper into the lore-or even enhance their playthrough with special Elden Ring Items, side stories provide some of the most rewarding experiences. Some of these stories are small detours, while others dramatically shift the tone of the narrative, giving players more insight into the shattered world. Below, we'll explore the most compelling side stories in Elden Ring, ranked by their impact and depth.

8. Millicent - The Swordswoman Successor

·Daughter of Malenia.

·One of the Prosthetic Swordswomen.

·First found in Caelid.

When players first set foot in Caelid, they often regret it-everything is consumed by Scarlet Rot. Yet hidden in a church high above the wastes lies Millicent, a red-haired swordswoman suffering from the rot. Healing her sets in motion one of the most emotional side quests in Elden Ring.

Millicent is revealed to be one of Malenia's "daughters," created in her image. Her story explores themes of identity, free will, and tragedy. Whether the Tarnished helps her resist her fate or succumbs to betrayal, Millicent's arc offers poignant context for Malenia's role as a boss, making her one of the most memorable characters in the game.

7. Diallos - The Redeemed Nobleman

·A Tarnished noble of House Honslow.

·First found in Roundtable Hold.

At first, Diallos comes across as a spoiled noble unsure of his place in the world. His arrogance and lack of direction make him seem unremarkable. However, as his quest unfolds, Diallos undergoes one of the most heartfelt transformations in Elden Ring.

Eventually, Diallos finds himself in Jarburg, defending the Living Jars from danger. Though his end is off-screen, his final sacrifice to protect these strange beings marks the moment he truly becomes a knight. His side story is a bittersweet tale of redemption and growth, reminding players that even the weakest beginnings can end in honor.

6. Needle Knight Leda - The Reposed Zealot

·Devotee of Miquella.

·First found in Mohgwyn Palace.

Miquella's influence stretches across Elden Ring's lore, and Needle Knight Leda is one of his most loyal followers. She begins as a seemingly trustworthy ally, guiding the Tarnished on their journey. Yet her unwavering devotion to Miquella quickly spirals into fanaticism.

Even as evidence mounts that Miquella manipulated his followers, Leda refuses to see the truth. Her zealous loyalty eventually drives her into madness, turning her against the player. Leda's tale is a chilling warning about blind faith and the dangers of misplaced devotion.

5. Melina - The Doomed Finger Maiden

·The player's finger maiden.

·Possibly the Gloam-Eyed Queen.

·First found in Limgrave.

Melina is one of the first characters players meet, serving as their guide and conduit for runes. Yet beneath her calm presence lies a web of mystery. She is heavily implied to be a daughter of Marika, and many theorists argue she is also the infamous Gloam-Eyed Queen ancient figure tied to the destruction of the gods.

Her eventual sacrifice at the Forge of the Giants adds weight to her enigmatic nature. Melina's quiet yet pivotal role leaves fans endlessly debating her true identity, ensuring her place as one of the most mysterious figures in the game.

4. Alexander, The Living Jar - The Noble Warrior

·The "Warrior Jar" companion.

·Fights alongside the player against Radahn.

·First found in Limgrave.

From the moment you first help Alexander free himself from being stuck in the ground, it's clear he's destined to be a fan favorite. The Living Jar dreams of becoming a great warrior, fighting valiantly alongside the player in some of the game's biggest battles.

However, his ambition consumes him. Ultimately, Alexander challenges the player in a duel to the death, seeking to prove his strength. Despite the tragic end, his courage, humor, and booming voice cement him as one of Elden Ring's most beloved characters.

3. Morgott - The Damned Lord

·Omen, twin of Marika.

·Devoted servant of the Golden Order.

·First encountered at Stormveil Castle.

Morgott's story is one of Elden Ring's most tragic. Born as an Omen, marked by horns and a tail, he was condemned by the Golden Order despite being one of Marika's sons. Ironically, Morgott grew up to be the most loyal defender of the Erdtree.

He fought tirelessly for a divine order that despised him, standing in the Tarnished's way not out of malice, but out of duty. His death is both a victory and a tragedy-he was a zealot defending a system that never loved him.

2. Gideon Ofnir - The All-Knowing

·Quartermaster of the Tarnished.

·Found in Roundtable Hold.

Gideon Ofnir begins as a mentor figure, providing information about the world and its mysteries. Yet as the Tarnished grows stronger, Gideon's true nature is revealed. Obsessed with knowledge and power, he hoards secrets, manipulates others, and ultimately turns against the player.

His betrayal adds a bitter sting to the late game. A man who could have been a wise ally becomes just another obstacle in the Tarnished's path, consumed by ambition and fear of being left behind.

1. Miquella - The Unalloyed

·Empyrean child of Marika.

·God of sleep and repose.

·Fought at Enir-Ilim.

At the top of this list is Miquella, perhaps the most complex character in Elden Ring. While the player's quest is about becoming Elden Lord, Miquella is orchestrating a far greater plan, sacrificing his body and will to usher in a new age under his control.

Miquella's manipulation, charisma, and brainwashing make him both a savior and a tyrant. His presence looms over the game, culminating in an unforgettable confrontation that tests everything the Tarnished has learned.

Final Thoughts

The world of Elden Ring is not just about bosses and battles-it's about the people you meet along the way. Characters like Millicent, Diallos, and Alexander remind us of the personal struggles hidden within the grand narrative. Figures like Melina, Morgott, and Miquella tie directly into the greater lore, blurring the line between ally, enemy, and tragic victim.

These side stories give Elden Ring its soul, making Elden Ring more than just a game-it's a tapestry of intertwined fates, where every victory is shadowed by sacrifice. And for players who want to fully immerse themselves in these stories, collecting the right Elden Ring Items can make a huge difference. Whether you're searching for legendary weapons or talismans tied to these characters, you can even buy Elden Ring Items to give yourself an edge and experience every questline to its fullest.