Do You Have to Kill Old Knight Istvan in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
No, you do not have to kill Old Knight Istvan in Elden Ring to complete the game. However, killing him is required to progress the Volcano Manor questline. Skipping this assassination contract will lock you out of certain rewards and storyline elements associated with Volcano Manor. The choice is yours, Tarnished!
The Allure of Volcano Manor and Istvan’s Fate
Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s masterpiece, is a sprawling open-world RPG teeming with secrets, challenging encounters, and morally ambiguous choices. One such choice presents itself early on in the game: to align with Volcano Manor and undertake their assassination contracts. At the heart of this decision is the fate of characters like Old Knight Istvan.
Joining Volcano Manor is a completely optional, though fascinating, side quest that offers unique rewards. As you explore the Lands Between, you might encounter Tanith, the consort of Praetor Rykard, and the leader of the Recusants at Volcano Manor. Accepting her invitation opens a path to a series of assassination contracts. These contracts involve invading the worlds of other Tarnished, marked on your map, and eliminating them.
The first target on Tanith’s list is none other than Old Knight Istvan. He can be found in the north of the Warmaster’s Shack in Limgrave. Killing Istvan grants you a Rune Arc and a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, which are useful items, but more importantly, it allows you to continue the Volcano Manor questline. This opens doors to new areas, powerful items, and lore revelations.
However, if you decide that you don’t wish to become an assassin for Volcano Manor, you can simply ignore the questline and continue your journey toward becoming Elden Lord. While you’ll miss out on the rewards and experiences exclusive to the manor, it won’t prevent you from reaching the game’s ending. Choosing not to participate in these morally questionable acts can also be a role-playing decision, aligning your Tarnished with a more righteous path.
Whether you kill Istvan or not depends entirely on your personal playstyle and desired experience. If you crave the rewards and story content offered by Volcano Manor, then Istvan must fall. But if you prefer to avoid this dark path, you can simply leave him be and continue your journey elsewhere.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Istvan and Volcano Manor
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the subject of Old Knight Istvan and the Volcano Manor questline:
Is Old Knight Istvan a difficult fight?
Old Knight Istvan can be a moderately challenging fight, especially for lower-level players. He wields a Dismounter with the Gravitas Ash of War and can heal once with a flask. His Gravitas attack pulls you in, leaving you vulnerable to his powerful swings. However, with strategic dodging, parrying (if you’re skilled), and utilizing spirit ashes, he can be defeated relatively easily. Consider using summons to distract him and create openings for attack.
What level should I be to fight Old Knight Istvan?
Ideally, you should be around level 20-30 before attempting to defeat Old Knight Istvan. This will give you adequate health and damage output to withstand his attacks and bring him down. While it’s possible to defeat him at a lower level with skillful play, it will be significantly more challenging.
What rewards do I get for killing Old Knight Istvan?
Upon defeating Old Knight Istvan, you receive a Rune Arc and a Furlcalling Finger Remedy. More significantly, completing this assassination contract allows you to return to Volcano Manor and progress the questline, unlocking new areas, items, and story content. You will also get the Scaled Armor Set upon claiming your reward from Tanith.
What happens if I choose not to kill Old Knight Istvan?
If you choose not to kill Old Knight Istvan, you will not be able to progress the Volcano Manor questline. This means you will miss out on the rewards, areas, and story content associated with the manor. However, it will not prevent you from completing the main storyline of Elden Ring.
Does completing the Volcano Manor questline lock me out of other quests?
While joining Volcano Manor itself does not lock you out of most quests, completing certain assassinations can affect specific NPC storylines. Notably, advancing far enough into the Volcano Manor questline can prevent you from completing Rya’s questline. Be mindful of your actions and consider researching potential consequences before undertaking assassinations.
What are the benefits of joining Volcano Manor?
Joining Volcano Manor offers several benefits, including access to unique weapons, armor, spells, and Ashes of War. The questline also provides a different perspective on the conflict in the Lands Between, allowing you to side with those who oppose the Erdtree. This gives new light to the purpose of the game and the characters within it.
How do I find Volcano Manor?
Volcano Manor is located in the northwest region of the Altus Plateau. You can reach it by either taking the Grand Lift of Dectus (requires collecting both halves of the Dectus Medallion) or by traversing the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.
Who is Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy?
Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, is the head of Volcano Manor and a Shardbearer, making him a key figure in Elden Ring‘s lore. He merged with the God-Devouring Serpent, becoming a monstrous entity consumed by hunger and ambition. His motivations and role in the world are complex and explored throughout the Volcano Manor questline.
Is it necessary to kill Rykard to beat the game?
Yes, Rykard is a mandatory boss required to complete Elden Ring. Whether you complete the Volcano Manor questline or find him on your own, you must defeat him to progress the main story.
What rewards do I get for killing Rykard?
Defeating Rykard rewards you with 100,000 Runes, the Remembrance of the Blasphemous, and Rykard’s Great Rune. The Remembrance can be exchanged for powerful weapons or consumed for Runes, while Rykard’s Great Rune provides a significant boost to your stats.
Can I respec my character in Elden Ring?
Yes, you can respec your character in Elden Ring after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, in the Academy of Raya Lucaria. This allows you to reallocate your stats and experiment with different builds. You will need Larval Tears to respec.
What are Bell Bearings and why are they important?
Bell Bearings are key items dropped by merchants when they are killed. Giving a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold allows you to purchase the items that the merchant previously sold, even after their death. This is a compelling reason to kill merchants, as it makes their wares permanently available.
What is the best armor set in Elden Ring?
There is no single “best” armor set in Elden Ring. The best armor depends on your playstyle, build, and desired stats. However, some popular and effective armor sets include the Scaled Set (obtained from Volcano Manor quests), the Crucible Tree Set, and the Black Knife Set. The Scaled Armor Set is good due to its well-rounded stats, poise, and weight.
What should I sell to merchants in Elden Ring?
You should sell items that are duplicate gear, unusable weapons, excess Ashes of War, excess enhancement items, and Golden Runes. Selling these items is a good way to get Runes.
Where can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming?
For more information on the educational aspects of gaming, including its potential for learning and development, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Gaming can be a powerful tool for developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to kill Old Knight Istvan rests with you, Tarnished. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your character’s alignment, and choose the path that best suits your Elden Ring adventure. Good luck!