Does Gostoc Need to Be Alive for Nepheli Loux’s Quest in Elden Ring?
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, Gostoc does not need to be alive for you to complete Nepheli Loux’s questline in Elden Ring. While his presence offers certain benefits, such as access to an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, his demise won’t lock you out of the main story beats involving Nepheli, Kenneth Haight, and the eventual claiming of a throne. You can complete the quest, see Nepheli’s story through, and reap the rewards even if Gostoc is pushing up daisies.
The Gostoc Factor: What You Gain and Lose
Gostoc is one of those NPCs who dances on the line between helpful and downright irritating. He locks you in rooms, steals your Runes, and generally acts shifty. Naturally, a lot of players don’t hesitate to make him meet an early end. However, before you deliver that final blow, consider this:
- Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone: Post-Godrick, Gostoc will sell an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. These are vital for maxing out weapon upgrades, so that’s a tangible benefit.
- Bell Bearing and the Twin Maiden Husks: If you do kill him, he drops his Bell Bearing. You can give this to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, allowing you to buy his previous wares. However, remember that even if you give the Twin Maiden Husks Gostoc’s bell bearing, you cannot buy the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from them.
Essentially, killing Gostoc comes down to opportunity cost. Are you willing to forego immediate access to that Smithing Stone to rid yourself of his presence? The good news is, regardless of your choice, it doesn’t impact Nepheli’s questline.
Nepheli’s Questline: The Core Components
Nepheli’s quest is about finding her place in the world, dealing with familial issues, and ultimately claiming leadership. Key moments include:
- Meeting Near Godrick: Your first encounter is right before the Godrick fight. She can be summoned for the battle.
- Roundtable Hold: After defeating Godrick, you’ll find her at the Roundtable Hold, despondent. Exhaust Gideon Ofnir’s dialogue to trigger her spawn.
- Stormhawk King: This key item is found in a chest in the Chapel of Anticipation (where the game begins, accessible via an Imbued Sword Key from The Four Belfries). Giving it to Nepheli will rekindle her spirit.
- Fort Haight: Check Fort Haight after progressing through the above steps. Kenneth Haight should be there, which will trigger him and Nepheli to move to the throne room.
- The Throne Room: Ultimately, Nepheli, along with Kenneth Haight, will end up in the throne room at Stormveil Castle. A specific ending for the quest involves Nepheli ascending to the throne.
The beauty is that none of these steps are gated behind Gostoc’s survival.
Potential Pitfalls and Considerations
While Gostoc’s life or death doesn’t block Nepheli’s quest, there are a few things to keep in mind:
- The Potion Choice: Seluvis offers you a potion to give to Nepheli. Giving her the potion essentially ends her quest and turns her into a puppet for Seluvis. This is generally considered the bad ending for her quest. Refuse and give it to Gideon.
- Dialogue Exhaustion: Make sure to exhaust all dialogue options with Nepheli and other relevant characters (Gideon, Kenneth) at each stage. This is crucial to advancing the quest.
- Timing: Progressing too far in the game can sometimes cause questlines to fail or lock out certain endings. It’s best to tackle Nepheli’s quest as soon as possible after defeating Godrick.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gostoc and Nepheli Loux
Here are some common questions regarding Gostoc’s impact on Nepheli’s quest, answered with a blend of expertise and Elden Ring wisdom:
1. Can I still get Nepheli as a summon if I kill Gostoc?
Yes, Gostoc’s fate has no bearing on whether you can summon Nepheli for the Godrick fight. Her summon sign will appear regardless.
2. What if I accidentally gave Nepheli the potion Seluvis gave me?
Unfortunately, if you gave Nepheli the potion, her questline is essentially over. She becomes Seluvis’s puppet, and you miss out on the “good” ending. There is no known way to reverse this decision in a single playthrough.
3. Does killing Kenneth Haight affect Nepheli’s quest?
The quest will still advance if either Kenneth or Gostoc is dead.
4. How do I trigger Nepheli to move to the Roundtable Hold after Godrick?
You need to exhaust Sir Gideon Ofnir’s dialogue while he’s standing near the Roundtable Hold Site of Grace. Keep talking to him until he repeats himself.
5. Where do I find the Stormhawk King?
The Stormhawk King is located in the Chapel of Anticipation, the area where you begin the game. You need to use an Imbued Sword Key (found at the Four Belfries) to access the portal that takes you back there. It’s in a chest at the top of the chapel.
6. What happens if I don’t give Nepheli the Stormhawk King?
If you don’t give her the Stormhawk King, she’ll remain in a despondent state. Giving it to her revitalizes her and allows you to progress the quest.
7. Can I complete Nepheli’s quest after beating the game?
Yes, you can complete most of Nepheli’s questline after beating the main story, as long as you haven’t made choices that locked you out earlier (like giving her the potion).
8. Is Nepheli Loux related to Godfrey/Hoarah Loux?
Nepheli’s last name, Loux, suggests a connection to Hoarah Loux/Godfrey. The game hints that she’s of the same lineage, possibly a descendant or even a blood relation.
9. What rewards do I get for completing Nepheli’s quest?
Completing Nepheli’s quest provides various rewards, including unique dialogue, a sense of satisfaction, and, importantly, access to Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
10. Is it better to kill Gostoc or keep him alive?
That depends on your priorities. If you want easy access to an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone early on, keep him alive. If you find him annoying and don’t mind waiting to acquire Smithing Stones through other means, kill him.
11. How many Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are there in Elden Ring?
The number of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones in Elden Ring is limited per playthrough. This makes them extremely valuable for upgrading your favorite weapons.
12. Can I still get Nepheli’s Stormhawk Axes if I kill her?
Yes, if you choose to kill Nepheli, she’ll drop her Stormhawk Axes. However, killing her locks you out of the “good” ending of her quest.
13. Why is Nepheli so depressed at the Roundtable Hold?
She’s depressed because she’s been reminded of a traumatic past and feels abandoned by Gideon Ofnir. The Stormhawk King helps her overcome this.
14. What are Bell Bearings for in Elden Ring?
Bell Bearings are items dropped by certain NPCs when they die. Giving a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks allows you to purchase the items that the NPC previously sold.
15. Is Nepheli’s quest missable?
Yes, Nepheli’s quest is missable if you give her Seluvis’s potion, preventing her from becoming a spirit. Also, skipping steps and advancing too far in the game can cause quest failures.
Final Thoughts
Don’t stress too much about Gostoc’s fate in relation to Nepheli’s quest. Focus on making the choices that align with your preferred narrative and gameplay style. Elden Ring is all about freedom and consequence, and this questline is no exception. Whether you choose to embrace Gostoc’s (dubious) assistance or send him to the afterlife, Nepheli’s journey awaits. Enjoy the game, Tarnished!
To learn more about gaming and its intersection with learning, be sure to visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.