Does Killing Patches Matter? A Soulsborne Saga of Betrayal and Redemption

Yes, killing Patches matters, significantly impacting your experience across almost every FromSoftware game he appears in. Patches, in his various incarnations, is a recurring character known for his duplicitous nature, often tricking and sometimes outright attacking the player. However, killing him early, while potentially satisfying, usually locks you out of valuable items, quests, and unique interactions that can significantly aid your progress throughout the game. He is a complex character whose worth is usually greater alive than dead, despite his annoying tendencies.

The Enduring Legacy of Patches: From Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring

Patches is more than just a recurring gag in FromSoftware’s catalogue; he’s a staple, an almost guaranteed presence in their worlds of grimdark fantasy. His purpose, however, is not simply to annoy the player. He serves as a moral barometer, forcing players to consider the consequences of their actions – both for themselves and for the larger narrative. Are you willing to forgive a betrayal for the sake of potential gain? Can you stomach his constant lies to reap the rewards he offers? These are the questions Patches throws in your face, making him a surprisingly complex character despite his seemingly simple role.

Patches: A Merchant of Misdirection

One of the most consistent benefits of sparing Patches is his role as a merchant. Across several games, he offers unique items, sometimes essential for certain builds or questlines. In Elden Ring, for example, he sells Margit’s Shackle and Stonesword Keys, both incredibly valuable early in the game. In Demon’s Souls, his heavy arrows are a godsend for archer builds. Killing him permanently removes access to these resources, forcing you to rely on potentially rarer or more expensive alternatives.

The Questline Conundrum

Beyond mere merchandise, Patches often plays a crucial role in questlines, sometimes his own, sometimes intertwined with other characters. Slaying him early can abruptly end these quests, preventing access to unique armor sets, weapons, and narrative insights. The previously mentioned Great Horned Tragoth’s armor set in Elden Ring is a prime example. Killing Patches before completing his related quest eliminates the opportunity to acquire this high-poise armor.

Karmic Considerations and the Illusion of Control

While Patches embodies duplicity, he also inadvertently highlights the player’s capacity for both ruthlessness and forgiveness. Deciding to kill or spare him represents a choice about how you navigate the world – whether you prioritize immediate revenge or calculated long-term gain. Furthermore, even if you decide to kill him, the repercussions are often mitigated. Patches is rarely truly gone. In Elden Ring, killing him allows you to give his Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks, allowing you to still access his store. This hints at the cyclical nature of the Soulsborne universe, where consequences are complex and rarely absolute.

Frequently Asked Questions About Patches

Here’s a compilation of frequently asked questions about Patches, designed to guide you through the treacherous terrain of dealing with this iconic character:

1. I killed Patches. Is my game ruined?

   • Not necessarily. In most games, killing Patches locks you out of his questline and unique items, but you can often still progress. In Elden Ring, you can give his Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks, mitigating the loss of his shop.

2. Is it better to kill or spare Patches in Elden Ring?

   • Generally, sparing Patches is the better option. He becomes a merchant, offering valuable items, and is involved in a questline that leads to powerful rewards, including access to Great-Horned Tragoth’s armor.

3. Does Patches betray you in every game?

   • Yes, betrayal is a core component of Patches’ character. He usually attempts to trick or harm the player at some point, although the severity varies.

4. What happens if I open Patches’ chest?

   • In Elden Ring, opening the chest in Murkwater Cave triggers a trap that teleports you to Mistwood.

5. Does killing Patches affect the ending of Elden Ring?

   • No, killing Patches does not affect the ending of Elden Ring. It only impacts item availability and quest progression.

6. What is the reward for killing Great Horned Tragoth in Elden Ring?

   • You receive the Bull-Goat Armor set, which is considered one of the best armor sets in the game, offering high poise and physical defense.

7. Where does Patches go after Godrick in Elden Ring?

   • Patches moves to the Scenic Isle Site of Grace in Liurnia of the Lakes after either defeating Godrick the Grafted or entering Liurnia.

8. What do I get for killing Patches in Elden Ring?

   • You receive a +7 Spear and a set of Leather Armor. You also obtain his Bell Bearing.

9. Can you continue Patches’ quest after killing Rykard in Elden Ring?

   • No. Be sure to complete Patches’ assassination request prior to defeating Rykard, otherwise the quest line ends.

10. Is it the same Patches in every Souls game?

    • While implied to be the same character in Dark Souls 3, retaining memories, Patches is generally considered a recurring archetype rather than the same individual across all games.

11. What did Patches do to Siegward in Dark Souls 3?

    • Patches trapped Siegward in a well and stole his armor, which the player needs to rescue him.

12. Is it worth killing Patches in Demon’s Souls?

    • Probably not. He becomes a merchant in the Nexus, selling valuable heavy arrows. Killing him nets you the Thief’s Ring, but his merchant services are generally more useful.

13. Who does Patches want you to kill in Elden Ring?

    • Patches requests that you assassinate Great Horned Tragoth near the Ruin-Strewn Precipice.

14. What happens if you don’t forgive Patches in Dark Souls 1?

    • If you refuse to forgive Patches in Dark Souls, he won’t offer his usual merchant services.

15. Does Patches have any positive traits?

    • Beyond the resources and rewards he gives, Patches forces you to make a decision to forgive him or to take revenge. Patches’ questline allows the player to consider their morality in a corrupt world.

Ultimately, the decision to kill or spare Patches is a personal one. There is no objectively “right” answer. But by understanding the consequences of your actions, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your playstyle and desired narrative experience. Consider whether you want to improve your understanding of games, by getting involved with the Games Learning Society. Check out their website at GamesLearningSociety.org. This should give you some more ideas!