Does Killing Rykard Affect the Ending in Elden Ring? A Deep Dive

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Yes, and no. Killing Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, in Elden Ring doesn’t directly lock you out of any of the game’s main endings. However, it significantly impacts the availability of certain NPC questlines, specifically Tanith’s, and indirectly influences the narrative options you might have considered based on those quests. You are free to slay the blasphemous serpent-god without worrying about immediately invalidating your pursuit of becoming Elden Lord (or something else entirely). However, be aware of the consequences detailed below.

Rykard’s Death and the Impact on NPC Quests

The crucial point to understand is that Rykard’s defeat advances the timelines of certain characters and their associated quests. In particular, Tanith, Rykard’s consort, has a complex storyline tied to the Volcano Manor.

Tanith and the Volcano Manor

The Volcano Manor functions as a hub for assassination contracts provided by Tanith. Completing these contracts yields rewards and progresses Tanith’s personal quest. Killing Rykard ends this contract phase. Once Rykard falls, Tanith will relocate. You can still find her, but the opportunity to engage with the Volcano Manor’s assassination missions will be gone. This doesn’t prevent you from finishing the game, but it locks you out of obtaining certain items, weapons, and armor sets only available through these missions. It also alters the ending of Tanith’s personal story, preventing you from witnessing her subsequent actions immediately after Rykard’s demise.

The Inevitable Changes

Therefore, while eliminating Rykard allows you to progress towards any of the main Elden Ring endings, it’s essential to consider its influence on specific quest lines and, by extension, the breadth of the narrative experience you wish to pursue. It affects the depth of character interactions and availability of specific in-game rewards, indirectly influencing the path you may have intended to take toward your chosen ending.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rykard and Endings

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Rykard’s impact on the various endings in Elden Ring:

1. Can I still get all the achievements/trophies if I kill Rykard early? Yes. Rykard’s death doesn’t prevent you from obtaining any achievements/trophies related to the game’s endings. These are tied to achieving the different endings, not specific steps taken beforehand.

2. Does killing Rykard affect the Frenzied Flame ending? No. The Frenzied Flame ending is determined by actions you take deep beneath the capital, Leyndell, and your interactions with the Three Fingers. Rykard has no bearing on this path.

3. Can I complete the Volcano Manor quests after killing Rykard? No. Once Rykard is defeated, the assassination contracts offered by Tanith become unavailable. You will have to wait for the next playthrough to complete them.

4. What happens to Bernahl after Rykard is dead? Bernahl also relocates from the Volcano Manor after Rykard’s demise. You can find him later at a different location where he will become a difficult invading enemy. His questline has a degree of continuation after this point, even if you don’t complete his Volcano Manor contracts.

5. Does killing Rykard affect Patches’ questline? Yes, indirectly. Patches’ presence at the Volcano Manor and his related interactions are cut short if you kill Rykard before completing his associated activities. This can limit the items and encounters you experience related to Patches.

6. If I kill Rykard, can I still access the Abductor Virgins in the Volcano Manor? Yes. The Abductor Virgins, which transport you to the Volcano Manor’s secret areas if they kill you, are still accessible even after Rykard’s death.

7. What are the key rewards I miss out on by killing Rykard early? You will miss out on rewards from completing the Volcano Manor assassination contracts, including armor sets, weapons (like the Serpent-Hunter if you haven’t already obtained it), and unique Ashes of War.

8. Is it worth it to delay killing Rykard to complete the Volcano Manor quests? This depends on your playstyle. If you’re a completionist aiming for every item and enjoying the assassin-themed gameplay, it’s beneficial to complete the Volcano Manor quests before facing Rykard. Otherwise, proceed as you wish.

9. Does Rykard’s death affect Rya’s questline? Yes, and it depends on your progress with her quest before fighting Rykard. If you haven’t completed her quest, you may miss out on the resolution of her story tied to the Volcano Manor.

10. Can I respec my stats after killing Rykard? Yes. Rykard’s death has no impact on your ability to respec your stats. Respeccing is tied to defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and having Larval Tears.

11. What happens to Tanith after I kill Rykard? Tanith remains in the Volcano Manor, consumed by grief and… something else. She performs a very specific action related to Rykard’s corpse that provides a grisly conclusion to her devotion.

12. Are there any benefits to killing Rykard early? The primary benefit is progressing the main storyline and gaining access to the areas beyond the Volcano Manor sooner. This can be useful for players prioritizing exploration and the main bosses over side quests.

13. Does killing Rykard affect the Golden Order ending? No. The Golden Order ending is tied to specific mending runes obtained through other questlines (e.g., Brother Corhyn and Goldmask). Rykard has no bearing on this particular ending.

14. If I start NG+, will the Volcano Manor quests reset even if I killed Rykard in the previous playthrough? Yes. New Game Plus (NG+) resets all quests, including those associated with the Volcano Manor. You can complete them again in NG+ regardless of your actions in the previous playthrough.

15. Where can I learn more about questlines and endings in Elden Ring? You can find a wealth of information online from various sources, including dedicated wikis, forums, and video guides. Consider also exploring academic resources that analyze the narrative and design elements of games like Elden Ring. For example, the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ offers research and resources on the educational and social aspects of gaming. GamesLearningSociety.org can be a valuable starting point for understanding the deeper mechanics of game design and storytelling.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision of when to confront Rykard is yours. Understanding the ramifications on NPC questlines, especially Tanith’s, is crucial for tailoring your Elden Ring experience. Weigh the benefits of immediate progress against the potential loss of unique rewards and character interactions to make an informed choice that aligns with your preferred playstyle. Remember, even with these choices, many paths still lead to becoming Elden Lord. Embrace the exploration and the challenges, and forge your own legend in the Lands Between.