How to Free Iron Fist Alexander: A Comprehensive Guide
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The affable Iron Fist Alexander, a towering, jar-headed warrior, is a fan-favorite character in Elden Ring. However, his imposing size can sometimes lead to him getting stuck in various locations throughout the Lands Between. Getting Alexander unstuck is crucial for progressing his questline and obtaining valuable rewards, including his shard, which is essential for specific character builds. Here’s how you can help your jar-headed friend out of a jam:
The most common method to free Alexander is to use oiled pots. You’ll need to craft or acquire these. Then, throw them at the ground behind Alexander. The resulting slick surface will allow him to slide upwards and free himself. In specific instances, like at the entrance to the Jarburg, you might also need to whack him a couple times with a weapon. This will encourage him to try and free himself, and the oiled pots will help him do so. The key is patience and precise pot placement.
Where Does Alexander Get Stuck?
Alexander’s questline takes him to several locations, and he can become stuck in a few of them. Knowing where these potential pitfalls are is the first step to helping him. The most common locations include:
- Stormhill: Near the Warmaster’s Shack. This is the first time you encounter him stuck in the ground.
- Liurnia of the Lakes: In the artist’s shack area, after progressing his questline past Stormhill.
- Entrance to Jarburg: He gets stuck trying to enter the town.
- Crumbling Farum Azula: This is the final location of his quest, and where you ultimately battle him.
How to Free Alexander in Each Location
The method for freeing Alexander remains mostly consistent across all locations, but here’s a breakdown for each specific area:
Stormhill
This is Alexander’s first predicament.
- What happened: He gets stuck trying to climb a hill.
- Solution: Craft or purchase some Oiled Pots. Throw them behind him, creating a slippery surface. Then, strike his back a few times with any weapon. This should encourage him to try and escape and the slippery surface will allow him to break free.
Liurnia of the Lakes
After Stormhill, you’ll find Alexander in Liurnia.
- What happened: He’s stuck again, seemingly unable to climb out of a hole.
- Solution: The process is the same as Stormhill. Use Oiled Pots and attack him from behind.
Entrance to Jarburg
This location requires a slightly different approach.
- What happened: He’s attempting to enter Jarburg but is struggling.
- Solution: While Oiled Pots are still helpful, they might not be enough. You’ll primarily need to repeatedly hit him with a weapon to dislodge him. He’s essentially wedged in. Aim your attacks at his lower back/base.
Crumbling Farum Azula
This isn’t a “stuck” situation in the same way as the others.
- What happened: He is here to Duel you
- Solution: To progress his story here you must find and fight him. He will reward you for the battle, win or lose.
Crafting Oiled Pots
Oiled Pots are the most reliable tool for freeing Alexander, so knowing how to craft them is essential.
Ingredients
- Cracked Pot: These are reusable containers you can find throughout the game. They’re relatively common.
- Oil: Gathered from various plants and enemies in the open world.
Where to Find Cracked Pots
- Merchant Kale at the Church of Elleh sells three.
- They can be found as loot in various locations.
Crafting Process
- Obtain the “Nomadic Warrior’s Cookbook [3]” to unlock the recipe. This can be purchased from the Nomadic Merchant in Limgrave, east of the Church of Elleh near the cliffs.
- Gather the necessary ingredients: Cracked Pot and Oil.
- Open your crafting menu and craft the Oiled Pot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Freeing Alexander
1. What happens if I can’t craft Oiled Pots?
If you can’t craft Oiled Pots, try purchasing them from merchants if they have them in stock. As a last resort, a strong enough weapon might dislodge Alexander, though this is less reliable and could potentially aggro him (though he’ll likely forgive you).
2. I hit Alexander too many times and now he’s hostile! What do I do?
If you accidentally aggro Alexander, try going to the Church of Vows and requesting absolution from Miriel, Pastor of Vows. This will require Celestial Dew, which can be found in various locations.
3. How do I know if I’ve progressed Alexander’s questline far enough?
Pay attention to his dialogue. He’ll mention his next destination, and that’s your cue to find him there. Consulting a quest guide can also be helpful.
4. Is Alexander important to the story?
While not directly tied to the main ending, Alexander’s questline is rewarding and adds depth to the world. Completing it grants valuable items and contributes to the overall lore of Elden Ring.
5. What rewards do I get for helping Alexander?
You’ll receive various rewards throughout his questline, including items and runes. His most valuable reward is Alexander’s Shard, which greatly enhances the skill damage when equipped, this is after you defeat him in combat, at the end of his quest.
6. Can I accidentally kill Alexander?
Yes, if you attack him relentlessly, you can kill him. Be careful when trying to free him. Using oiled pots is the safest method.
7. Do I need to free Alexander to complete the game?
No, freeing Alexander is not essential to beat the game. However, his questline offers unique rewards and lore, making it worthwhile.
8. Can Alexander get stuck in other locations besides the ones mentioned?
While the listed locations are the most common, there’s a small chance he might get stuck in other unusual spots due to the game’s physics. If this happens, try the Oiled Pot method.
9. Is there a specific weapon I should use to hit Alexander?
No, any weapon will work. Focus on hitting him from behind to encourage him to move forward.
10. I used Oiled Pots, but Alexander still won’t move. What am I doing wrong?
Ensure you’re throwing the Oiled Pots behind him, creating a slippery slope for him to climb. You may need to throw several pots. Also, ensure you are hitting him from behind.
11. Does my character level affect whether I can free Alexander?
No, your character level doesn’t impact your ability to free Alexander. It’s purely a matter of using the correct method (Oiled Pots and attacks).
12. Is there any way to reset Alexander’s position if he’s bugged?
Fast traveling to a nearby site of grace and then returning to his location can sometimes reset his position. This is not guaranteed, but worth a try.
13. Can I complete Alexander’s questline if I miss him at one of the early locations?
Yes, you can skip earlier encounters and still find him later in his questline, however it’s always best to check for him at the initial points as there may be items that you miss.
14. Does Alexander’s questline have multiple endings?
No, Alexander’s questline has a single ending, which involves a final duel with him in Crumbling Farum Azula.
15. I defeated Alexander in Crumbling Farum Azula, what next?
Upon defeating him you will get Alexander’s Innards, and Alexander’s Shard. Alexander’s shard is very powerful, so if you use Ashes of War it is worth using.