Should You Slay the Scoundrel? A Deep Dive into Killing Patches in Elden Ring
Is it worth killing Patches in Elden Ring? Generally, no, it’s not worth killing Patches. While the temptation to punish his treachery is understandable, sparing him unlocks a surprisingly beneficial merchant relationship and a unique questline with valuable rewards. Killing him early means missing out on potent items, comedic interactions, and ultimately, a more complete Elden Ring experience.
The Patches Paradox: Love Him or Hate Him?
Patches. The name alone elicits a visceral reaction from Soulsborne players. He’s the quintessential trickster, a conniving rogue who’s made a career out of duping unsuspecting adventurers across multiple FromSoftware titles. In Elden Ring, he’s no different. From his initial encounter in Murkwater Cave to his later antics, he’s a constant source of frustration and amusement. But should you yield to your vengeful desires and end his mischievous reign? Let’s break down the consequences of both choices.
The Case Against Patches: Why You Might Want Him Dead
- He’s a Jerk: Let’s be honest; Patches is a classic villain. He lures you into traps, tries to rob you, and generally acts like a complete scoundrel. This alone is reason enough for some players to seek retribution.
- Early Game Frustration: Early in the game, resources are scarce. Being tricked by Patches can set you back, especially if you’re a new player still learning the ropes.
- Moral High Ground: Some players simply can’t abide by letting such a character live and prosper, despite the potential game play benefits.
The Case For Patches: Why He’s Worth Keeping Around
- Merchant Extraordinaire: The primary reason to spare Patches is his merchant services. He sells valuable items like Margit’s Shackle, crucial for the fight against Margit the Fell Omen. This shackle greatly assists in making Margit much more manageable. Later, he sells other rare and useful items, making him a valuable asset to your playthrough.
- The Great Horned Tragoth Questline: Patches is essential for initiating the questline that leads to acquiring Great Horned Tragoth’s armor set, renowned for its exceptional poise. This armor is incredibly useful for tank builds.
- Comedic Relief: Patches’ dialogue and interactions are often hilarious. He adds a unique, lighthearted element to the otherwise grim world of Elden Ring.
- Questline Rewards: Continuing Patches’ questline nets you valuable items, including the Magma Whip Candlestick, a unique weapon scaling with strength, faith and arcane.
- Bell Bearing Convenience: Even if you kill Patches, you can still access his wares by giving his Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. However, this eliminates his questline entirely.
The Final Verdict: Spare Him!
While the initial urge to punish Patches is understandable, the long-term benefits of keeping him alive far outweigh the satisfaction of revenge. He’s not just a merchant; he’s a part of the Elden Ring experience, adding depth, humor, and valuable rewards to your journey through the Lands Between. Unless you absolutely cannot stand his presence, spare Patches and embrace the chaos he brings.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Patches in Elden Ring
1. Where can I find Patches in Elden Ring?
Patches first appears in Murkwater Cave in Limgrave. After his initial encounter, he moves to several locations, including Liurnia of the Lakes near the Scenic Isle site of grace, and then to Volcano Manor as part of a quest. He ultimately ends up back at Shaded Castle, before finally returning to the Cave of the Forlorn in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
2. What items does Patches sell that are worth buying?
Margit’s Shackle is the most notable item in his Murkwater Cave inventory, greatly easing the fight against Margit. Later, he sells things like patches emporium, sacred scorpion charm
3. What happens if I kill Patches in Murkwater Cave?
If you kill Patches in Murkwater Cave, you miss out on his merchant services, the Great Horned Tragoth questline, and his comedic interactions throughout the game. You can obtain his Bell Bearing to purchase his items from the Twin Maiden Husks, but you sacrifice the questline rewards.
4. How do I progress Patches’ questline?
Patches’ questline involves encountering him at various locations, completing assassination requests for Volcano Manor, and eventually finding him at Shaded Castle and the Cave of the Forlorn. Be sure to talk to him thoroughly at each location to trigger the next step.
5. Is Patches the same character in all FromSoftware games?
Yes, Patches is a recurring character archetype in FromSoftware games, appearing in Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls, Bloodborne (as Patches the Spider), and Elden Ring. While his appearance and specific role may vary, he always embodies the traits of a cunning, cowardly trickster.
6. Does Patches’ questline affect any of the Elden Ring endings?
No, Patches’ questline does not directly affect any of the game’s multiple endings. However, it provides valuable items and enhances the overall Elden Ring experience.
7. What happens if I open the chest in Patches’ cave in Murkwater?
Opening the chest in Patches’ cave teleports you to Mistwood Ruins. When you return, Patches will be gone, initiating the next stage of his questline.
8. Can I reverse my decision if I accidentally kill Patches?
Unfortunately, no. Once Patches is dead, he’s gone for the rest of your current playthrough. You’ll have to wait until New Game Plus to encounter him again.
9. Is it worth killing Patches after completing his Volcano Manor questline?
Even after completing his Volcano Manor quests, it’s generally not recommended to kill Patches. He continues to offer useful items and contributes to the game’s overall experience.
10. What are the key differences between Patches in Elden Ring and previous games?
While Patches’ core traits remain consistent, his role in Elden Ring is more expansive and integrated into the game’s overall narrative. He’s more than just a trickster; he’s a merchant, a quest giver, and a source of comedic relief.
11. How does Patches fit into the lore of Elden Ring?
Patches’ role in the lore is somewhat ambiguous. He seems to exist outside the established power structures and focuses on his own self-preservation and enrichment. His constant trickery and adaptability make him a fascinating, if untrustworthy, figure in the Lands Between.
12. Where does Patches go after I finish the Volcano Manor assassination quests?
After the Volcano Manor quests, Patches will move to Shaded Castle, then eventually the Cave of the Forlorn in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
13. What’s the deal with Patches squatting in the Cave of the Forlorn?
Patches takes up shop at the Cave of the Forlorn after his volcano manor quests. There, he runs the cave as his store.
14. What’s so important about poise and Great Horned Tragoth’s armor?
Poise is your character’s ability to avoid getting staggered while attacking. Great Horned Tragoth’s armor allows you to take a lot of hits without being staggered.
15. Does Patches have any relationship to the Games Learning Society?
While Patches doesn’t directly relate to the Games Learning Society, his character embodies the learning opportunities inherent in gaming. Players must learn his patterns, understand his tricks, and adapt to his unpredictable behavior. This mirrors the adaptive learning and problem-solving skills promoted by organizations like the Games Learning Society and GamesLearningSociety.org.
By understanding Patches, players delve into the intricacies of Elden Ring’s world, fostering a deeper appreciation for the game and the skills it demands.