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Is Patches Worth Killing? A Comprehensive Guide to the Shady Merchant of Souls Games

The question of whether or not to kill Patches is a recurring dilemma for players across the Soulsborne series and Elden Ring. The short answer is: almost always no. While his deceptive antics can be infuriating, the benefits of keeping Patches alive – access to unique items, a surprisingly helpful merchant, and the continuation of his often-hilarious questline – generally outweigh the satisfaction of exacting revenge. Killing him early robs you of these advantages, while the loot from his death is generally replaceable or obtainable later.

The Enduring Appeal (and Annoyance) of Patches

Patches is a character archetype that has become synonymous with FromSoftware games. He’s a trickster, a deceiver, and a downright scoundrel who delights in setting traps and pushing unsuspecting players into precarious situations. From his debut in Demon’s Souls to his latest iteration in Elden Ring, Patches has consistently been a thorn in the side of countless adventurers.

However, beneath his treacherous exterior lies a character of surprising depth. Patches isn’t purely malicious; he operates under his own twisted sense of honor and often provides valuable (albeit usually self-serving) services once his initial deception is revealed. His presence also adds a layer of unpredictable humor to the often-grim worlds of these games. His iconic squat is instantly recognizable, and many players feel more comfortable when they know that he’s around.

Patches’ Contributions as a Merchant

The primary reason to spare Patches is his role as a merchant. He sells a variety of items, some of which are unique or difficult to obtain elsewhere. In Elden Ring, for example, he offers Margit’s Shackle, a crucial item for making the Margit fight significantly easier, as well as Stonesword Keys, essential for accessing locked areas early in the game. In Demon’s Souls, he provides a reliable source of heavy arrows for archer builds, and in other games, his inventory often includes valuable consumables, armor, and weapons.

Furthermore, killing Patches doesn’t completely eliminate his wares. In Elden Ring, his Bell Bearing can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, allowing you to purchase most of his items. However, this is a less convenient solution, and you miss out on the potential for future interactions with him.

The Questline Advantage

Patches’ questlines, spread across multiple games, are often entertaining and rewarding. These quests usually involve navigating his deceptive schemes and completing tasks that, while morally questionable, ultimately lead to valuable rewards or unlock new areas. By killing Patches prematurely, you sever these questlines and miss out on the unique experiences they offer.

In Elden Ring, Patches’ questline is tied to Volcano Manor, and it’s the only way to get his armor set. It also is necessary to experience many fun interactions with the NPC.

The Cost of Wrath: Why Killing Patches is Usually a Bad Idea

While the temptation to strike Patches down is understandable, the immediate gratification is rarely worth the long-term consequences. Here’s why:

Loss of Valuable Items: As mentioned above, Patches sells unique and essential items that can greatly benefit your playthrough.
Missed Quest Opportunities: Slaying him eliminates the possibility of completing his questline and obtaining associated rewards.
Reduced World Interaction: Patches’ presence adds flavor and unpredictability to the game world. Removing him diminishes this aspect.
Moral Implications (Maybe): Okay, let’s face it, the moral compass might not be the first thing that FromSoftware players think about. But think about what Games Learning Society has to say about morals and behaviors. See GamesLearningSociety.org.

Exceptions to the Rule

There are a few specific scenarios where killing Patches might be justifiable:

You Absolutely Hate Him: If Patches’ antics are genuinely ruining your enjoyment of the game, killing him might provide some cathartic relief. However, consider whether the short-term satisfaction outweighs the long-term benefits.
You’re Going for a Specific Build and Don’t Need His Items: If your build doesn’t rely on any of the items Patches sells, and you’re not interested in his questline, there’s less reason to keep him alive.
You’re Aiming for 100% Completion on Multiple Playthroughs: In this case, you can kill him in one playthrough to acquire his Bell Bearing, then spare him in subsequent playthroughs to complete his questline.
You don’t like spiders: Patches occasionally dons spider form in FromSoftware games and some players find this disturbing or gross.

Final Verdict

In the vast majority of cases, sparing Patches is the optimal choice. His contributions as a merchant, the entertainment value of his questline, and the overall impact he has on the game world outweigh the temporary frustration of his deceptions. While his treachery is undeniable, Patches is a complex and ultimately beneficial character who deserves a place in your Soulsborne adventure. Embrace the squatting scoundrel; you’ll be better off for it in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Patches

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Patches, providing further insight into this enigmatic character:

Does killing Patches affect the ending of Elden Ring? No, killing Patches does not directly affect the ending you receive in Elden Ring. However, missing out on his questline may impact your access to certain items or areas that could indirectly influence your gameplay experience.
What happens if I open Patches’ chest in Murkwater Cave? Opening Patches’ chest in Murkwater Cave in Elden Ring triggers a trap that teleports you to Mistwood, a different location within Limgrave. He uses this to try and kill you but it ends up being a mild inconvenience.
Is there any downside to killing Patches in Elden Ring? Yes, the main downside is missing out on his services as a merchant and the opportunity to complete his questline, which can lead to unique items and experiences. The only upsides are getting his armor and bell bearing early, but that’s not usually worth it.
Should I kill Patches in Demon’s Souls for the Thief Ring? No, killing Patches for the Thief Ring in Demon’s Souls is generally not recommended. He is the only vendor who provides a reliable source of arrows for archer builds in Demon’s Souls and the ring is not worth the tradeoff.
Can Patches betray me in Demon’s Souls? Yes, Patches betrays players in Demon’s Souls by kicking them into a pit in the Shrine of Storms, hoping they will die and he can take their loot.
What happens if I kill Patches in Firelink Shrine (Dark Souls)? If you kill Patches in Firelink Shrine in Dark Souls, he won’t return as a merchant. You’ll miss out on the opportunity to purchase his items, including the Crescent Axe and Cleric armor set.
How do I spare Patches in Elden Ring? During your encounter with Patches, deplete his health bar to a certain point, at which he will surrender. At this point, cease your attacks and wait for the encounter to end.
Why is Patches such a recurring character in FromSoftware games? Patches’ popularity stems from his unique blend of treachery, humor, and unexpected helpfulness. He serves as a memorable and recurring antagonist/ally in FromSoftware’s games, and it’s fun to try to meet him in new places.
Does Patches appear in every FromSoftware game? Patches appears, in some form, in most FromSoftware games, including Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls series, Bloodborne, Elden Ring, and Armored Core: Verdict Day.
What does Patches want you to do in Elden Ring? In Elden Ring, Patches has several requests, mostly tied to Volcano Manor. He tasks you with assassinating other Tarnished as part of Rykard’s plan.
If I kill Patches, can I still get his armor set? In Elden Ring, killing Patches will result in him dropping his Bell Bearing. This can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, which allows you to purchase some of his items. However, you cannot complete the Volcano Manor quest.
Is Patches a permanent merchant if I spare him? Yes, if you spare Patches, he will remain a merchant in subsequent locations, although his exact locations may vary depending on the game and your progress.
Should I trust Patches at any point in the game? Trusting Patches is always a gamble. While he may offer seemingly helpful advice or items, his motives are often self-serving. Proceed with caution!
What is Patches’ motivation? In most cases, Patches seems to be motivated by greed and self-preservation. He is opportunistic and will exploit any situation for his own benefit.
Are there any lore theories about Patches? Many lore theories exist about Patches’ true identity and origins, suggesting connections to various characters and entities within the Soulsborne universe. Some speculate that he is a manifestation of human greed or a recurring spirit tied to specific locations or events.

Is patches worth killing?