Should You Give Seluvis’s Potion to Gideon in Elden Ring? A Definitive Guide

In the sprawling, intricate world of Elden Ring, players are constantly faced with difficult choices that have far-reaching consequences. One such decision involves a mysterious and morally questionable potion entrusted to you by the enigmatic Preceptor Seluvis. The question is: Should you give Seluvis’s potion to Gideon? The short answer is a resounding YES.

Giving the potion to Gideon Ofnir is generally considered the best course of action for most players aiming for the most complete and satisfying questline outcomes. This choice unlocks several key advantages: It allows you to continue Nepheli Loux’s questline and that of the Dung Eater, and still complete Seluvis’s questline with certain constraints. Giving the potion to Nepheli immediately ends her questline and transforms her into a puppet, while other options lead to less desirable outcomes. By handing it to Gideon, you effectively dispose of the potion without triggering negative consequences, and even if you lie to Seluvis, his questline proceeds regardless. Let’s delve into why this decision is optimal, and explore the intricacies surrounding Seluvis, his potion, and the involved characters.

Why Gideon is Your Best Bet

The primary reason to give the potion to Gideon lies in the ripple effects it prevents. Consider these crucial points:

• Preserving Nepheli Loux’s Questline: Nepheli’s quest is one of the more uplifting and rewarding side stories in Elden Ring. Handing her the potion immediately turns her into a puppet, effectively ending her quest. Allowing it to continue yields valuable rewards and story beats and keeps her as a helpful ally within Roundtable Hold.
• Continuing the Dung Eater’s Questline: Giving the potion to Gideon does not affect the Dung Eater’s questline. This is essential because the Dung Eater’s quest is needed for a specific ending.
• Maintaining Access to Seluvis’s Services: Even after giving the potion to Gideon and lying to Seluvis about it, you can still purchase sorceries from him.
• Moral Considerations: While Elden Ring is full of morally ambiguous characters, Seluvis stands out as particularly vile. Giving the potion to Gideon is a way to thwart his insidious plan, even if only indirectly.

Understanding the Characters

To fully grasp the implications of this decision, it’s essential to understand the key players involved:

• Seluvis: A preceptor at the Academy of Raya Lucaria, Seluvis is deeply involved in dark sorceries and manipulating others for his own gain. He desires to create puppets out of powerful individuals.
• Gideon Ofnir, the All-Knowing: Initially appearing as a mentor figure at Roundtable Hold, Gideon is driven by his insatiable thirst for knowledge. He eventually becomes an antagonist who seeks to prevent anyone from becoming Elden Lord, guarding the Elden Ring.
• Nepheli Loux: A valiant warrior and daughter of Godfrey, First Elden Lord, Nepheli struggles with her purpose after being abandoned by her father figure, Gideon. She seeks guidance and fights against injustice.
• Dung Eater: A serial killer NPC, reviled by the Golden Order due to his actions, can also be given the potion, which is not recommended.

The Consequences of Other Choices

• Giving the Potion to Nepheli: This results in her transformation into a puppet and the abrupt end of her questline. You receive the Dolores the Sleeping Arrow puppet, which can be summoned, but it’s a steep price to pay.
• Giving the Potion to the Dung Eater: The Dung Eater is another option for the potion, leading to his transformation into a puppet and cutting his questline short. This is not recommended due to the storyline and lack of useful rewards.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Obtain Seluvis’s Potion: Follow Seluvis’s questline until he tasks you with delivering a potion.
2. Speak to Gideon Ofnir: Find Gideon at his desk in Roundtable Hold. Talk to him about Seluvis and the potion.
3. Give the Potion to Gideon: Choose the option to hand over the potion. Gideon will dispose of it and advise you to lie to Seluvis.
4. Return to Seluvis: Tell Seluvis that you gave the potion to Nepheli, even though you didn’t.
5. Continue the Questlines: Proceed with both Nepheli Loux’s and the Dung Eater’s questlines as normal.

Ethical Considerations

While Elden Ring often presents players with difficult choices lacking clear-cut moral answers, giving the potion to Gideon represents a relatively “good” outcome. It allows you to advance multiple questlines, prevent the transformation of a noble character into a puppet, and still use Seluvis’ services. While lying to Seluvis might feel morally questionable, the ends justify the means in this scenario.

The Game Design Behind the Decision

The decision to give the potion to Gideon highlights Elden Ring’s masterful game design. The game encourages exploration and experimentation while also rewarding players who carefully consider the consequences of their actions. This intricate web of choices and consequences adds depth and replayability to the game, making each playthrough unique. The game design reinforces the concept of consequence and learning from choices, themes explored extensively at the Games Learning Society which explores the intersection of games and education, and how interactive narratives can teach players about decision-making and its results. See GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

FAQs: Seluvis’s Potion and its Implications

1. Can I still get Seluvis’s rewards if I give the potion to Gideon?

Yes, you can still purchase sorceries from Seluvis even if you give the potion to Gideon and lie to him about it. You may not complete his full questline.

2. What happens if I give the potion to Nepheli?

Nepheli will be turned into a puppet, and her questline will end prematurely.

3. Is there any benefit to giving the potion to the Dung Eater?

No, giving the potion to the Dung Eater results in his transformation into a puppet and cuts his questline short, without providing any significant rewards.

4. Why is Seluvis considered an evil character?

Seluvis is portrayed as evil due to his manipulative nature, his pursuit of dark sorceries, and his desire to turn others into mindless puppets.

5. Does Gideon betray the player?

Yes, Gideon eventually betrays the player after learning a truth about Queen Marika. He becomes an antagonist who seeks to prevent anyone from becoming Elden Lord.

6. What is the “best” ending in Elden Ring?

The “best” ending is subjective and depends on the player’s preferences. However, many consider the Age of Stars ending (tied to Ranni’s questline) to be the most optimistic and fulfilling.

7. How do I start Nepheli Loux’s questline?

You first meet Nepheli in Stormveil Castle. After defeating Godrick the Grafted and exhausting her initial dialogue at Roundtable Hold, you can find her in the room outside the library.

8. Can I get Gideon’s armor?

Yes, you can obtain Gideon’s armor by defeating him as a boss in Leyndell, Ashen Capital, towards the end of the game.

9. What happens if I kill Seluvis?

Killing Seluvis early will prevent you from progressing his questline and obtaining his sorceries. He is eventually killed by Ranni.

10. Is the Dung Eater’s ending a good ending?

No, the Dung Eater’s ending is considered one of the worst endings in Elden Ring. It involves cursing the world and its inhabitants.

11. Can I respec my character in Elden Ring?

Yes, you can respec your character by using a Larval Tear and speaking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, after defeating her at the Academy of Raya Lucaria.

12. Why does Gideon abandon Nepheli?

Gideon abandons Nepheli because he sees her as weak for giving in to her emotions and abandoning her mission.

13. Is Ranni a good or evil character?

Ranni’s morality is ambiguous. While she has her own agenda, many consider her ending to be the “best possible outcome” due to its potential for positive change in the Lands Between.

14. Can you backstab Gideon?

Yes, Gideon can be backstabbed, making him vulnerable in combat.

15. What is the significance of the puppets in Elden Ring?

The puppets in Elden Ring represent a loss of free will and individuality. They are a symbol of manipulation and control, often used by characters with malicious intent.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to give Seluvis’s potion to Gideon boils down to a matter of maximizing benefits and minimizing negative consequences. By choosing Gideon, you unlock the opportunity to experience more of Elden Ring’s rich narrative, forge stronger bonds with key characters, and perhaps, bring a glimmer of hope to the bleak and unforgiving world of the Lands Between.