Should I Keep Patches Alive in Dark Souls? A Definitive Guide

The answer, plain and simple, is a resounding YES, keep Patches alive in Dark Souls. While he’s a treacherous, backstabbing scoundrel, Patches offers invaluable rewards, unique interactions, and a surprising amount of utility throughout your playthrough. Killing him denies you access to valuable items, a useful vendor, and a recurring character who, despite his flaws, adds a memorable element to the Dark Souls experience.

Why Patches is Worth the Trouble

Patches, in his various forms across the Dark Souls series (and even in related titles like Bloodborne and Elden Ring), is a recurring trickster archetype. He’s designed to lure you into traps, kick you down pits, and generally make your life difficult. However, his presence isn’t just about adding frustration. It’s about testing your awareness, rewarding vigilance, and ultimately, providing you with tools and items that can significantly aid your journey.

The Benefits of Patches’ Existence

• Unique Armor Sets: Patches sells the Crest Shield (if you don’t get it elsewhere) and the Thief Set, both of which can be quite useful early on. The Thief Set, in particular, is lightweight and offers decent defenses for its weight.

• Vendor Services: He provides access to limited but useful items like Humanity (essential for reversing hollowing and kindling bonfires), Purging Stones (to cure curses, a lifesaver in certain areas), and various ammunition types.

• Forgiveness: After his initial trickery, forgiving Patches through Oswald of Carim allows you to continue interacting with him without hostility. This is crucial for accessing his vendor services.

• Character Development (Sort Of): Patches, despite his flaws, is a fascinating character. His motivations are often ambiguous, and his interactions with the player are consistently engaging. He represents a chaotic element in the world, challenging the player’s assumptions and forcing them to think critically about their actions.

• Future Encounters: Killing Patches eliminates him from the game, preventing any further interactions or item purchases in subsequent areas. He doesn’t just vanish from one location, he’s gone for good for that playthrough.

What Happens if You Kill Patches?

While it’s understandable to feel betrayed and want revenge on Patches after his initial deceptions, killing him ultimately hurts your playthrough more than it helps.

• Loss of Vendor Services: This is the most significant drawback. You lose access to his limited but valuable inventory.
• No Unique Dialogue: You miss out on future interactions and opportunities to learn more about his character and motivations.
• A Few Souls (Not Worth It): While he drops some souls upon death, they are a meager amount compared to the value of his services.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Patches

1. Where Can I Find Patches in Dark Souls?

Patches can be found in two main locations in Dark Souls: the Tomb of the Giants and The Duke’s Archives. His first encounter is usually in the Tomb of the Giants, where he tries to trick you into falling into a pit. After the Tomb, he moves to the Duke’s Archives after you ring both bells and encounter him near the first bonfire.

2. How Do I Forgive Patches After He Tricks Me?

After his initial trick, don’t attack him. Instead, talk to him until he becomes friendly and offers to sell you items. If you do accidentally attack him and make him hostile, you can seek absolution from Oswald of Carim in the Undead Parish. This will reset his aggression and allow you to interact with him normally.

3. What is the Purpose of the Crest Shield that Patches Sells?

The Crest Shield has high magic resistance, making it incredibly useful against magic-based enemies and bosses, particularly in areas like the Duke’s Archives and against Seath the Scaleless.

4. Is the Thief Set Sold by Patches Any Good?

The Thief Set is a decent lightweight armor option, especially for dexterity-based characters. It offers a good balance of protection and mobility, allowing for quicker rolls and stamina recovery.

5. Why Does Patches Kick Me Down a Pit?

Patches kicks you down the pit because that’s just what he does. He’s a trickster, and his goal is to deceive and manipulate you for his own amusement (and possibly profit).

6. Is There a Way to Avoid Patches’ Traps?

Yes. Pay attention to your surroundings, especially in areas known for traps. Look for signs of deception, such as suspicious layouts or deliberately placed items. In the Tomb of the Giants, be wary of seemingly obvious pathways and listen to Patches’ dialogue.

7. What Happens If I Kill Patches Before He Moves to the Duke’s Archives?

If you kill Patches in the Tomb of the Giants, he will not appear in the Duke’s Archives, and you will miss out on his vendor services in that location.

8. Can I Summon Patches for Boss Fights?

No, Patches is not a summonable NPC for any boss fights in Dark Souls. He’s primarily a vendor and a source of trickery.

9. Does Patches Appear in Dark Souls II or Dark Souls III?

While not the exact same character, similar archetypes called Pate (Dark Souls II) and Unbreakable Patches (Dark Souls III) appear, exhibiting similar treacherous behaviors and offering valuable items.

10. Is Patches a Reliable Character in Dark Souls?

Absolutely not. Patches is inherently unreliable and should never be fully trusted. His allegiance is always to himself, and he will readily betray you if it benefits him.

11. What Happens if I Attack Patches After He Becomes a Vendor?

Attacking Patches after he becomes a vendor will make him hostile again, requiring you to seek absolution from Oswald of Carim. However, continuous attacks may eventually kill him, permanently removing him from your game.

12. Does Patches Ever Stop Trying to Trick Me?

While he becomes more amenable after you forgive him, Patches will always retain his trickster nature. Be prepared for potential surprises and double-crosses, even after he’s become a vendor.

13. Is There Any Lore Significance to Patches’ Recurring Appearances?

The exact reason for Patches’ presence across multiple games is never explicitly stated, fueling fan theories. Some speculate he’s cursed, while others believe he’s a manifestation of the player’s own tendency towards greed and exploitation within the game world. Explore the Games Learning Society for theories and discussions on this topic. You can visit their website at: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

14. What’s the Best Way to Handle Patches in My First Dark Souls Playthrough?

The best approach is to be cautious and observant during your encounters with him. Don’t blindly trust his instructions, and always be prepared for a potential trap. Forgive him after his initial trickery, and take advantage of his vendor services.

15. Is Patches a Beloved Character in the Dark Souls Community?

Despite his treacherous nature, Patches is a surprisingly beloved character within the Dark Souls community. His recurring appearances, unique personality, and the challenge he presents have made him a memorable and iconic figure in the series. Players often enjoy the thrill of outsmarting him and discovering the rewards he offers.

Conclusion: Embrace the Chaos

Patches is a complex and multifaceted character who embodies the unforgiving nature of Dark Souls. While his actions may be frustrating, his presence adds depth and intrigue to the game world. By choosing to keep him alive, you open yourself up to valuable resources, unique interactions, and a truly unforgettable experience. So, the next time you encounter Patches, resist the urge to strike him down and instead, embrace the chaos. You might just be surprised at what you gain.