Should You Kill Edgar in Elden Ring? A Tarnished’s Dilemma
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The Lands Between is rife with difficult choices, and whether or not to kill Edgar in Elden Ring is one that weighs heavily on many a Tarnished’s mind. The short answer is: it depends. Killing Edgar early yields some immediate benefits, but sparing him and following his questline to its tragic conclusion offers unique items, lore insights, and a deeper understanding of the game’s themes of loss, vengeance, and the corrupting influence of power. Ultimately, the “correct” choice rests on your individual playstyle, priorities, and tolerance for morally grey decisions.
Understanding Edgar’s Story: A Tragedy Unfolds
Edgar, the warden of Castle Morne, is first encountered in the Weeping Peninsula. He tasks you with delivering a letter to his daughter, Irina, who awaits near the Bridge of Sacrifice. This seemingly simple task kicks off a chain of events that reveals the horrors plaguing the Lands Between.
Upon delivering the letter, you discover Irina has been murdered, a victim of the rising tensions and the corrupting influence of the Shabriri Grape. Whether you killed Edgar earlier or not, this event will always happen. Driven mad with grief, Edgar vows revenge, eventually becoming the hostile Edgar the Revenger, an invader located north of the Minor Erdtree in Liurnia.
The Pros and Cons of an Early Demise
Killing Edgar early, before delivering the letter, grants you his Halberd and some runes. This may be tempting for players looking for an early boost, but it comes at the cost of experiencing his questline and the items and insights it provides. More importantly, it’s a cruel and arguably unnecessary act against a man genuinely concerned for his daughter.
Allowing Edgar to live and complete his quest provides access to the Banished Knight’s Halberd +8 upon defeating him as Edgar the Revenger. This upgraded weapon is significantly more valuable than the base version obtained by killing him earlier. Furthermore, progressing his quest allows you to obtain the Shabriri Grape and observe the tragic consequences of loss and vengeance firsthand.
Making the Choice: Roleplaying Considerations
Elden Ring isn’t just about stats and upgrades; it’s also about roleplaying. Consider the type of character you’re playing. Are you a ruthless mercenary driven by power, or a compassionate hero seeking to bring order to the Lands Between? The choice to kill or spare Edgar should align with your character’s values and motivations. There are many players that explore aspects of roleplaying in video games at the Games Learning Society or GamesLearningSociety.org.
Edgar’s Questline: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Here’s a detailed walkthrough of Edgar’s questline, assuming you choose to spare him initially:
- Meet Irina: Find her near the Bridge of Sacrifice in the Weeping Peninsula.
- Deliver the Letter: Accept her request to deliver a letter to her father, Edgar, at Castle Morne.
- Find Edgar: Locate Edgar at the back of Castle Morne after defeating Leonine Misbegotten, he is usually sitting there mourning.
- Return to Irina: Travel back to Irina by the bridge to find her dead. Edgar will be there, mourning. Talk to him until he repeats his dialogue.
- Face Edgar the Revenger: Edgar will invade you as Edgar the Revenger at the Revenger’s Shack north of the Minor Erdtree in Liurnia.
- Defeat Edgar the Revenger: Upon defeat, he drops the Banished Knight’s Halberd +8 and a Shabriri Grape.
- Hyetta and the Shabriri Grapes: Give the Shabriri Grapes you get from Edgar to Hyetta. Doing this progresses her questline which unlocks a different ending.
FAQ: All About Edgar in Elden Ring
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Edgar’s questline:
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What happens if I kill Edgar before delivering the letter? You obtain his basic Halberd and some runes, but you miss out on the rest of the questline, the upgraded Halberd +8, and the Shabriri Grape.
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Can I save Irina? No, Irina’s death is a fixed event in the game. There is no way to prevent it.
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What is the significance of the Shabriri Grape? The Shabriri Grape is an item that feeds into the Frenzied Flame storyline involving Hyetta, which unlocks one of the game’s endings.
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Is the Banished Knight’s Halberd +8 worth it? Yes, it’s a powerful weapon, especially for early to mid-game builds that focus on strength and dexterity.
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Where is the Revenger’s Shack located? It’s north of the Minor Erdtree in Liurnia, easily identifiable by its dilapidated appearance and the presence of hostile dogs.
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Does Edgar’s death affect other quests? Only indirectly, by affecting the availability of the Shabriri Grape for Hyetta’s quest.
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What stats should I have to fight Edgar the Revenger? It depends on your build, but a level of 50-60 with decent weapon upgrades is generally sufficient.
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Is Edgar the Revenger a difficult fight? He can be challenging, but he’s not one of the game’s toughest bosses. His moveset is predictable, and he’s vulnerable to backstabs.
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What ending does Hyetta’s questline unlock? It unlocks the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
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Should I feel bad about killing Edgar? That’s a personal question. Some players feel remorse for killing seemingly innocent NPCs, while others prioritize gameplay benefits.
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Can I respec my character after killing Edgar? Yes, respec is possible after defeating Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon.
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What is the lore behind Edgar’s actions? Edgar’s actions are driven by grief and a desire for revenge, highlighting the devastating consequences of the conflicts in the Lands Between.
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What is the best weapon to use against Edgar the Revenger? Weapons that deal good stagger damage are effective, such as greatswords or hammers.
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Is there a way to avoid fighting Edgar the Revenger? No, he is a mandatory invasion point in his quest.
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How does Edgar’s quest relate to the overall themes of Elden Ring? It explores themes of loss, corruption, vengeance, and the cyclical nature of violence, which are central to the game’s narrative.
Conclusion: Weighing the Choices in a Harsh World
Ultimately, the decision to kill or spare Edgar in Elden Ring is a personal one. There’s no objectively “right” answer. By understanding his story, the consequences of your actions, and aligning your choices with your character’s roleplaying, you can make an informed decision that enhances your overall gaming experience. Remember, the Lands Between is a harsh and unforgiving place, and every choice carries weight. Choose wisely, Tarnished.