Should I Trust Patches in Demon’s Souls? A Deep Dive into the Cunning Trickster
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The short answer? No. Absolutely not. Trusting Patches in Demon’s Souls is a recipe for disaster, albeit sometimes a hilarious one. He’s a recurring character in FromSoftware games, infamous for his treacherous nature. While he offers some valuable services as a merchant, his primary motivation is self-preservation and personal gain, often at the expense of unsuspecting players. Proceed with extreme caution, and always expect a trap.
Patches: A History of Deceit
Patches isn’t just a Demon’s Souls phenomenon; he’s a staple of the FromSoftware experience. He’s appeared in almost every Souls-like game, each time bearing the same traits: cunning, cowardice, and a penchant for betrayal. Whether he’s kicking you down a hole, stealing your loot, or masquerading as a friendly merchant before pulling the rug out from under you, Patches is consistently unreliable. Understanding this history is key to approaching him in Demon’s Souls. He is amicable on the surface, but in reality, only looks out for himself and takes every opportunity to betray those around him.
Patches in Demon’s Souls: Friend or Foe?
In Demon’s Souls, Patches first appears in The Shrine of Storms (4-2). He’ll initially seem helpful, warning you about a “treasure” ahead. However, this is a ruse to lure you into a trap, kicking you down a pit where you’ll face powerful enemies. Later, he’ll reappear in The Nexus as a merchant, offering a surprisingly useful service: unlimited Heavy Arrows. This creates a dilemma: can you stomach his treachery for the sake of convenient ammunition?
The Merchant Dilemma
Patches is arguably essential for archer builds. His unlimited supply of Heavy Arrows makes him invaluable for players relying on ranged combat. However, this convenience comes at a cost: dealing with his manipulative nature. This means navigating his dialogue carefully, knowing when to expect a trap, and deciding whether the benefits outweigh the risks.
When Patches Turns Against You
After your first encounter, Patches will travel to the Nexus and you can buy many things from him, including the cheapest healing grass in the game. Eventually, he will vanish and go to the Shrine of Storms where he will kick the player down a hole close by in an attempt to kill the player. He also appears to hate clerics with a passion.
Forgiving Patches: Is It Worth It?
Even after his betrayals, Demon’s Souls offers a chance to “forgive” Patches. However, forgiveness doesn’t erase his past actions or guarantee future trustworthiness. It simply allows you to continue interacting with him as a merchant. The decision to forgive Patches ultimately depends on your playstyle and tolerance for his antics.
Alternatives to Patches
While Patches provides a convenient source of arrows, he isn’t the only option. Farming enemies for arrows is a viable alternative, albeit a more time-consuming one. Weigh the convenience of Patches against the peace of mind that comes with avoiding his treachery.
Dealing with Patches: A Pragmatic Approach
The best way to deal with Patches is to acknowledge his inherent untrustworthiness and plan accordingly. Never take his words at face value, always be prepared for a trap, and prioritize your own survival. Consider his services purely transactional: a means to an end, rather than a genuine partnership. He is the only merchant who can offer an unlimited supply of Heavy Arrows, so be careful of killing him or letting him die in a game where you are using bows frequently.
Patches and the Games Learning Society
Understanding character motivations and the consequences of trust and betrayal are key elements in games. These experiences, while virtual, can offer valuable insights into human behavior. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org studies how games can be used as tools for education and personal growth, exploring the complex relationships and ethical dilemmas that often arise within them. Games can be great learning experiences!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is Patches the same character in every FromSoftware game?
Yes, although each iteration may have a different moniker (e.g., “Trusty” Patches in Dark Souls), they share the same core traits: cunning, cowardly trickster. They are essentially the same person across all games.
2. What happens if I kill Patches in Demon’s Souls?
You will lose access to his merchant services, most notably the unlimited Heavy Arrows. He also drops some loot, but it’s generally not worth the loss of his shop.
3. Can I avoid Patches’s trap in the Shrine of Storms?
Yes, you can be cautious and not fall into his trap.
4. Is there any way to earn Patches’s genuine trust?
No, Patches’s nature is fundamentally self-serving. While you can maintain a transactional relationship, he will never be truly trustworthy.
5. Does Patches appear in the Demon’s Souls remake?
Yes, Patches is present in the Demon’s Souls remake for the PlayStation 5, retaining his original role and characteristics.
6. What are the best strategies for dealing with Patches in combat?
If you choose to fight him, use a mid-heavy shield and circle strafe him, backstabbing him when he attacks. His spear has forward momentum, exposing his back.
7. What does Patches sell in the Nexus?
Patches sells a variety of items, including healing grass, daggers, and the crucial Heavy Arrows. He also has other useful equipment for sale, so it is not advised to kill him.
8. Why does Patches hate clerics?
According to lore from other games (particularly Dark Souls), Patches was once a cleric himself but grew disgusted by their corruption.
9. Where can I find Patches after he leaves the Shrine of Storms?
After your initial encounter in the Shrine of Storms, Patches will relocate to The Nexus, where he becomes a merchant.
10. Is it possible to accidentally aggro Patches?
Yes, attacking him will make him hostile. Be careful when swinging your weapon near him. If you do accidentally aggro him, you can seek forgiveness at the Statue of Reflection in the Nexus in exchange for souls.
11. Does Patches have a questline in Demon’s Souls?
Not in the traditional sense. He is a recurring encounter, but he doesn’t have a complex questline like some other NPCs.
12. What are the benefits of keeping Patches alive?
The main benefit is access to his shop, particularly for purchasing Heavy Arrows. This makes him valuable for archer builds and players who frequently use bows.
13. Does Patches play a role in any other NPC questlines in Demon’s Souls?
No, unlike in some other FromSoftware games, Patches’s actions don’t directly impact other NPC questlines in Demon’s Souls.
14. What happens if I don’t forgive Patches after he tricks me?
He will still offer his services.
15. Is Patches a unique enemy or a recurring character?
Patches is a recurring character who appears in multiple FromSoftware games.
Conclusion: Trust, But Verify
Patches in Demon’s Souls is a complex character. He’s a liar, a trickster, and a potential threat, but also a valuable merchant. The decision of whether to trust him ultimately depends on your willingness to tolerate his behavior for the sake of his services. Approach him with caution, expect the unexpected, and remember the age-old adage: trust, but verify. And maybe invest in a good shield and a lot of arrows.