What Happens After Defeating Rykard? A Comprehensive Guide
Defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, a truly memorable and challenging boss in Elden Ring, triggers a significant shift in the game’s narrative and opens up new avenues for exploration and progression. Specifically, after vanquishing this shardbearer, you receive Rykard’s Great Rune and the Remembrance of the Blasphemous. This victory allows you to activate Rykard’s Great Rune at the Divine Tower of West Altus, and unlocks new areas and questlines, advancing you closer to becoming Elden Lord.
The Immediate Aftermath of Rykard’s Defeat
Once the monstrous form of Rykard is defeated, a Site of Grace, appropriately named “Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy,” will appear. Activating this allows you to fast travel and also serves as a respawn point should you fall in battle later on. This is a crucial point for regrouping and planning your next steps.
Claiming Your Rewards
The primary rewards for defeating Rykard are:
- Rykard’s Great Rune: This Great Rune can be activated at the Divine Tower of West Altus. Upon activation, it grants a significant boost to your HP upon defeating enemies, making it a valuable asset for survivability.
- Remembrance of the Blasphemous: This item can be traded to Enia at the Roundtable Hold for either the Blasphemous Blade (a powerful greatsword scaling with Strength, Faith, and Dexterity) or Rykard’s Rancor (a unique sorcery).
- Massive Rune Drop: You’ll receive a substantial amount of Runes, used for leveling up and purchasing items.
Roundtable Hold Updates
After defeating Rykard, several NPCs at the Roundtable Hold will have new dialogue and potentially altered storylines. Specifically:
- Enia: As mentioned, Enia allows you to exchange the Remembrance of the Blasphemous for either the Blasphemous Blade or Rykard’s Rancor. Talking to her will give you additional lore about Rykard and the Lands Between.
- Finger Reader Crone: She will offer new insights and prophecies regarding your journey, often hinting at future objectives and challenges.
- Other NPCs: Check with other characters as well, as some may have subtle changes to their dialogue or offer new information related to the events that have transpired.
The Wider Impact of Rykard’s Defeat
Defeating Rykard doesn’t drastically alter the world map in the same way that some other shardbearer defeats might. However, it allows access to previously inaccessible or gated content and completes character arcs:
Tanith’s Story Arc
Tanith, the leader of the Volcano Manor, is deeply affected by Rykard’s demise. Returning to her after the battle will reveal a new cutscene and dialogue, showing her grief and devotion to Rykard. Her questline will ultimately conclude, leading to a challenging optional boss fight against her, who’s consumed by the Crucible Knight.
Volcano Manor Exploration
While Volcano Manor is largely explorable before defeating Rykard through side passages and assassination requests, the official defeat of Rykard signifies the end of the Manor’s primary questline. No new assassination contracts will be issued, and the remaining members of the Manor will have altered dialogue, reflecting the changed circumstances.
Progression Towards the Erdtree
Defeating Rykard, being one of the major shardbearers, brings you closer to the ultimate goal of reaching the Erdtree and becoming Elden Lord. While it doesn’t unlock any new major regions directly (unlike defeating, say, Radahn), it is a critical step on the path to claiming the Elden Ring. This clears the way to prepare for the next major encounter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I still do Volcano Manor quests after killing Rykard?
No, the assassination quests offered by Tanith and the Volcano Manor will no longer be available after defeating Rykard. Make sure to complete all desired contracts before challenging him.
2. Where is the Divine Tower of West Altus to activate Rykard’s Great Rune?
The Divine Tower of West Altus is located in the Altus Plateau. To reach it, you need to traverse the area and find the path leading up to the tower. It’s not directly connected to Volcano Manor.
3. Is Rykard’s Great Rune any good?
Yes, Rykard’s Great Rune is considered very useful, particularly for builds that prioritize survivability. The health restoration upon defeating enemies can be a game-changer, especially in areas with numerous foes.
4. Should I choose the Blasphemous Blade or Rykard’s Rancor?
The choice depends on your build. The Blasphemous Blade is an excellent melee weapon for Strength/Faith builds, offering both physical and fire damage and a powerful weapon skill that heals you. Rykard’s Rancor is a unique sorcery that launches spectral heads at enemies, dealing damage over time. Pick the one that best complements your playstyle.
5. Can I get both the Blasphemous Blade and Rykard’s Rancor?
Yes, but not on the same playthrough. To acquire both, you would need to use the Remembrance of the Blasphemous to obtain one item, then duplicate the Remembrance at a Walking Mausoleum to obtain a second Remembrance, allowing you to get the other item.
6. Does defeating Rykard lock me out of any areas?
No, defeating Rykard doesn’t prevent you from accessing any areas of the game. It primarily affects the Volcano Manor questline.
7. What level should I be to fight Rykard?
A recommended level for tackling Rykard is around level 70-80. However, this can vary depending on your build, skill level, and equipment.
8. What is the Serpent-Hunter weapon and why is it important for the Rykard fight?
The Serpent-Hunter is a unique greatspear found in the boss arena before the Rykard fight. It is specifically designed to counter Rykard’s immense size and power. Its weapon skill unleashes waves of energy that deal massive damage to Rykard, making the fight significantly easier. It is almost mandatory.
9. What happens to Bernahl after the Rykard fight?
Bernahl, an NPC involved in the Volcano Manor’s assassination contracts, eventually leaves the Manor after Rykard’s defeat (or after you complete enough of his assassination contracts). He later appears as an invader in Crumbling Farum Azula. Defeating him there yields his armor set and weapon.
10. How does Rykard’s Great Rune compare to other Great Runes?
Rykard’s Great Rune is particularly useful for builds that struggle with survivability, as the health restoration can keep you alive in challenging encounters. Other Great Runes, like Godrick’s or Radahn’s, offer different benefits, such as increased attributes or HP/FP/Stamina, catering to different playstyles.
11. Can I still access Volcano Manor after defeating Rykard?
Yes, you can still access Volcano Manor. You can explore the area, fight enemies, and collect items. However, the main questline related to the assassination contracts will be unavailable.
12. What are some good strategies for defeating Rykard?
The key strategy is to utilize the Serpent-Hunter weapon effectively. Upgrade it as much as possible. Stay at a medium range to avoid his attacks while still being able to unleash the weapon’s skill. Utilize Spirit Ashes to distract Rykard, giving you opportunities to attack.
13. What’s the lore behind Rykard?
Rykard was once a noble and ambitious lord. However, he eventually succumbed to the influence of the Serpent God, merging with it to become the Lord of Blasphemy. This act of defiance against the Golden Order transformed him into the monstrous being you fight.
14. Where does the Grafted Scion come from?
The Grafted Scion is not directly related to the Rykard fight, but it is the first enemy that players face in Elden Ring. It reappears later in the game in various locations, signifying characters that have been grafted.
15. What should I do immediately after defeating Rykard?
First, activate the Site of Grace. Then, fast travel back to Roundtable Hold and speak with Enia to claim your reward from the Remembrance of the Blasphemous. Return to Tanith to witness the end of her story. Afterwards, consider activating Rykard’s Great Rune. Finally, prepare for the next leg of your journey towards claiming the Elden Ring.