The Unforgiving Path: What Happens When You Deny Patches Redemption?
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So, you’ve encountered Patches in one of his many guises throughout the FromSoftware universe, and, understandably, you’re bristling with suspicion. He’s pushed you down holes, locked you in rooms, and generally made your life miserable. The question is, do you forgive him? Let’s explore the ramifications of choosing the path of unforgiveness when dealing with the ever-deceptive Patches.
The immediate consequence of not forgiving Patches varies slightly depending on the game. In Dark Souls 1, if you choose not to forgive him after his initial trick, he will still give you a Twin Humanities as an apology. He will eventually appear in Firelink Shrine as a merchant. In Elden Ring, refusing to forgive him doesn’t stop him from opening his shop later. He will still set a trap that teleports you to Mistwood Ruins. The overarching theme remains consistent: Even without your explicit forgiveness, Patches typically finds a way to ingratiate himself (or at least attempt to) for his own benefit. Killing Patches means foregoing access to his unique wares and, in some games, missing out on specific questlines or item acquisition opportunities. Whether you choose to forgive him or not, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider.
The Price of Vengeance: Missing Content
Often, the most significant consequence of not forgiving Patches (usually leading to his death) is the loss of access to his services as a merchant. Patches frequently sells unique and valuable items, including:
- Consumables: Things like firebombs, throwing knives, and other useful items for combat.
- Armor: In some instances, killing Patches will prevent you from obtaining specific armor sets or items.
- Keys and Tools: He might sell keys to unlock areas or tools helpful for boss fights, such as Margit’s Shackle in Elden Ring.
Moreover, Patches can be involved in NPC questlines. In Dark Souls 3, for instance, his actions directly affect Greirat’s questline. If you want Greirat to survive his pillaging expeditions, Patches might be instrumental in saving him.
The Allure of Patches’ Wares
The items Patches offers are often useful, particularly early in the game. Margit’s Shackle can be a lifesaver in Elden Ring, allowing you to briefly stun Margit the Fell Omen, making a difficult boss fight significantly easier. His inventory also frequently includes items that can be hard to find elsewhere, making him a convenient source for essential supplies.
The Patches Paradox: Trusting the Untrustworthy
Forgiving Patches often feels wrong. After all, he’s betrayed you multiple times. However, keeping him alive typically provides more benefits than eliminating him. While his methods are questionable, his intentions are often self-serving rather than purely malicious. He’s a survivor, and he sees you as a potential asset (or at least not a threat) if he can maintain a transactional relationship.
Alternatives to Killing Patches
If you’re morally opposed to forgiving Patches but still want access to his items, there is a solution! Killing Patches will drop his Bell Bearing. Give this to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold in Elden Ring. This allows you to purchase his inventory items from them. Other games may have similar mechanics to still gain access to his items.
The Moral Quandary: Is Forgiveness Deserved?
Ultimately, the decision to forgive or punish Patches is a personal one. There’s no objectively “right” answer. Some players relish the opportunity to enact revenge for his treachery, while others see the pragmatic value in keeping him around. The beauty of FromSoftware games lies in the freedom to make these choices and experience the consequences, both good and bad. If you are still conflicted, consider joining the Games Learning Society, where fans debate the best ways to approach these difficult situations. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org welcomes discussions on gaming choices.
FAQs About Dealing with Patches
1. What happens if I kill Patches in Elden Ring?
If you kill Patches in Elden Ring, you will receive his Bell Bearing. You can give this Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold to purchase his inventory items. You will also miss out on any potential future interactions with him and a chance to summon him during the Radahn boss fight.
2. Does Patches appear in all FromSoftware games?
A character named Patches appears in many FromSoftware games, including Demon’s Souls, Dark Souls 1, 2, and 3, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. Each version has a unique backstory and appearance, but they all share the same core personality traits: trickery, deceit, and a penchant for kicking people down holes.
3. Is Patches always a merchant?
No, Patches is not always a merchant immediately upon encountering him. He usually needs to be spared and then will set up shop afterwards.
4. Can Patches betray me again after I forgive him?
Yes, even after forgiving Patches, he may attempt to trick you again in some games. This is part of his character, and you should always be cautious around him.
5. What are the benefits of keeping Patches alive in Dark Souls 3?
Keeping Patches alive in Dark Souls 3 allows him to sell you valuable items, and, more importantly, potentially save Greirat during his pillaging missions. You will need to give Patches the Catarina Armor to save Greirat.
6. How do I trigger Patches to save Greirat?
To have Patches save Greirat, you need to give Patches the Catarina Armor set before sending Greirat to pillage Irithyll Valley. After Greirat departs, tell Patches where Greirat went.
7. What happens if I don’t tell Patches where Greirat is?
If you don’t tell Patches where Greirat is, Greirat will most likely die during his pillaging mission to Irithyll Valley. Patches will refuse to sell you items until after Greirat dies of other reasons, or returns to Firelink Shrine.
8. Does Patches drop anything important if I kill him in Demon’s Souls?
While he doesn’t drop any essential unique items, killing Patches in Demon’s Souls means you miss out on his services as a merchant, particularly his unlimited supply of Heavy Arrows.
9. Is Patches the same character across all games?
While the character of Patches is present in many FromSoftware games, it’s more of a recurring archetype than the same individual. Each iteration has its own story and motivations, but they all share the same mischievous and untrustworthy personality.
10. What happens if I open Patches’ chest in Elden Ring?
Opening the chest in Murkwater Cave after “forgiving” Patches in Elden Ring triggers a trap that teleports you to Mistwood, a region in Limgrave.
11. How do I get Margit’s Shackle if I kill Patches?
If you kill Patches in Elden Ring, you can obtain Margit’s Shackle by giving Patches’ Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.
12. Is there a “good” or “bad” ending related to Patches?
No, your interactions with Patches do not directly influence the overall ending of any FromSoftware game. His presence primarily affects item availability and NPC questlines.
13. Does Patches have any redeeming qualities?
Despite his treacherous nature, Patches can be seen as having a twisted sense of humor and a pragmatic approach to survival. He isn’t necessarily evil; he is simply looking out for himself.
14. Why is Patches such a beloved character despite his deceitful nature?
Patches is a beloved character because of his consistent presence across multiple games, his unique personality, and the humorous nature of his traps and betrayals. He’s a familiar face in the often-grim worlds of FromSoftware games.
15. How do I find Patches in each game?
Finding Patches requires exploring specific locations and triggering certain events. Consulting online guides or wikis specific to each game is the best way to locate him.
Whether you choose to forgive or punish Patches is a testament to the player autonomy that FromSoftware games embrace. There are benefits and drawbacks to both choices, ensuring that your decisions have meaningful consequences in the harsh worlds you explore.