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The Best Merchant in Elden Ring: A Tarnished’s Guide to Shopping Smarts

So, you’re wandering the Lands Between, pockets jingling with hard-earned runes, and a burning question: “Who’s the best merchant in Elden Ring?” The answer, my fellow Tarnished, isn’t as simple as pointing to one shopkeeper. It depends on your build, your progress in the game, and what you need at any given moment. However, if I absolutely had to choose one merchant that offers the most overall value across the game, it would be the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.

Why? Because they eventually sell Bell Bearings you acquire from other dead merchants, consolidating the inventories of practically all early-to-mid-game vendors into a single, convenient location. This saves you the hassle of trekking across the map to find specific items, making them a one-stop shop for essential crafting materials, armor, weapons, and consumables.

Why the Twin Maiden Husks Reign Supreme

Let’s break down why the Twin Maiden Husks are so crucial:

Inventory Consolidation: As mentioned, their primary advantage lies in acquiring Bell Bearings. When you defeat certain merchants, they drop these items, which can then be given to the Twin Maiden Husks. This adds the merchant’s entire inventory to their own, essentially absorbing their shop. This eliminates the need to travel to far-flung locations to restock on essential supplies, particularly when you’re deep in a dungeon or facing a tough boss.
Access to Vital Crafting Materials: Early game crafting is vital for your survival. Being able to quickly buy Stones, Herbs and other useful crafting ingredients is critical for your success.
Access to Multiple Armor Sets: Because the Twin Maiden Husks take on the inventories of other Merchants, you get access to lots of Armor sets that would have been a nightmare to collect otherwise.
Convenient Location: The Roundtable Hold is a central hub accessible early in the game. This makes the Twin Maiden Husks readily available whenever you need to resupply or purchase new gear.
Late Game Access: While early game success relies on crafting materials, the Twin Maiden Husks will scale with you into the endgame, giving you access to Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, which are needed to fully upgrade your special weapons.

Beyond the Husks: Other Noteworthy Merchants

While the Twin Maiden Husks are the ultimate “best” merchant, several others deserve recognition for their unique offerings:

Merchant Kalé (Church of Elleh): The first merchant you’ll likely encounter. He sells the Crafting Kit, essential Recipe Books, and basic armor, making him crucial for getting started. This is a must-visit early on.
Nomadic Merchant (Limgrave, Coastal Cave): Sells the Samurai Class Armor set. Essential for a fresh start.
Sorceress Sellen (Waypoint Ruins): Offers early-game sorceries and catalysts for budding mages. Her questline is also tied to unlocking powerful spells.
Knight Bernahl (Warmaster’s Shack): A valuable source of Ashes of War, allowing you to customize your weapon skills.
Miriel, Pastor of Vows (Church of Vows): Teaches sorceries and incantations and accepts scrolls and prayerbooks to expand their inventory. Also a great source for absolution to get rid of aggressive NPCs.
Isolated Merchant (Dragonbarrow): Located in a dangerous region but sells the Land of Reeds Armor Set. This vendor is the only way to get access to the Samurai class.
Patches (Murkwater Cave/Liurnia/Mt. Gelmir): A trickster who appears in multiple locations. His inventory changes based on his location, and he sells useful items like the Patches’ Emporium Bell Bearing. Be wary of his schemes!

Why “Best” is Subjective

Ultimately, the “best” merchant depends on your needs. A mage will prioritize Sorceress Sellen and Miriel, while a melee build might focus on Knight Bernahl’s Ashes of War. It’s essential to explore the world and discover each merchant’s unique offerings. Don’t underestimate the value of checking back with merchants after significant story progression, as their inventories often expand.

Remember, the Lands Between are vast and filled with secrets. Part of the fun is discovering these merchants and their hidden treasures. So, get out there, explore, and find the merchant that best suits your Tarnished journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does killing merchants in Elden Ring matter?

Yes and no. There are no immediate negative consequences for killing merchants. In fact, it’s the only way to acquire their Bell Bearing. However, killing them means losing access to their services until you give their Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks. Consider the potential long-term loss before taking this drastic measure.

2. What sells for the most runes in Elden Ring?

Items like Golden Runes and boss remembrances are generally the best for selling if you don’t want to use them. However, it’s often more efficient to use Golden Runes for leveling up rather than selling them. Boss remembrances are typically best used to acquire powerful weapons or spells from Enia at the Roundtable Hold.

3. What items should I buy early in Elden Ring?

Prioritize the Crafting Kit from Merchant Kalé, as well as cookbooks that unlock new crafting recipes. A Torch is also essential for exploring dark caves and dungeons. Arrows are important if you plan on using a bow.

4. Where is Merchant Kalé located?

Merchant Kalé is located at the Church of Elleh, just north of the tutorial dungeon in Limgrave. He’s one of the first merchants you’ll encounter.

5. What does each nomadic merchant sell in Elden Ring?

Each Nomadic Merchant has a unique inventory, selling a variety of weapons, armor, consumables, and crafting materials. Their locations and inventories are spread throughout the Lands Between. Refer to online guides to find specific merchants and their wares.

6. How do I unlock new items at merchants?

Some merchants unlock new items based on your progress in the story, the discovery of specific items (like scrolls or prayerbooks), or by completing their questlines. Check back with merchants regularly after major events.

7. What is a Bell Bearing, and how do I use it?

A Bell Bearing is an item dropped by certain merchants when they are killed. Giving a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold adds that merchant’s inventory to their shop, allowing you to purchase their items from the Husks.

8. Are there any merchants with hidden locations?

Yes, several merchants are hidden or located in obscure areas. Exploring the world thoroughly is the best way to find them. Refer to online guides for specific locations.

9. Which merchant sells Smithing Stones?

Several merchants sell Smithing Stones, but the Twin Maiden Husks eventually offer the most comprehensive selection as you give them Bell Bearings. Early on, explore Limgrave Tunnels to acquire Smithing Stones naturally.

10. Is it worth killing all the merchants for their Bell Bearings?

This is a personal choice. Killing merchants is irreversible, so consider whether you’ll miss their presence in their original location. The Twin Maiden Husks offer a convenient way to consolidate inventories, but some players prefer the atmosphere and interactions with individual merchants.

11. Where can I find rare armor sets early in the game?

The starting armors sold by Merchant Kale are the best armors to get in the early game. But, you can access the Land of Reeds armor by going to the Isolated Merchant on the Dragonbarrow.

12. Do merchants’ prices change throughout the game?

No, merchants’ prices generally remain constant throughout the game. The rune cost of items does not fluctuate.

13. What is the best way to farm runes for purchasing items?

Early on, defeating trolls or clearing out enemy camps in Limgrave is a good way to earn runes. Later in the game, explore areas like Mohgwyn Palace for more efficient rune farming opportunities.

14. Can I give items to merchants?

No, you cannot give items to merchants. You can only purchase items from them or sell certain items to them in exchange for runes.

15. What role does player learning and knowledge play in Elden Ring?

Elden Ring, as with many games, demonstrates the importance of player learning. Players must understand game mechanics, enemy behaviors, and effective strategies to progress. Discovering the best merchants and what they offer is part of this learning process, enhancing gameplay and strategic decision-making. The Games Learning Society studies and promotes learning through games.

Conclusion

The best merchant in Elden Ring is a matter of perspective and need. While the Twin Maiden Husks ultimately offer the most comprehensive and convenient shopping experience, other merchants provide unique items and services that are essential for specific builds or playstyles. Explore the Lands Between, discover these merchants, and find the ones that best suit your journey as a Tarnished. For more research on the impact of gaming on learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.

What is the best merchant in Elden Ring?