Gavlan’s Grand Tour: Tracking the Traveling Merchant After No-Man’s Wharf in Dark Souls 2
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Where does Gavlan go after No-Man’s Wharf? This is a question many Dark Souls 2 players ponder after first encountering the enigmatic merchant with his peculiar speech and insatiable appetite for souls. The answer is straightforward: after your initial meeting with Gavlan in No-Man’s Wharf, he relocates to Harvest Valley. This move marks the beginning of Gavlan’s journey across Drangleic, a journey that will eventually lead him to his final, permanent location. Understanding this progression is key for players looking to capitalize on Gavlan’s unique services as the only vendor who buys items from the player.
Gavlan’s Travels Through Drangleic
The Initial Meeting: No-Man’s Wharf
Gavlan’s adventure begins in the dark and treacherous port town of No-Man’s Wharf. He can be found on the second floor of a building deep within the wharf, accessible after navigating through its labyrinthine paths and undead inhabitants. This initial encounter is critical as it triggers his relocation to Harvest Valley. It’s important to note that you will not encounter him again in this location once you have spoken to him.
The Second Stop: Harvest Valley
Following his departure from No-Man’s Wharf, Gavlan establishes a temporary shop in Harvest Valley. This area is accessible through the Huntsman’s Copse. You’ll find him here, ready to continue his business of buying unwanted goods and selling poison-related items. Talking to Gavlan here is necessary for him to move on to his third and final location. This phase emphasizes the importance of revisiting locations and engaging with NPCs to understand their movements and potential interactions.
The Final Residence: Doors of Pharros
Gavlan’s third and final stop is in the Doors of Pharros. Specifically, he sets up shop up the stairs outside of the Gyrm’s Respite bonfire. After speaking to him at the previous locations, Gavlan will remain here for the rest of your playthrough. This makes Doors of Pharros the go-to place for those seeking to liquidate items for souls. This location offers convenient access to Gavlan’s services, allowing players to regularly offload unwanted items and purchase valuable wares.
Why Gavlan is Important
Gavlan isn’t just any merchant; he’s the only NPC in Dark Souls 2 who buys items from the player. This unique feature makes him an indispensable resource for managing your inventory and securing vital souls. His inventory, though primarily focused on poison-related items, can be quite useful in certain builds and situations. Understanding his location and movement ensures that players have access to his services throughout the game.
Gavlan’s Significance in Gameplay
Gavlan’s progression is not merely a backdrop to the narrative; it’s a critical element of resource management in Dark Souls 2. Players frequently revisit him to sell items they accumulate, from extra weapons and armor to less valuable loot. The souls gained from these transactions can be used to level up, upgrade gear, or purchase essential items, making Gavlan an integral cog in the game’s economy.
His consistent presence also provides a sense of progression. Locating him in each new area offers a small but noticeable reward for venturing deeper into Drangleic. The effort spent tracking him down enhances the interconnected nature of the game’s world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Gavlan
1. Can Gavlan be killed?
Yes, Gavlan can be killed at any of his locations. However, this is generally not recommended as it removes the only vendor who buys items from the game. Should he be killed, a gravestone will appear at his location allowing you to revive him by paying souls.
2. What does Gavlan sell?
Gavlan primarily sells poison-related items, such as poison throwing knives, poison moss, and poison arrows. His inventory can be useful for players employing poison-based strategies.
3. Is No-Man’s Wharf optional?
While No-Man’s Wharf is not strictly required to complete Dark Souls 2, it is a crucial area with valuable items, a boss fight (the Flexile Sentry), and is the initial location of Gavlan. There are other paths to reach Lost Bastille, the area after No-Man’s Wharf, but it’s often beneficial to explore the wharf.
4. How do I get to Harvest Valley?
Harvest Valley can be accessed from the Huntsman’s Copse area. Progressing through Huntsman’s Copse will eventually lead you to Harvest Valley.
5. How do I reach Doors of Pharros?
The Doors of Pharros is accessed after defeating the boss in the Shaded Woods. It’s a location that branches out from the Shaded Ruins area.
6. What if I miss Gavlan in No-Man’s Wharf?
If you miss Gavlan in No-Man’s Wharf, you will not be able to trade with him until you find him in Harvest Valley. It is not possible to skip the first encounter to trigger his presence at his third location in the Doors of Pharros. You must find him at each location in order.
7. Does Gavlan’s inventory change?
Yes, Gavlan’s inventory increases as you progress through the game, making it beneficial to check back with him periodically at the Doors of Pharros for new poison items.
8. Is there a bonfire near Gavlan in the Doors of Pharros?
Yes, the Gyrm’s Respite bonfire is located nearby, making it a convenient spot to fast travel and access Gavlan at his final location.
9. Can I summon help in No-Man’s Wharf?
Yes, you can summon phantoms to aid you in No-Man’s Wharf. However, the summon signs might appear only if you are in human form and haven’t cleared the area boss.
10. What are some essential items in No-Man’s Wharf?
No-Man’s Wharf is home to a Fragrant Branch of Yore in a chest inside a house full of jars and other valuables. This item is necessary to unpetrify certain NPC.
11. What is the purpose of the ship in No-Man’s Wharf?
The ship in No-Man’s Wharf is used to travel to the Lost Bastille. It’s activated by pulling a lever, and it’s the main way to access the area if you don’t use the alternative path via the Pursuer.
12. Where does the sorcerer from No-Man’s Wharf go?
The sorcerer from No-Man’s Wharf, Lucatiel of Mirrah, moves to Majula after you have exhausted her dialogue or defeated the Flexile Sentry. You will find her near the monument to the right of the blacksmith.
13. Why is Gavlan the only merchant who buys items?
Gavlan’s unique buying ability is a design choice in Dark Souls 2 to provide a valuable way to manage resources and earn souls. It also ties into his character’s unique background as a collector.
14. How many bonfires are in No-Man’s Wharf?
There is only one bonfire in No-Man’s Wharf, located close to the beginning of the area.
15. What is the Flexile Sentry boss fight like?
The Flexile Sentry is a melee-focused boss found in the lower hold of the ship in No-Man’s Wharf. He utilizes two fighting styles and is weak to magic weapons. Defeating him is essential for continuing the game.