Where is Gavlan After Wharf? A Comprehensive Guide to the Wheel Merchant’s Travels
Gavlan, the enigmatic wheel merchant from Dark Souls 2, is a character many players seek out for his unique service: buying items from the player. However, Gavlan doesn’t stay put; he’s a traveler with specific destinations. If you’re wondering, “Where is Gavlan after Wharf?” the immediate answer is: Harvest Valley. After your initial encounter with him at No-Man’s Wharf, Gavlan will relocate to Harvest Valley. Understanding his movements is crucial for those looking to offload unwanted loot or acquire his specific wares. But Gavlan’s journey doesn’t stop there.
Gavlan’s Full Journey: From Wharf to Doors of Pharros
No-Man’s Wharf: The First Encounter
Your first meeting with Gavlan takes place in No-Man’s Wharf. He can be found on the second floor of a building far up in the wharf. This initial encounter is pivotal because, after you speak to him here, he will pack up and move on. This first meeting establishes his role as a vital merchant who buys items, particularly those that have piled up during your explorations. If, unfortunately, you happen to kill him in No-Man’s Wharf, a gravestone will appear at his location, hindering his future services.
Harvest Valley: The Second Stop
Following your conversation at No-Man’s Wharf, Gavlan relocates to Harvest Valley. Specifically, he can be found relatively near the entrance to the area. This is your second opportunity to interact with him and trade items. Gavlan’s stop in Harvest Valley is, like his time in the Wharf, temporary. He will not stay there indefinitely.
Doors of Pharros: The Final Destination
After your interaction in Harvest Valley, Gavlan moves to his final and permanent location: the Doors of Pharros. You can find him up the stairs outside of the Gyrm’s Respite bonfire. This marks the end of his travels, and he will remain in this spot for the remainder of your playthrough, as long as you don’t kill him. His presence here is a constant for players needing his buy-back service.
Understanding Gavlan’s Importance
Gavlan’s importance stems from his unique role as the only NPC in Dark Souls 2 that buys items from the player. This makes him crucial for getting rid of excess gear, crafting materials, and unwanted consumables for souls. He also deals specifically in poison items, which can be essential for certain builds or strategies, although many might find his buy-back function more valuable. Keep track of his locations, or you will miss out on valuable opportunities to earn souls and free up valuable inventory space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gavlan and His Locations
Here are 15 frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Gavlan and related locations in Dark Souls 2, providing additional context and answering common player inquiries:
Q1: Where is Gavlan located in No-Man’s Wharf?
A: Gavlan is located on the second floor of a building high up in No-Man’s Wharf. You’ll need to explore the area thoroughly to find the building and access its upper levels.
Q2: What happens if I kill Gavlan?
A: If you kill Gavlan in any location, a gravestone will appear. This will prevent you from using his services for the rest of your current playthrough. You can only trade with him after reviving him in NG+, NG++ or NG+++.
Q3: How do I access Harvest Valley?
A: Harvest Valley is accessible through Huntsman’s Copse. Once you progress through Huntsman’s Copse, you will be able to find the way into Harvest Valley.
Q4: Where is Gavlan in Harvest Valley?
A: Gavlan is located relatively close to the entrance to Harvest Valley, after passing through the first few enemy encounters.
Q5: How do I reach the Doors of Pharros?
A: The Doors of Pharros are accessible after defeating the boss in the Shaded Woods, namely Scorpioness Najka. This area is also where you can access Brightstone Cove Tseldora.
Q6: What does Gavlan sell?
A: Gavlan primarily sells poison-related items, such as Poison Moss, Poison Throwing Knives, and Poison Arrows. However, his main importance lies in being the only merchant who buys items from the player.
Q7: Can Gavlan be summoned to help in boss fights?
A: No, Gavlan is a merchant and not a combat NPC. He cannot be summoned to help with boss battles.
Q8: What is the best way to maximize Gavlan’s services?
A: The best way to utilize Gavlan is to accumulate items you don’t need, then sell them to him for souls. He is particularly useful after farming runs or when you are trying to free up inventory space.
Q9: What is the boss of No-Man’s Wharf?
A: The boss in No-Man’s Wharf is the Flexile Sentry. He is found on the ship within the Wharf, and he is weak to magic attacks.
Q10: Is No-Man’s Wharf an optional area?
A: No-Man’s Wharf is not strictly optional, as it is tied to the critical path of the game. You can skip No Man’s Wharf and be transported to the Lost Bastille if you kill the Pursuer in the Forest of Fallen Giants, however you need the area to progress properly through the game.
Q11: What is the quickest way to get to Harvest Valley?
A: The fastest route to Harvest Valley is through Huntsman’s Copse, progressing towards the boss arena, but instead, turning to the side path which leads into the area.
Q12: Who is the blacksmith I need to give the Dull Ember to?
A: The Dull Ember should be given to Steady Hand McDuff, the blacksmith located in the Lost Bastille. This allows him to infuse weapons with elemental properties.
Q13: Where is Ornifex located?
A: Ornifex, the crow merchant, is located in Brightstone Cove Tseldora, in a building next to the third bonfire. She sells boss weapons.
Q14: Who is the merchant that sells humanity?
A: In Dark Souls 1 (not Dark Souls 2), Marvelous Chester sells humanity. However, in Dark Souls 2, there is no merchant that reliably sells humanity. In Dark Souls 1, several merchants and NPCs can offer humanity.
Q15: Where is the male undead merchant?
A: The male undead merchant is located on a porch ledge area near the first bonfire in Undead Burg in Dark Souls 1. He is not in Dark Souls 2.
Conclusion
Understanding Gavlan’s location after No-Man’s Wharf, including his interim stop in Harvest Valley and his final place in the Doors of Pharros, is essential for optimizing your Dark Souls 2 experience. As the only merchant who buys items from the player, Gavlan’s travels are crucial for managing resources. Knowing his exact locations will ensure you can always take advantage of his unique services, helping you on your challenging journey through Drangleic.