Who is the NPC at Elden Ring’s First Step? A Comprehensive Guide

The very first NPC you’ll encounter in Elden Ring at the First Step Site of Grace is White-Faced Varre. He stands there, unmistakable in his distinctive white mask, serving as an initial guide for your journey through the perilous Lands Between. While his intentions may seem benign at first, Varre’s role is far more complex and his questline can significantly impact your playthrough.

Meeting White-Faced Varre

Varre’s primary function at the First Step is to point you in the direction of Stormveil Castle, the initial major dungeon of the game. He provides a very basic introduction to the world and sets the stage for your grand adventure. However, do not be fooled by his seemingly helpful demeanor. Varre is deeply involved with the Lord of Blood, Mohg, and his questline leads you down a very different path from the typical heroic narrative.

He’s often the first NPC players interact with, making him a memorable character from the get-go. His white mask, along with his calm yet unsettling voice, instantly creates a character that is both intriguing and mysterious. As you progress, it becomes clear that he is not just a passive guide, but an active participant in the intricate politics of the Lands Between.

Beyond The First Encounter: Varre’s Questline

Meeting Varre at The First Step is only the beginning. To experience his full questline, you must progress through Stormveil Castle and eventually reach the Roundtable Hold. Once you have received the invitation and visited the hold, returning to Varre at the First Step reveals that he is now gone. You’ll next find him at the Rose Church in Liurnia of the Lakes.

Here, he sets you on a quest to invade other players using Festering Bloody Fingers and to soak a cloth in maiden’s blood, all in service to Mohg. This questline has several rewards, including access to Mohgwyn’s Palace, a crucial location for rune farming. It’s worth noting that killing Varre at any point will end his questline, although he drops the War Surgeon Set, his distinctive armor, and a Bouquet weapon.

FAQs About NPCs in Elden Ring

Is White-Faced Varre important in Elden Ring?

Yes, White-Faced Varre is a significant NPC, not just as the first character you meet, but also due to his lengthy questline which provides access to powerful weapons, unique armor, and one of the best rune farming locations in the game.

What happens if you kill White-Faced Varre at the beginning?

If you kill Varre at the beginning, you will receive 500 runes and 6 Festering Bloody Fingers. However, you miss out on his entire questline and all of its associated rewards, including access to Mohgwyn’s Palace.

Who is the hidden NPC in Limgrave that is easy to miss?

Boc the Seamster is a Demi-Human NPC you can find south of the Agheel Lake North Site of Grace in Limgrave. He’s initially disguised as a tree, making him easy to miss.

Which NPC summons are the most helpful in Elden Ring?

Several NPC summons are very helpful, especially:
* Everyone at the Radahn Festival, excluding Patches.
* Recusant Bernahl for the Godskin Duo.
* Iron Fist Alexander for Fire Giant and Starscourge Radahn.
* Nepheli Loux for Godrick The Grafted, Omenkiller, and Godfrey, First Elden Lord.

Is it worth killing Patches in Elden Ring?

While Patches is a beloved trickster, killing him early in the game can be worthwhile. He drops useful items, and for some players, his antics can be more frustrating than rewarding.

Who is considered the most powerful entity in Elden Ring?

From a lore perspective, some of the most powerful entities include:
* The Elden Beast, embodying The Greater Will.
* Queen Marika The Eternal, who is nearly a god.
* The Lord of Frenzied Flame, an apocalyptic threat.
* Godfrey, First Elden Lord, a warrior of epic proportions.

Who are the invisible enemies in Elden Ring?

Black Knife Assassins have invisible variants in places like Sage’s Cave and Ordina’s Evergaol. These enemies are only visible when very close to you, making them difficult to fight.

Can you summon NPC phantoms in Elden Ring?

Yes, phantoms of iconic NPCs can be summoned outside certain boss chambers, providing free cooperative aid without needing to use Focus Points or be online.

What happens if you accidentally hit a friendly NPC in Elden Ring?

Hitting friendly NPCs, like Sorceress Sellen, can disrupt their questlines and cause them to disappear. It’s best to avoid accidental attacks.

What happens if you refuse Melina in Elden Ring?

Refusing Melina locks you out of crucial story progression. She is the one who gives you the item necessary to activate the Grand Lift and progress past Morgott.

Is there a downside to killing merchants in Elden Ring?

There are no apparent negative consequences for killing merchants. In fact, doing so will yield their Bell Bearing, allowing you to purchase their items from the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold.

Who is the first challenging boss you’ll meet in Limgrave?

The Tree Sentinel is the first challenging boss players encounter after leaving the tutorial area in Limgrave.

Who is the female NPC that you’ll encounter in Stormveil Castle?

You’ll first encounter Nepheli Loux in Stormveil Castle, specifically before the Godrick the Grafted boss fight. She can be found in a room near the Secluded Cell Site of Grace.

What is the main boss of Limgrave?

Godrick the Grafted is the main boss and Lord of Stormveil Castle in Limgrave.

What is the meta level for PVP duels in Elden Ring?

While discussions continue, the current “meta level” for PvP duels is considered to be level 125, with some arguing that levels up to 150 are acceptable.

Conclusion

White-Faced Varre is more than just the first face you see in Elden Ring. He’s a character whose initial helpfulness masks a deeper agenda. Engaging with his questline can open doors to unique areas and powerful items but it also leads down a path with some brutal consequences and questionable ethics. Understanding Varre’s importance and his connection to the lore of the game is crucial for any player aiming to experience all of what Elden Ring has to offer. From his initial guidance at The First Step Site of Grace to his later role in the Mohgwyn Dynasty, he is a pivotal, if morally ambiguous, character. Remember, your choices in the Lands Between shape your journey, and your encounters with the NPCs like Varre, including whether you decide to follow their requests, will have a lasting impact.