Patches

Patches

Patches is a recurring trickster NPC in the Soulsborne series, and his appearance in Elden Ring continues his tradition of deceit, betrayal, and surprisingly useful, albeit often begrudging, assistance. He can be found in multiple locations throughout the Lands Between, and his questline involves a mix of traps, misleading advice, and eventual opportunities for profit or unique items.

Your first encounter with Patches will likely be in Murkwater Cave, a small dungeon located in the southern part of Limgrave, near the Agheel Lake. Upon entering, you'll find him seemingly trapped. After a brief interaction, he will reveal his true nature and attack you. However, if you defeat him without killing him (i.e., reducing his health to zero), he will surrender and offer to sell you items. This is the beginning of his services.

After this initial encounter, Patches will relocate to the Scenic Isle Site of Grace in the Weeping Peninsula. Here, he will continue to offer his wares, which include useful items like the Stonesword Key and various crafting materials. He will also engage in dialogue, often making light of his previous betrayal and offering cryptic hints about the world.

Patches' questline truly begins when he asks you to retrieve a specific item for him. This often involves venturing into a dangerous area or dealing with a particular enemy. He might ask you to retrieve the 'Sacred Relic' from a nearby cave or to deal with a troublesome foe. Be wary, as his requests can sometimes lead you into ambushes or traps.

A significant part of Patches' quest involves his involvement with the Volcano Manor. If you choose to join the Volcano Manor, Patches will also be present there, offering his services and participating in the manor's activities. He will provide you with letters to assassinate targets, and his dialogue will reflect his opportunistic nature.

The rewards for engaging with Patches' questline are varied. He sells useful items, and if you manage to complete his requests without falling victim to his traps too often, he might even offer you a unique item or a significant amount of Runes. The most notable reward associated with him is the Magma Shot Sorcery, which can be obtained if you follow a specific path involving his betrayal and subsequent interactions.

Here's a breakdown of Patches' key locations and interactions:

Patches is a character who embodies the dark humor and treacherous nature of the Lands Between. While he may betray you, his services and the items he offers can be invaluable to your progression. Always approach him with a healthy dose of suspicion, but don't hesitate to take advantage of his unique offerings.