Is it a Good Idea to Kill All the Merchants in Elden Ring?
In the world of Elden Ring, merchants play a significant role in providing players with essential items and resources. With over 11 merchants scattered throughout the Lands Between, it can be tempting to eliminate them all to gather more loot and Runes. However, this decision comes with some unintended consequences. In this article, we’ll delve into the pros and cons of killing all the merchants in Elden Ring, and whether it’s a good idea.
Benefits of Killing Merchants
• Bell Bearings: One of the primary reasons to kill merchants is to obtain Bell Bearings. Each merchant drops a Bell Bearing upon death, which can be used to craft unique items and upgrade your inventory space.
• Runes: Killing merchants can also provide a substantial amount of Runes, the in-game currency. This can be particularly beneficial in the early stages of the game when Runes are scarce.
• Items and Resources: Merchants carry a variety of items, including resources, food, and other valuable goods. Killing them can grant you access to these items without the need to purchase them from other vendors.
Drawbacks of Killing Merchants
• Loss of Quest Progression: Many merchants have their own quests and storylines, and killing them can prevent you from progressing through these quests. This can lead to missing out on important story beats, NPCs, and items.
• Limited Options: With fewer merchants available, you may find yourself limited in terms of options for purchasing items, equipment, and other resources.
• Impact on Economy: Killing all merchants can have a significant impact on the in-game economy. With fewer vendors available, the prices of items may skyrocket, making it more difficult to acquire the resources you need.
Who Should You Not Kill?
• Miriel: Miriel, the Moonchild, is a key figure in the game’s story and has a tragic fate. Killing her can prevent you from unlocking her quest and obtaining her items and blessings.
• Kalé and Merchants: Kalé is the master of the merchants, and killing her or the merchants under her command can have severe consequences for the game’s storyline.
Who is the Saddest NPC?
• Blaidd: Blaidd, the Half-Wolf, has a particularly tragic fate. He is driven mad by the events of the game and becomes a formidable foe. His storyline is a poignant exploration of loss, sacrifice, and the consequences of war.
Is it Bad to Kill the First Guy?
• First Encounter: The first merchant you encounter can provide a significant amount of experience, Runes, and items. Killing him can prevent you from getting this bonus and may make the early game more challenging.
• Missing Quest: This merchant has his own quest and story, which can be missed by killing him too quickly.
Conclusion
Killing all the merchants in Elden Ring may provide short-term benefits, such as additional Bell Bearings and Runes. However, this decision can have long-term consequences, including missed quest opportunities, limited options for resources and items, and a significant impact on the in-game economy. It’s essential to weigh these pros and cons before making a decision. Instead, consider killing merchants as you need them, or when you have a specific goal in mind, such as completing a quest or acquiring a specific item.
Remember, the world of Elden Ring is full of complex characters, intricate storylines, and challenging decisions. Make the most of your experience by weighing your options carefully and considering the consequences of your actions.