Is it Worth Killing All the Merchants in Elden Ring?
In the vast world of Elden Ring, there are many choices to make, and one of them is whether to kill the merchants or not. For some players, the urge to slaughter every NPC might be overwhelming, but before you take the plunge, let’s weigh the pros and cons of killing all the merchants in Elden Ring.
The Straightforward Answer
To put things simply, there is no apparent negative consequence for killing the game’s merchants. In fact, there is a very compelling reason to slay them, and that is that each one drops a Bell Bearing when dispatched. This might seem like a strange reason to kill innocent beings, but if you’re a completionist or a fan of collecting rare items, you might find it worth considering.
The Benefits of Killing Merchants
While killing merchants might seem morally questionable, there are a few benefits to consider:
- Bell Bearings: As mentioned earlier, each merchant drops a Bell Bearing when killed. These items are rare and can be used to upgrade your character’s stats.
- No Aggro: Killing merchants eliminates the risk of them being hostile towards you. You won’t have to worry about them attacking you if you’re trying to farm resources or explore the area.
- No Reputation Loss: Unlike other actions in the game, killing merchants doesn’t affect your reputation. You won’t lose any reputation points or have any negative consequences as a result.
The Drawbacks of Killing Merchants
While killing merchants has its benefits, there are also some drawbacks to consider:
- Loss of Potential Allies: Merchants can be useful allies, providing you with valuable items and information. Killing them means you’ll miss out on these potential benefits.
- Reduced Morale: Killing innocent beings can have a negative impact on your character’s morale. This might affect their performance in combat or affect their overall mood.
- No Real Impact: Killing merchants doesn’t really have any significant impact on the game’s story or world. It’s an action that has little consequence, making it feel a bit hollow.
Are There Any Alternative Options?
If you’re still unsure about killing merchants, there are alternative options to consider:
- Non-Hostile Merchants: Some merchants are not hostile and can be found in certain areas. You can interact with them to trade or gather information.
- Merchant Questlines: Some merchants have their own questlines, and completing these can reward you with valuable items and knowledge.
- Avoid Hostile Merchants: If you do encounter hostile merchants, you can avoid them by using stealth or evading them altogether.
The Verdict
In conclusion, killing all the merchants in Elden Ring is not necessarily a bad choice, but it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re a completionist or a fan of collecting rare items, killing merchants might be a good option for you. However, if you’re looking for a more traditional RPG experience or want to build relationships with the game’s NPCs, you might want to consider alternative options.
Table: Merchants and Their Benefits
Merchant | Benefit | Consequence |
---|---|---|
Hostile Merchant | Bell Bearing | Loss of Potential Ally |
Non-Hostile Merchant | Information and Items | – |
Merchant with Questline | Reward and Progress | – |
Summary
Killing all the merchants in Elden Ring is not a necessary part of the game, and there are alternative options to consider. While killing merchants has its benefits, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision. Whether you choose to kill or avoid merchants, the game offers a rich and immersive world to explore, with plenty of opportunities to build relationships and collect valuable items.