What Do I Miss if I Kill Rykard Early?
In Elden Ring, Rykard is a formidable foe and a significant character in the game’s narrative. But, what happens if you choose to take him out before his time? This article explores what you will be missing out on if you defeat Rykard prematurely.
Unlocking Rykard’s Potential
The first thing you miss is the opportunity to learn about Rykard’s origins and his connection to Radagon, the demigod of the Golden Order. By sparing him, you can learn about his backstory and gain insights into the world’s history. This understanding is crucial to comprehending the game’s lore and unlocking Rykard’s potential as a formidable ally or formidable foe.
Locking Out Armor Sets and Loot
By defeating Rykard too soon, you will be denied access to specific armor sets and loot. In the Volcano Manor dungeon, Rykard plays a crucial role in a series of quests, completing which grants access to rare and powerful items. However, if you eliminate him prematurely, you will never be able to unlock these rewards.
Missed Questlines and NPC Engagement
You will miss out on crucial quests and NPC interactions that only become available after you encounter Rykard at his intended point in the game. Diallos, the enigmatic servant of the Lord of Carrion, will disappear after Rykard’s death, taking with him potential interactions and quests.
| NPC | Questlines or Interactions Missed |
|---|---|
| Diallos | disappears with Rykard’s demise, taking potential interactions and quests with him |
Impact on the World State
The death of Rykard early also has significant consequences on the world state. Rykard’s immortality makes him a powerful figure in the Lands Between, and his premature demise creates power vacuums and altered the balance of power.
- The Scarlet Rot spread may intensify if Rykard dies, as his death releases Dark energies that could exacerbate the Rot’s influence.
Rykard as a Resource
Finally, Rykard offers a significant source of runestones (50,000 runes in each of his three fight scenes) for those willing to engage with him on each of his platforms. However, by defeating him before his time, you forfeit this resource and forego the opportunity to boost your character’s progress and abilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, defeating Rykard prematurely comes with significant costs, including locked-out quests, armor sets, and lore. By understanding what you stand to gain (or lose) from confronting Rykard, players can make informed decisions and optimize their playthrough of Elden Ring.
Recommendation: Plan and prepare to engage with Rykard at the correct time in the game, as the rewards for patience and strategy far outweigh those of hasty and early action.