What happens if you accidentally hit an NPC in Dark Souls?
Dark Souls, known for its challenging gameplay, intricate world, and, of course, its punishing difficulty, has a specific mechanic that can catch new players off guard. Whether you’re a seasoned Dark Souls veteran or a beginner, it’s not uncommon to accidentally hit a Non-Player Character (NPC) while exploring the vast world of Lordran.
Direct Consequences:
When you hit an NPC in Dark Souls, the consequences are relatively immediate. You’ll forfeit your progress; any experience points, levels, and equipment you’ve earned up to that point are lost. Additionally, if you’ve recently upgraded or acquired a powerful weapon, you may lose it after hitting an NPC. Moreover, your stats won’t be saved, ensuring that your next playthrough will start from the point where you last saved, with none of the progress from your previous session.
Pacifying NPCs:
Fortunately, there are ways to make amends with your mistakes. To pacify an NPC in Dark Souls, you must absolve your sins at the Belltower of the Undead Parish. Located in the depths of the Undead Church, the Belltower’s priest will absolve you of your wrongdoings, allowing you to once again interact with the targeted NPC.
The Catch:
You must pay a toll in the form of 4000 souls, multiplied by your current Soul Level. For instance, if you have reached Soul Level 50, you’ll need to accumulate 200,000 souls to pacify the targeted NPC. Keep in mind that souls carry over between playthroughs, so if you haven’t yet achieved your target Soul Level, you might need to replay specific areas or defeat enemies to generate more souls.
Impact on NPCs:
Killing an NPC can, in some cases, block their interactions with other non-playable characters (other NPCs). Solas of Astora, an iconic NPC in Dark Souls, is an excellent example of this. After absolving your sins, these NPCs will regain their functionality, allowing for normal interactions to resume. However, be aware that some NPCs, like certain merchants, might still reject your offers or trade for a period.
When to Absolve Your Sins:
If you’ve accidentally killed an NPC, it’s vital to act quickly and absolve your sins to minimize the impact on your progress. This can especially be the case when seeking guidance from important NPCs like Oswald or Lautrec.
In the End:
Dark Souls is a game that celebrates exploration, perseverance, and strategy. Accidentally killing an NPC might be an unfortunate occurrence, but knowing how to mitigate its consequences, such as pacifying your sins at the Belltower of the Undead Parish, will ensure a smoother playing experience.
Important Dates:
- Belltower of the Undead Parish: Location Map
- Oswald and Lautrec NPCs:
- Oswald: Located in the Belltower of the Undead Parish
- Lautrec: NPC is found in the Ravaged Basin**, later in the game