What happens if you hit a merchant in Elden Ring?

What Happens if You Hit a Merchant in Elden Ring?

Hitting a merchant in Elden Ring might seem like a harmless or even appealing action, but are you sure it’s worth it? Let’s delve into the consequences of committing this action.

Direct Consequences of Attacking a Merchant

In a surprising turn of events, you won’t encounter any immediate negative consequences after attacking a merchant in Elden Ring. No, you’re not dreaming – you won’t receive a punitive message, nor will your character lose any experience or stat points.

However, you do gain Bell Bearings after dispatching a merchant. Each merchant killed will drop its unique Bell Bearing, which can be found in your inventory. This might make the sacrifice seem a bit more justifiable.

Are Merchants Just Collateral Damage?

Perhaps you’re now wondering if merchants are intentionally designed to be killable in Elden Ring. The game’s director, Hidetaka Miyazaki, acknowledged in an interview that merchants were, in fact, intended to be eliminated by players to some extent. This design decision aims to foster a sense of exploration, encouraging players to seek out alternative trade options or acquire items elsewhere.

Unintended Consequences

Before you start a kill-crazed rampage against all merchant NPCs, consider these unintended consequences:

• Loss of Trust: When merchants vanish, it can break the connection between you and other important characters, who might rely on merchants for support or resources.
• Accessibility to Exclusive Items: Merchants can offer one-of-a-kind, vendor-only items or unique services that cannot be found elsewhere in the game.
• Undermining the Economy: Attacking all merchants could disrupt the entire game’s economic system, making some areas uninhabitable or restricting your own progress.

Merchants of Significance: Kalé, Sorceress Sellen, and more

Some notable merchants, such as Kalé and the Sorcerer’s Guild members, drop valuable items or upgrades. Blaidd, the Half-Wolf, is a must-visit due to his rare crafting materials. Not killing certain merchants can result in significant benefits:

Keep in mind that not killing specific merchants is crucial for progressing certain parts of the story. Attacking crucial NPCs can either break character relationships or hinder quests, hindering your ultimate victory in Elden Ring.

In Conclusion

Assuming all merchants are fair game might have consequences you can’t quite put your finger on yet. Yes, you’ll gain a precious Bell Bearing each time you eliminate a merchant, but beware of the potential losses to exploration, item availability, and economic stability in the world of Elden Ring.

The choice is yours to make, player. Will you explore the vast array of merchant NPCs in your Elden Ring journey, or focus on seeking out alternative, less "conventional" sources for power and progress? Remember to choose wisely, as these actions will determine the fate of your very own realm.