Patches the Untethered is one of the most memorable NPCs in Elden Ring, blending the roles of merchant, field boss, and questline character into a single unpredictable encounter. Veterans of FromSoftware games will immediately recognize Patches as a recurring trickster figure, infamous for deception, betrayal, and self-preservation. True to form, his appearance in Elden Ring offers both combat and narrative twists, rewarding players who pay attention to his behavior rather than rushing in blindly.

 

Unlike many bosses in the Lands Between, Patches is entirely optional. Defeating him is not required to progress the main story, but interacting with him can grant access to useful Elden Ring Items, unique gestures, and a deeper understanding of the world's dark humor. His encounters also provide a valuable lesson: not every enemy in Elden Ring is meant to be slain.

 

Where to Find Patches the Untethered

 

Patches is first encountered in Murkwater Cave, located in Limgrave. As you explore the cave, you'll eventually enter a boss arena where Patches initially appears hostile, attacking with a spear and shield. At first glance, he seems like a standard early-game field boss, but this fight quickly subverts expectations.

 

As players deal damage and reduce Patches' health to around half, he will suddenly surrender, dropping his weapon and begging for mercy. This moment is critical. If you continue attacking, you will kill him outright, permanently ending his questline. If you stop attacking and accept his surrender, Patches survives and becomes a merchant, opening his shop in Murkwater Cave.

 

Accepting His Surrender

 

During the fight, it's essential to slow down and listen carefully. Patches' surrender is marked by clear dialogue, and attacking him after this point can easily happen if you're spamming attacks. As soon as you hear him beg for mercy, stop attacking immediately. Wait until the game confirms the encounter's resolution with the “Enemy Felled” message.

 

Accepting his surrender is almost always the better choice, especially for first-time players. Doing so unlocks Patches as a merchant and allows you to purchase unique Elden Ring Items, including tools that can make future boss fights significantly easier.

 

Patches' Questline and Movement

 

Patches is a roaming NPC who changes location as you progress through the game. After Murkwater Cave, he reappears in several regions, following a loosely connected questline:

 

After reaching Liurnia of the Lakes, Patches moves to the Scenic Isle Site of Grace.

 

Once you access the Altus Plateau, he relocates to Mt. Gelmir, west of the First Mt. Gelmir Campsite Site of Grace.

 

If you join Volcano Manor, Patches can be found inside the entrance hall, though combat is disabled in this area.

 

After defeating Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy, Patches travels to the Shaded Castle and appears on the bridge leading to Elemer of the Briar.

 

After Elemer is defeated, Patches eventually returns to Murkwater Cave. At this point, he may briefly attack you again before realizing who you are, rewarding you with the Patches Crouch gesture. Reloading the area will cause him to reopen his shop.

 

If players defeat Rykard without ever interacting with Patches during Tanith's quests, his story can end prematurely. In that case, his Bell Bearing and personal items can be found near the Gelmir rock bridge where he previously betrayed the player.

 

Combat Behavior and Boss Tips

 

As a boss, Patches is not particularly difficult, but he can be dangerous if underestimated. He uses a spear and shield, favoring quick thrusts and defensive play. His attacks are straightforward, making him manageable even for early-game characters.

 

The most important tip when fighting Patches is awareness. Unlike traditional bosses, the goal is not necessarily to defeat him through force. Watch his health closely and listen for surrender dialogue. Slowing down your combat pace ensures you don't accidentally kill him and lock yourself out of his services.

 

Rewards for Defeating Patches

 

If you choose to kill Patches, or if his questline ends prematurely, he drops several items:

 

800 Elden Ring Runes

 

Spear +7

 

Leather Armor

 

Leather Gloves

 

Leather Boots

 

Patches' Bell Bearing

 

While the Elden Ring Runes reward is modest, the Bell Bearing allows players to access his shop inventory through the Twin Maiden Husks. However, this still lacks some of the narrative flavor and interactions that come from keeping him alive.

 

Additional Notes and Interactions

 

Patches can be summoned to assist during the Starscourge Radahn boss fight, though true to his nature, he will immediately flee the battle, abandoning the player. This moment perfectly encapsulates his character and provides a bit of dark humor during an otherwise intense encounter.

 

Patches can be fought in most locations, except within Volcano Manor, where combat is disabled entirely.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Patches the Untethered is less about mechanical challenge and more about player choice. He embodies Elden Ring's theme of uncertainty, reminding players that not every encounter is solved with aggression. Whether you spare him for access to valuable Elden Ring Items or kill him for immediate Elden Ring Runes, Patches leaves a lasting impression as one of the game's most iconic and deceptive characters.