In Elden Ring, NPCs (non-player characters) and their quests play a significant role in shaping the narrative and providing important items, rewards, and story elements. Many NPC quests are intertwined with the lore of the game, and the outcomes can vary based on your choices. Here’s an overview of how NPCs and quests work in Elden Ring:
Key Points About NPCs and Quests
•Non-linear Storylines: NPC quests in Elden Ring are often non-linear and can be completed in different orders or even missed entirely. Certain NPC quests can also affect the game's multiple endings.
•Consequences and Choices: Some NPC quests offer moral choices or options that can drastically change the NPC’s fate or the rewards you receive. Be mindful of decisions, as you may not be able to reverse certain outcomes.
•World Progression: As the world changes and bosses are defeated, certain NPCs will move to new locations or their quests will progress automatically. Failing to interact with them at key points can lock you out of completing their questline.
•Multiple Endings: Several NPC quests are tied to different endings of Elden Ring. Completing these quests can unlock alternate or secret endings.
Important NPCs and Their Quests
Ranni the Witch:
•Questline Overview: Ranni’s quest is one of the most important in Elden Ring and is tied to one of the game’s secret endings (the Age of the Stars ending). It involves finding Ranni, assisting her in a rebellion against the Greater Will, and locating several key items.
•Where to Find Her: You first meet Ranni (disguised as Renna) at the Church of Elleh, and later, she reappears at Ranni’s Rise in Liurnia of the Lakes.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Help Ranni by recruiting Blaidd, Iji, and Seluvis.
2.Explore Nokron, Eternal City, and retrieve the Fingerslayer Blade for her.
3.Ultimately, find the Dark Moon Greatsword and unlock the Age of Stars ending.
Blaidd the Half-Wolf:
•Questline Overview: Blaidd is one of Ranni’s loyal allies and plays a role in both Ranni’s questline and the exploration of Nokron, Eternal City.
•Where to Find Him: You’ll first hear about Blaidd from the merchant Kalé in Limgrave. You can summon him by using a special whistle.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Help Blaidd locate Nokron after defeating Radahn.
2.Assist him throughout Ranni’s questline until his eventual tragic fate.
Fia, the Deathbed Companion:
•Questline Overview: Fia’s quest involves seeking the Mending Rune of the Death-Prince, which allows you to unlock the Age of Duskborn ending. Her story is heavily tied to death and the undead in Elden Ring.
•Where to Find Her: You can find Fia in Roundtable Hold, where she offers a blessing but also drains some of your HP in exchange.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Receive D’s Armor after finding the Weathered Dagger.
2.Visit Deeproot Depths and confront Lichdragon Fortissax.
3.Complete her quest to unlock an alternate ending.
D, Hunter of the Dead:
•Questline Overview: D hunts those connected to death, such as the undead and those who bear the mark of the Deathroot.
•Where to Find Him: D can first be found near the Summonwater Village in Limgrave.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Assist D in locating and destroying Deathroot.
2.His questline is also tied to Fia and can end tragically if you pursue her questline fully.
Millicent:
•Questline Overview: Millicent is an NPC suffering from Scarlet Rot, and her quest is tied to Gowry and Malenia, one of the game's most powerful bosses. Helping Millicent can lead to unique rewards and influence the world around you.
•Where to Find Her: You first encounter Millicent in Caelid, where she is bedridden due to Scarlet Rot.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Help Gowry find the Unalloyed Gold Needle to cure Millicent.
2.Assist Millicent in her journey to confront her fate, with choices that determine her final outcome.
Brother Corhyn and Goldmask:
•Questline Overview: This quest revolves around the Golden Order and its teachings, eventually leading to the Age of Order ending. Brother Corhyn seeks enlightenment and partners with Goldmask, a mysterious figure dedicated to the Golden Order.
•Where to Find Him: Brother Corhyn starts in Roundtable Hold, but after progressing through the game, he moves to Altus Plateau to search for Goldmask.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Locate Goldmask and assist Corhyn with unraveling the mysteries of the Golden Order.
2.Eventually, discover the Mending Rune of Perfect Order, unlocking a unique ending.
Patches:
•Questline Overview: Patches is a recurring character from the Souls series, known for his trickery and betrayal. In Elden Ring, he has a lighter role, offering players unique items and guidance (often leading to traps or pranks).
•Where to Find Him: You first encounter Patches in Murkwater Cave, where you fight him, but he surrenders mid-battle.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Spare him in Murkwater Cave, allowing him to set up shop at various locations.
2.Watch out for his tricks—he may lead you into traps or dangerous areas.
Hyetta:
•Questline Overview: Hyetta’s quest is tied to the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending. She seeks to become a maiden for the Three Fingers, a faction that opposes the Golden Order and leads to the Frenzied Flame ending.
•Where to Find Her: Hyetta can be found after giving Irina’s letter in Weeping Peninsula, continuing her pilgrimage to meet the Three Fingers.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Help Hyetta by giving her Shabriri Grapes.
2.Eventually, help her become the Finger Maiden for the Three Fingers and unlock the Lord of Frenzied Flame ending.
Alexander, the Iron Fist:
•Questline Overview: Alexander is a lovable warrior jar with a passion for battle. His quest involves helping him strengthen himself and eventually fight in the Radahn Festival.
•Where to Find Him: You first find Alexander stuck in the ground in Limgrave and need to free him.
•Key Quest Points:
1.Aid him in battles, including his fight in the Radahn Festival.
2.Follow his journey to the Mountaintops of the Giants and beyond.
Tips for Completing NPC Quests 
•Talk to NPCs Often: After major game events or boss fights, revisit NPCs to see if their dialogue or location has changed. Progressing the world can also progress their questlines.
•Pay Attention to Dialogue: NPCs give clues to their next locations or important items required to advance their questlines. Miss a key step, and you might lock yourself out of completing a quest.
•Check Back at Roundtable Hold: Many NPCs relocate to Roundtable Hold after you meet them, so check there regularly to continue quests or receive new items.
•Don't Kill NPCs Accidentally: Some NPCs can be killed if attacked, permanently locking you out of their quests. Make sure to avoid accidental swings near friendly NPCs.
•Use Summons and Co-op: Some NPCs, like Millicent and Blaidd, can be summoned during boss fights, which can progress their questlines. Make sure to check for summoning signs during key fights.
NPCs and quests in Elden Ring enrich the lore and provide substantial rewards like unique weapons, armor, and endings. Be thorough in your exploration and dialogue to uncover all that these characters have to offer.
