In the treacherous depths of Murkwater Cave, players encounter Patches, a notorious trickster and optional boss in Elden Ring. Known for his cunning tactics and deceptive charm, Patches presents a unique challenge that tests both combat skills and moral choices. Will you choose to spare him, unlocking his merchant services and continuing his questline, or will you end his antics for good? Prepare for a battle that blends strategy with the classic Elden Ring dilemma of mercy versus vengeance.
The boss is in Limgrave, in the Murkwater Cave. Patches is an optional boss, not required to complete the game. In addition, defeating him will give you access to his offer. This option will get unlocked when he either surrenders or gets killed by you.
Reward for defeating
Defeating Patches in Elden Ring offers players a choice that significantly impacts their experience. If you choose to kill him, you’ll receive 2 Golden Runes, his +7 spear, and the Patches’ Bell Bearing, which can be exchanged with the Twin Maiden Husks for access to his items. Alternatively, sparing Patches allows you to continue his questline, unlocking his shop in Murkwater Cave and providing access to unique items and gestures. This decision not only influences your inventory but also shapes your relationship with Patches as he transitions from an adversary to a merchant ally.
For defeating Patches, you will receive 2x Golden Rune and a new gesture. If you killed him, you’ll get a Bell Bearing.
General tips
To successfully defeat Patches in Elden Ring, consider these general tips to enhance your strategy. First, familiarize yourself with his attack patterns; Patches frequently uses a spear and shield, making it crucial to dodge his thrusts and counterattack when he is vulnerable. Second, take advantage of the environment; the fight takes place in Murkwater Cave, where you can maneuver around him to avoid damage and set up critical hits. Third, remember that Patches will surrender once his health drops below 50%, giving you the choice to spare him or finish him off. Sparing him allows you access to his merchant inventory later, which can be beneficial for your journey. Lastly, patience is key; let him initiate attacks before responding to avoid unnecessary damage and maximize your chances of victory.
- Patches very often jumps to attack with his spear. You can use this move to punish him. One dodge and then a counterattack is enough to deal a lot of damage to the opponent.
- It is very easy to throw Patches off balance. You can do that with quick attacks, but it is much better to perform a strong strike followed by light to make the best use of the boss’s weak balance.
- When the Patches’s health drops below 50%, the boss will surrender. You can spare him or kill. When selecting the first option, Patches will give you access to his offer on your next visit. If, on the other hand, you decide to kill him, he’ll give you the Patches’ Bell Bearing, which you can give to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. This way, you will be able to purchase the items that he had in offer. Regardless of your decision, his offer will not be lost.
- The fight starts with opening the chest with clothes.
- You can’t use summons in this fight.
Mage build – how to fight?
To effectively fight as a mage in Elden Ring, players should leverage their unique strengths while remaining mindful of their vulnerabilities. Positioning is key; mages excel at ranged combat, so maintaining distance from enemies is crucial to avoid taking damage. Utilizing spells like Glintstone Pebble for quick attacks or Carian Slicer for melee engagements allows for versatility in combat. Players should also prioritize Intelligence to maximize spell damage and consider equipping supportive talismans to enhance their effectiveness in battle. Additionally, managing FP (Focus Points) is vital, as running out can leave a mage defenseless. By combining strategic spellcasting with careful movement, mages can dominate encounters while minimizing risk.
Right after entering the arena, open the chest to start the fight. You will receive armor and pants. After that, you will hear Patches’s short monologue. He will then appear in the arena and start attacking you.
Patches uses his shield frequently to block the attacks. Let him attack first, or provoke him to use an attack that creates a cloud. This is a good time to start casting your spells.
Magic Glintblade works great against Patches. Mainly due to the chosen tactic, consisting in casting three such spells, then approaching the opponent and performing a dodge. Patches will be in the middle of his attack – your spells will deal full damage.
After his health bar drops below 50%, he will hide behind his shield and beg for mercy. If you want to trade with him and hear what he has to say, don’t attack him. After a while, a message will appear that the boss was defeated – you will receive rewards and Patches will become a neutral NPC. . If you attack him now, Patches will heal himself and fight again. After killing him, you’ll receive the Patches’ Bell Bearing, which you can give to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. This will also give you access to his goods.
Melee build – how to fight?
Melee builds in Elden Ring focus on close-quarters combat, emphasizing high damage output and quick attack speed. To effectively engage enemies, players should prioritize Vigor and Endurance for survivability and stamina management. Utilizing weapons like the Giant-Crusher or Bloodhound’s Fang, which excel in staggering foes, allows for powerful follow-up attacks. Incorporating talismans such as the Rotten Winged Sword Insignia boosts damage on consecutive strikes, while buffs like Golden Vow enhance overall performance. Mastering dodge mechanics and timing your blocks can also mitigate damage, making melee combat both rewarding and exhilarating.
Patches can start the fight by creating smoke that limits visibility. If you fight him at the early stages of the game, it’s better not to stay in it. Patches can start with a series of thrusts that can take a lot of HP. The moment when he create smoke is a good opportunity to go around him and do a backstab.
Patches uses a spear and a shield – he stays with his shield up almost the entire fight. However, you can get behind him and do a critical attack. We don’t recommend attacking him from the front, as Patches can parry your attack and deal a critical hit. However, it is easy to stop any of his attacks with the right timing. It has to be a fraction of a second after he prepares for a swing.
Patches also likes to jump into the air and attack upon landing. It’s easy to dodge him and use the opportunity to deal a few hits or – if you manage to get behind his back – a critical hit. Patches loses his balance easily, so strong jumping attacks will also be effective. However, remember to let him attack first and react to what he is doing. This way, you will not give him the opportunity to counter and you will not be exposed to the attacks.
What are the best strategies for a mage build against Patches
To effectively defeat Patches as a mage in Elden Ring, consider the following strategies that leverage your magical abilities while minimizing risk:
Key Strategies for a Mage Build Against Patches
- Utilize Magic Glintblade: This spell is particularly effective against Patches. Start by casting three Magic Glintblade spells from a distance. Once cast, approach him cautiously to bait his attacks. When he commits to an attack, dodge and let your spells hit him during his recovery, maximizing damage output .
- Provoke Attacks: Allow Patches to initiate his attacks first. This tactic not only helps you learn his patterns but also creates openings for you to cast spells without the risk of being countered. Specifically, when he creates smoke or uses his shield, it’s a prime opportunity to strike .
- Manage Your Distance: Maintain a safe distance to avoid his spear thrusts and jumping attacks. Patches tends to use his shield frequently, making it essential to time your spells carefully. If you can lure him into attacking while you’re at a safe range, you can capitalize on his vulnerabilities .
- Watch for Surrender Phase: Once Patches’ health drops below 50%, he will attempt to surrender. At this point, refrain from attacking him to allow the fight to end peacefully if desired. If you choose to spare him, he will become a merchant and provide access to unique items .
- Equip Appropriate Talismans: Consider using talismans like the Graven-School Talisman for increased sorcery damage or the Green Turtle Talisman for faster stamina recovery, which is crucial for dodging and casting spells effectively during the fight .
- Use Buffs Wisely: Before engaging in the fight, consider using items like the Magic-Shrouding Cracked Tear in your Flask of Wondrous Physick to boost your magic damage by 20% for three minutes. This can significantly enhance your spell potency against Patches .
By employing these strategies, you can leverage your mage build’s strengths while minimizing exposure to Patches’ aggressive tactics, ensuring a more manageable encounter.
What are the best spells to use against Patches
To effectively take down Patches in Elden Ring, mages should focus on spells that exploit his vulnerabilities and capitalize on his attack patterns. Here are the best spells to use against him:
Best Spells to Use Against Patches
- Magic Glintblade: This spell is highly recommended for its effectiveness against Patches. Cast three Magic Glintblade spells from a distance, then approach him to bait his attacks. When he commits to an attack, dodge and let your spells hit him during his recovery, maximizing damage output.
- Glintstone Pebble: A quick-casting spell that deals decent damage. Use it to maintain pressure on Patches while keeping your distance, allowing you to evade his melee attacks effectively.
- Rock Sling: This spell can deal high poise damage, which is useful for staggering Patches. The ability to launch rocks from a distance allows you to stay safe while dealing significant damage when he is vulnerable.
- Comet Azur: If you have enough FP and want to unleash a powerful attack, Comet Azur can deal massive damage if you can find an opening to cast it without being interrupted. However, be cautious as it has a longer casting time.
- Loretta’s Greatbow: This spell provides long-range capabilities and can be used to hit Patches while keeping a safe distance. It’s particularly useful when he is behind his shield or trying to close the gap.
Strategy Tips
- Timing is Key: Watch for Patches’ attack patterns and use spells during his recovery phases.
- Maintain Distance: Keep out of range of his spear attacks while casting spells.
- Bait His Attacks: Allow him to initiate attacks first; this opens opportunities for counterattacks with your spells.
By utilizing these spells and strategies, mages can effectively defeat Patches while minimizing the risk of taking damage themselves.
