Unraveling the Mystery: Where Does Patches Go After the Cathedral of the Deep?
If you're deep into the sprawling, unforgiving world of Dark Souls III, you've likely encountered our favorite trap-loving merchant, Patches. He's a character who pops up in various locations, offering items, services, and, more often than not, a good old-fashioned shove into a pit. One of the most notable places where you interact with him is the Cathedral of the Deep. But after you've navigated its treacherous halls and dealt with Patches's usual brand of "help," a common question arises for many players: Where does Patches go after the Cathedral of the Deep? Let's dive into the specifics.
Patches's Fiery Departure from the Cathedral
When you first encounter Patches within the Cathedral of the Deep, he's typically found near a rather precarious walkway. He'll often try to trick you into falling to your doom, a signature move. However, if you survive his initial antics and manage to buy or sell some wares, he doesn't stick around in that immediate vicinity forever.
The key to understanding Patches's next move lies in progressing through the area. After you've defeated the boss of the Cathedral of the Deep, the Deacons of the Deep, Patches will move from his initial spot. He doesn't vanish into thin air, but rather relocates to a new, more permanent (for a while) home:
- The Firelink Shrine: This is the hub area where you'll find most of the game's friendly NPCs. Patches will make his way to the Firelink Shrine and set up shop near the main entrance, usually on a ledge to the left as you come in from the graveyard path.
What to Expect at Firelink Shrine
Once Patches is situated at the Firelink Shrine, he becomes a reliable vendor. You can purchase various items from him, including:
- Ember
- Throwing Knives
- Lloyd's Talismans
- The Hornet Ring (this is a particularly valuable item for certain builds, offering a significant damage boost to critical attacks like backstabs and ripostes)
It's important to note that while he's at Firelink Shrine, he's generally less of a direct threat than he was in the Cathedral. He still retains his… unique personality, but he won't be actively trying to kick you off ledges within the shrine itself. He will, however, still have his dialogue options that allude to his past shenanigans and his generally untrustworthy nature.
The Quest for the Bell Keepers
For those who are particularly interested in Patches's questline and the various items he offers throughout the game, his relocation to Firelink Shrine is a crucial step. Interacting with him at Firelink is often a prerequisite for him to offer specific dialogue or items related to his personal quest.
One significant aspect of Patches's presence in the Firelink Shrine is his connection to the Rosaria, Mother of Rebirth covenant. If you decide to join Rosaria's covenant, Patches may have unique dialogue or even offer a specific gesture. This is where players often need to pay close attention to his dialogue to progress certain NPC quests or unlock specific items.
Can You Miss Patches?
Yes, it is absolutely possible to miss Patches at the Cathedral of the Deep, and consequently, miss his relocation to the Firelink Shrine. If you bypass him or progress too far without interacting with him in the Cathedral, he might not make the move. This can be frustrating for players who are trying to collect all the rings or complete certain NPC storylines.
The key is to interact with him in the Cathedral of the Deep. Even if you don't buy anything, a simple conversation might be enough to trigger his eventual appearance at Firelink Shrine. If you're struggling to find him in the Cathedral, he's usually near a bridge-like structure with a patrolling knight. He'll often call out to you, or you might spot him peeking from a ledge.
What Happens If You Kill Patches?
While not directly answering where he goes *after* the Cathedral, it's worth mentioning that if you choose to attack and kill Patches in the Cathedral of the Deep or at Firelink Shrine, he will not respawn. This means you'll miss out on any items he would have sold and potentially lock yourself out of his questline. Generally, it's recommended to keep him alive, especially if you're aiming for a completionist playthrough.
So, to reiterate, after his less-than-friendly reception at the Cathedral of the Deep, Patches heads to the Firelink Shrine, where he'll become a recurring vendor for the rest of your journey, provided you don't decide to put him down yourself!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do I get Patches to appear at the Firelink Shrine?
You need to interact with Patches at the Cathedral of the Deep first. Even a brief conversation after he tries to trick you is usually enough to trigger his relocation.
What if I killed Patches in the Cathedral of the Deep?
If you kill Patches in the Cathedral of the Deep, he will not appear at the Firelink Shrine, and you will miss out on his services for the rest of the game. It's generally best to leave him alive.
Is Patches's move to Firelink Shrine automatic?
Yes, for the most part, his move to Firelink Shrine is an automatic progression that occurs after you've interacted with him in the Cathedral of the Deep and likely defeated the area boss. He doesn't require a specific trigger beyond your initial encounter.
Why does Patches move to Firelink Shrine?
This is part of his character arc and his general tendency to "follow the money" or find a safe, central hub to conduct his dubious business. Firelink Shrine is the primary safe zone and hub for most NPCs in the game.
