FromSoftware has gone above and beyond to reinvent its acclaimed Souls franchise, which resulted in the masterfully condensed open-world experience of Elden Ring. While the latest game is set in a new world with lore written in collaboration with George R.R. Martin, longtime fans are still likely to come across a few hidden gems in Elden Ring's overworld that elicit fond memories of their adventures in previous entries -- as well as the developer's favorite running joke, an NPC named Patches.

Best known as an opportunistic trickster who has both entertained and frustrated players, Patches has showered players with tough love since the early days of the Souls franchise. Although his origins remain a mystery, he has been previously acquainted with a couple of other characters whom players could encounter on their journey in the world of Souls.

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One indisputable detail about Patches' existence is his transdimensional existence. He went by the Hyena moniker in Demon's Souls, the Spider in Bloodborne and Trusty or Unbreakable in Dark Souls. His first name further attests that he is, in essence, a multifaceted soul comprised of "patches" that inhabit multiple realities, making his appearance in Elden Ring not particularly surprising.

Screenshot of the location of Murkwater Cave in Elden Ring.

Stormveil Castle is likely the first location where the players will get to experience Patches' renewed shenanigans firsthand. Those who decide to explore the ins and outs of this Legacy Dungeon might discover a doorway located near the back route. After stepping inside, they will hear the door behind them lock and someone snickering in the background. A powerful Exile Knight will engage them in combat, and once defeated, the player can unlock the door that leads into the castle with the help of a key hidden inside a chest in the far corner of the room.

Aside from his unsavory cameo appearance, Patches can be encountered in person early on. As players make their way north of Agheel Lake, they will eventually discover Murkwater Cave. Their arrival will trigger a scripted NPC invasion, which will have them test their mettle against Bloody Finger Nerijus, a fast opponent whom they would not be able to defeat without the timely aid of another NPC called Yura. As soon as the battle sequence is over, players can proceed into the cave with due caution.

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While the Murkwater Cave may be a very short dungeon, bell traps are scattered across the floor and will alert nearby enemies of the players' presence if activated. Taking the right path from the hub will lead the players to a separate section with a chest resting in the middle of the room. If the players decide to peruse and claim its contents, Patches will emerge from the shadows demanding fair compensation for the stolen goods. A boss fight will ensue shortly after his monologue.

Screenshot of the available options after Patches is forgiven in Elder Ring.

Patches' attack patterns and health bar are akin to those of a knight rather than a petty trickster. He is about as strong as shielded enemies around Gatefront Ruins, and attacking from a safe distance while blocking his advances is the safest way to go about this fight. When Patches loses two-thirds of his health bar, he will ask the players to let bygones be bygones. If they choose to spare him, he will start running "Patches Emporium," where players can purchase useful items to help them on their journey.

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Since it is not in the nature of the Soulsborne franchise to let sleeping dogs lie, players can inquire about the contents of the second chest in Patches' vicinity. He will disclose that he was hoping to save the contents for a "very valuable customer" and hint that the players can take them if they wish. Should players take a gander at the second chest, they'll discover that its contents are reminiscent of Patches' new moniker, the Untethered.

After arriving in Mistwood, players should consider looking for a Site of Grace to rest, as they will not be ready to tackle the area's challenges just yet and cannot return immediately. Two Sites of Grace are available north and south of the players' location, and once they have rested, Patches can be confronted in Murkwater Cave again. He will be surprised and relieved to see the players alive and kicking, but unfortunately, they will not get a chance to teach him a lesson. Nevertheless, his shop will remain open for business, and even if old habits die hard, it only goes to show that after all these years, FromSoftware and Patches still have something in common.

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