In Elden Ring, the Lands Between are filled with characters who serve more than just narrative flavour. Many of them provide questlines, merchant services, lore connections, or direct access to alternate endings. Killing certain NPCs might offer short-term loot, but it can also permanently lock you out of content or disrupt key story arcs.
This guide breaks down the most important NPCs you should leave alive, at least until their usefulness has been exhausted. All information is based on the current version of the game.
1. Ranni the Witch
Why Not to Kill Her
Ranni is central to one of the most significant questlines in the game, culminating in an alternate ending: the Age of Stars. Her quest intersects with several others and reveals deep lore concerning the outer gods, the Two Fingers, and the nature of the Lands Between.
Key Benefits:
- Access to Nokstella, Ainsel River, and key bosses
- Unlocks the Dark Moon Greatsword
- Alternate ending: Age of Stars
2. Iron Fist Alexander
Why Not to Kill Him
Alexander, the brave Living Jar, offers both comic relief and emotional weight. His quest leads through multiple major battles, and he aids you during the Radahn fight. Killing him early denies you his unique talisman and a memorable duel later in the game.
Key Benefits:
- Assists in Radahn Festival
- Gives Shard of Alexander (boosts skills)
- Adds lore about Living Jars and warriors of the Lands Between
3. Sellen (Witch Sellen)
Why Not to Kill Her
Sellen’s quest delves into the corruption within Raya Lucaria and the fate of sorcery in the realm. She provides access to advanced spells and offers alternative conclusions to the fate of the academy.
Key Benefits:
- Access to powerful sorceries
- Questline overlaps with Jerren and Azur
- Lore insights into glintstone heresy
4. Blaidd
Why Not to Kill Him
Blaidd is closely tied to Ranni’s questline. He’s loyal, tragic, and a key companion in some of the game’s most atmospheric areas. Killing him early severs Ranni’s quest prematurely and removes his help in key encounters.
Key Benefits:
- Assists in key boss fights
- Integral to Ranni’s questline
- Yields Blaidd’s gear if slain later without disrupting progression
5. Fia
Why Not to Kill Her
Often misunderstood, Fia’s Deathbed Companion questline opens up the Age of the Duskborn ending. It also grants access to Deeproot Depths and an optional demigod boss. Killing her early means losing access to that entire plotline.
Key Benefits:
- Unlocks alternate ending
- Deeproot Depths access
- Leads to fight with Lichdragon Fortissax
6. Miriel, Pastor of Vows
Why Not to Kill Him
The beloved tortoise priest offers sorcery and incantation tutoring without allegiance bias. He’s a peaceful NPC who offers lore exposition and cannot be found elsewhere.
Key Benefits:
- Teaches both sorceries and incantations
- Provides lore insights on Radagon, Rennala, and the Golden Order
- No questline conflicts
7. Merchant Kalé
Why Not to Kill Him
Kalé is one of the earliest merchants you meet and the first to hint at the mysterious Great Caravan. He’s also connected to the Frenzied Flame subplot through the Nomadic Merchant lore.
Key Benefits:
- Sells crafting materials and early gear
- Access to Spirit Calling Bell hint
- Part of broader merchant lore network
8. Seluvis (Conditional)
Why Not to Kill Him Immediately
While Seluvis is unpleasant and manipulative, his role in Ranni’s quest means you should delay judgment. Killing him too early can interrupt her storyline.
Key Benefits:
- Provides puppet summons
- Offers Sorcerer Sellen’s puppet if completed
- Gives lore on mind control and ambition
9. Latenna the Albinauric
Why Not to Kill Her
Latenna’s quest leads to the Consecrated Snowfield and the Haligtree. She helps guide you through areas tied to the game’s hardest content and some of its most powerful items.
Key Benefits:
- Access to Apostate Derelict and Haligtree
- Powerful spirit ash summon
- Lore on Albinaurics and Miquella
10. Brother Corhyn
Why Not to Kill Him
Brother Corhyn helps illuminate the Golden Order’s teachings. His journey with Goldmask ties into one of the game’s alternate endings, and his spells are vital for faith builds.
Key Benefits:
- Quest unlocks Age of Order ending
- Sells faith-based incantations
- Provides insights on Radagon and Marika
Final Note: When Killing May Be Justified
While most NPCs offer unique advantages, a few, like Patches or Dung Eater, have morally grey or outright antagonistic roles. Even then, killing them too early can still lock out rewards or end their questlines in unsatisfying ways. If you’re unsure, complete their quests first, then decide.
