The Trickster Returns: Patches’ Hidden Secrets in Soulsborne and Elden Ring

 

FromSoftware has a long history of planting traps for new players, and few characters embody that spirit more than Trusty Patches. Despite his seemingly honest name, Patches is anything but trustworthy. First appearing in Demon’s Souls as Patches the Hyena, he has since become a recurring figure across Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and, most recently, Elden Ring.

In every game, Patches plays the role of a sly opportunist — luring players into danger to loot their corpses afterward. However, Elden Ring flips the script a bit. Players stumble upon him in Murkwater Cave, where an unguarded camp and treasure chest await. When players attempt to claim the loot, Patches suddenly ambushes them, leading to a brief boss fight. True to form, he surrenders once his health drops to around half or a quarter.

At this point, players face a classic choice: spare him and unlock his shop filled with overpriced goods, or finally give in to years of built-up frustration and finish him off.

Choosing to spare Patches triggers a hidden questline, filled with classic betrayal and mischief that stays true to his notorious legacy. While we won’t spoil the full journey, let’s just say that in Elden Ring, Patches once again proves that some things — and some scoundrels — never change.