Samurai NPCs in Elden Ring: A Comprehensive Guide to Their Locations, Quests, and Rewards

Introduction

In the sprawling fantasy world of Elden Ring, Samurai NPCs play a significant role in enhancing the game's narrative and combat mechanics. These skilled warriors offer unique quests, valuable rewards, and insights into the game's lore. This comprehensive guide delves into the enigmatic backgrounds, locations, and questlines of the Samurai NPCs, empowering players to optimize their gameplay experience.

1. Ronin Warriors

Location: Overworld areas, particularly near Sekiro-inspired forests

Background:

Ronins are masterless Samurai who roam the Lands Between in search of purpose or vengeance. Their unwavering adherence to the Bushido code and exceptional swordsmanship make them formidable foes and enigmatic allies.

Questlines:

• Yura's Questline: Players encounter Yura, a proud and solitary Ronin, at the Agheel Lake North Site of Grace. His quest involves aiding him in defeating Bloodhound Knight Darriwil and retrieving the Nagakiba katana.
• Eleonora's Questline: Eleonora, a skilled Ronin with a tragic past, can be found in the Second Church of Marika in the Altus Plateau. Her questline rewards players with the Bloodhound Step Ash of War, a highly coveted combat ability.

2. Loyal Guardians

Location: Nokron, Eternal City

Background:

These loyal Samurai serve as guardians in the subterranean city of Nokron, sworn to protect its ancient secrets. Their unyielding loyalty and exceptional archery skills make them formidable opponents.

Questlines:

• Nightmaiden & Swordstress Puppets: Players encounter these enigmatic guardians in the Ancestral Woods of Nokron. Their questline involves an intricate doll-like dance and rewards players with the Loretta's Greatbow Ash of War.

3. Legendary Warriors

Location: Roundtable Hold

Background:

Legends speak of ancient Samurai who have left an enduring legacy in the Lands Between. These legendary warriors reside in Roundtable Hold, offering valuable insights and training to worthy players.

Notable NPCs:

• Toshiro: A masterless Ronin who serves as a merchant, offering rare weapons and armor.
• Okina: A seasoned Samurai who provides guidance and training in the art of wielding katanas.

4. Hidden Masters

Location: Isolated shrines and battlefields

Background:

Hidden Masters are secretive Samurai who have secluded themselves from the world to hone their skills and seek enlightenment. Their mastery of ancient techniques and knowledge makes them formidable teachers and valuable allies.

Questlines:

• Finger Reader Enia: Located in Leyndell, Royal Capital, Enia offers cryptic prophecies and guidance on the fate of the Tarnished.
• Milicent's Questline: Millicent, a devout Samurai with a mysterious illness, embarks on a perilous journey of self-discovery and redemption. Players can aid her in her quest, unlocking a powerful weapon and uncovering hidden lore.

Optimizing Gameplay with Samurai NPCs

Tips and Tricks:

• Engage in dialogue to learn about the lore and motivations of each Samurai NPC.
• Complete their questlines to earn valuable rewards and enhance your combat abilities.
• Seek training from legendary Samurai to improve your swordsmanship and unlock new techniques.
• Explore isolated areas to uncover hidden Samurai Masters and gain access to their wisdom.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Attacking Samurai NPCs without provocation can trigger unnecessary hostility.
• Ignoring their quests may result in missing out on important lore and rewards.
• Underestimating the strength of Legendary Warriors can lead to defeat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many Samurai NPCs are there in Elden Ring?

There are over 20 unique Samurai NPCs scattered throughout the game world.

2. What are some of the best rewards for completing Samurai NPC questlines?

Rewards include rare weapons, armor sets, Ashes of War, and unique items that enhance gameplay.

3. Can I miss out on Samurai NPC quests?

If players progress too far in the main storyline or make certain decisions, they may miss out on some NPC questlines.

4. Are Samurai NPCs essential for completing Elden Ring?

Completing Samurai NPC quests is not mandatory, but it enhances the gameplay experience and provides access to valuable rewards and lore.

5. What is the significance of the Nagakiba katana?

The Nagakiba katana, obtained from Yura's questline, is a versatile and powerful weapon with a unique move set and high damage output.

6. How do I unlock Okina's training?

To unlock Okina's training, players must first defeat Great Jar in Caelid and return with the Great-Jar's Arsenal talisman.

Conclusion

Samurai NPCs in Elden Ring enrich the gameplay experience with their enigmatic backgrounds, captivating questlines, and valuable rewards. By engaging with these legendary warriors, players can deepen their understanding of the game's lore, enhance their combat skills, and embark on unforgettable journeys in the Lands Between. The comprehensive guide presented here empowers players to maximize their interactions with Samurai NPCs and uncover the hidden depths of this sprawling and immersive adventure.