Should You Join Volcano Manor In Elden Ring

Navigating the treacherous terrain of Mt. Gelmir in Elden Ring brings players face-to-face with the imposing Volcano Manor. This sinister faction, led by Tanith, invites the Tarnished to reject the guidance of the Greater Will and hunt down fellow champions. Deciding whether to align with this house of recusants is a major narrative crossroads for newcomers and veteran players alike.

The Rewards of Rebellion

Aligning yourself with Tanith introduces a series of assassination contracts that yield exceptionally powerful equipment. Completing these sinister hunts awards the player with rare armor sets, unique weapons, and specialized talismans that cannot be obtained through normal exploration. These unique items are highly valued for optimizing physical builds and maximizing overall defensive attributes.

Furthermore, joining the household grants immediate physical entry into the drawing room and provides a straightforward path to the regional demigod. Engaging with the faction NPCs opens up unique side stories, including the personal quests of Rya and Diallos. Players who enjoy deep narrative progression will find these interlocking character relationships incredibly rewarding.

Impact on Other Questlines

Many players worry that joining a faction of assassins will instantly lock them out of friendly relationships across the Lands Between. Fortunately, FromSoftware designed this specific covenant to be surprisingly forgiving regarding early game alliances. Pledging your sword to the manor will not automatically turn the rest of the world hostile or ruin your standing with the Roundtable Hold.

However, the crucial threat to your progression lies in the timing of your battle against the lord of the manor, Rykard. Defeating this monumental boss prematurely will cause all remaining NPCs to permanently depart the premises, immediately ending any unfinished contracts. Therefore, you must carefully complete every request before executing the ultimate master of blasphemy.

An Alternative Path for Explorers

If your moral compass prevents you from hunting down your fellow Tarnished, you do not strictly have to accept Tanith's invitation. The massive estate contains a hidden illusory wall that allows intrepid adventurers to explore the legacy dungeon completely independently. This secret route permits you to clear the entire volcanic zone and challenge the main boss without ever signing the assassination register.

Choosing this subterranean path still allows you to gather standard upgrade materials and experience the incredible level design of the fiery prison. However, bypassing the formal covenant means you will forfeit the specific rewards tied to the hitman contracts. Weighing the loss of these exclusive armaments against your roleplaying preferences is essential for shaping your personal journey.