Elden Ring: How to Complete Knight Bernahl's Questline
His journey spans from humble beginnings as a merchant in Stormhill to a major boss encounter in Crumbling Farum Azula, rewarding players with powerful Elden Ring Runes, useful Elden Ring Items, and insight into the ruthless philosophies of the game's darker factions.
First Encounter
Your first encounter with Bernahl takes place at the Warmaster's Shack in central Stormhill, just off the road leading toward the Deathtouched Catacombs. Here, Bernahl serves as an Ash of War merchant, selling various Ashes of War in exchange for Elden Ring Runes. His shop is ideal for early-game builds, especially for melee-based characters looking to expand their combat options.
The Ashes he sells range from quickstep movement to powerful weapon arts, making him a vital stop for Tarnished exploring new build paths or enhancing weapon capabilities. Investing Runes here is well worth it, especially since his role expands dramatically later.
Volcano Manor
Bernahl's true narrative arc begins once you align yourself with Volcano Manor, the secretive organization that opposes the Erdtree's guidance and seeks to upend the Order by assassinating fellow Tarnished. After completing two of the assassination requests issued by Tanith's followers, speak to Bernahl within the manor. He will express his approval and reward your loyalty by handing you the Letter to Bernahl.
This key item outlines two new assassination targets, Istvan and Vargram, and invites you to take them down together. In these invasions, you'll fight side-by-side with Bernahl, highlighting his growing bond with the player. These cooperative invasions are among the more memorable PvE combat scenarios in the game, combining lore and gameplay fluidly.
Rewards for Assassination
Upon completing the joint assassination missions and returning to Volcano Manor, Bernahl will reward you handsomely:
Gelmir's Fury – A powerful sorcery that hurls fireballs in a sweeping arc, perfect for Intelligence/Faith hybrid builds.
Raging Wolf Set – Awarded after helping him during his scripted invasion, this iconic armor set is both stylish and effective, favored by many for its balanced stats and aggressive aesthetics.
These Elden Ring Items are not just useful, they're trophies marking your growing role in the twisted hierarchy of the manor. You also earn Elden Ring Runes through each assassination, giving you both experience and currency to strengthen your build further.
Final Confrontation
Bernahl's story doesn't end at the manor. Much later in the game, during your trek through Crumbling Farum Azula, he makes his final, fateful appearance, this time as an invader.
To find him, start at the Great Bridge Site of Grace. Exit the room, ascend the stairs, and turn left toward the Dragon Temple. Navigate through the temple until you reach the eastern lone tower. Just outside the entrance, Recusant Bernahl will invade, now fully embracing his role as a Devourer of Worlds.
This encounter is one of the more difficult NPC invasions, as Bernahl comes equipped with advanced weapon arts and devastating combos. Defeating him, however, is well worth the effort.
Final Rewards
Upon Bernahl's defeat, you are granted a significant cache of Elden Ring Items:
Devourer's Scepter – A colossal weapon that scales with Strength and Faith, capable of dealing massive AoE damage through its unique skill, "Devourer of Worlds."
Blasphemous Claw – A key item used specifically to parry Maliketh's Destined Death attacks during his boss fight, providing a unique mechanical advantage.
Bernahl's Armor Set – A visually imposing and stat-heavy gear set perfect for tanky or knight-themed builds.
Additionally, his defeat rewards you with a large sum of Elden Ring Runes, making it a valuable milestone late in the game.
Lore Significance
Bernahl is a cautionary tale about strength without restraint. Starting as a humble mentor, his transformation into Recusant Bernahl mirrors the corrupting influence of power and ambition. By aligning with the Volcano Manor, he embodies the rejection of the Golden Order and embraces the idea that only strength determines right.
Throughout the questline, players are confronted with questions about loyalty, purpose, and morality. Whether you side with Bernahl willingly or merely exploit his rewards before ultimately cutting him down, his presence adds weight to the theme of self-determination that defines Elden Ring.
Should You Complete Bernahl's Quest
Absolutely. Not only does Bernahl's storyline offer useful Elden Ring Items and a rich source of Elden Ring Runes, but it also offers one of the more morally grey narratives in the game. Whether you're role-playing a ruthless warrior or simply maximizing your build, the tools and lore gained from this quest make it an essential part of the Elden Ring experience.