Hey there, fellow Tarnished! Let's talk about one of the Lands Between's most... jarring personalities: Iron Fist Alexander. I've been thinking a lot about his questline and the choice it presents. It's a classic case of 'short-term gain vs. long-term reward,' and honestly, it's a decision that can shape your entire playthrough. Do you befriend the cheerful pot, follow his journey to its bittersweet end, or do you take the pragmatic—some might say ruthless—route for an early power spike? It's a dilemma worthy of a FromSoftware game, that's for sure.
The Early Bird Gets the... Shard?
So, here's the deal. You can run into our jar-headed buddy super early in Limgrave, near the Saintsbridge Site of Grace. He's usually stuck in a hole, yelling for help. Now, the game wants you to whack him a few times to pop him out and start his wholesome quest. But what if you don't? What if, instead of helping him, you decide to, well, smash him? It's a bit of a dick move, I know. But doing so nets you the Warrior Jar Shard talisman right then and there. No fuss, no muss.
-
What it does: Boosts the attack power of your weapon skills (Ashes of War).
-
When you get it: Literally in the opening area, Limgrave.
-
The catch: You permanently lock yourself out of Alexander's entire story and his better reward.
This talisman is an absolute game-changer for the early and mid-game. Those Ashes of War you're spamming against Godrick or the Tree Sentinel? They hit noticeably harder. It's like getting a power-up while everyone else is still using the starter gear. For a lot of builds, especially strength or dexterity-focused ones, this is a massive quality-of-life improvement. You'll get way more mileage out of this talisman over dozens of hours than you would waiting for the upgrade.
The Path of Patience: Alexander's Quest
Now, if you're a sentimental softie like me (sometimes), you'll help him out. You'll follow his journey across the map, from the scorching sands of Caelid to the fiery mountaintops. You'll fight alongside him, share a toast, and watch his character develop from a boastful jar to a true warrior seeking purpose. It's one of the more heartwarming—and ultimately heartbreaking—stories in the game.
Completing his questline culminates in a duel, a proper warrior's farewell, at the very end of your journey. This fight is no joke; he's a formidable opponent by this point. Defeating him here rewards you with the superior Shard of Alexander.
-
What it does: Boosts weapon skill damage by a significantly higher percentage than the Warrior Jar Shard.
-
When you get it: Essentially at the endgame, right before the final battles.
-
The trade-off: You miss out on having a powerful talisman for 90% of the game, but you get the best-in-slot version for the ultimate challenges.
So, Which One is the Right Choice?
Honestly, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your playstyle and goals. Let me break it down:
| Aspect | Warrior Jar Shard (Early Kill) | Shard of Alexander (Complete Quest) |
|---|---|---|
| Acquisition Time | Immediate (Limgrave) | Endgame (Crumbling Farum Azula) |
| Power Boost | Good (~10% skill damage boost) | Excellent (~15% skill damage boost) |
| Gameplay Impact | Huge early/mid-game advantage | Optimal for final bosses & NG+ |
| Story Cost | Forfeits Alexander's entire questline | Experience his full, poignant story |
| Best For | Players who want power now, or those on repeat playthroughs min-maxing. | Completionists, story lovers, and players optimizing an endgame build. |
My two cents? If this is your first playthrough, I highly recommend seeing his quest through. The storytelling in Elden Ring is top-notch, and Alexander's arc is a highlight. The emotional payoff and the context for the final fight add so much to the world. The Warrior Jar Shard is amazing, but you can find other great talismans to fill that slot in the meantime.
However, if you're on a subsequent run, or you're building a character entirely around a specific, spammy weapon skill (like the infamous Rivers of Blood katana back in the day), then grabbing the Warrior Jar Shard immediately can be a brilliant strategic move. It makes the early game a breeze and lets you dominate for ages.
The Verdict
It boils down to a simple question: Do you value narrative and a late-game power peak, or immediate and sustained utility?
Both talismans are fantastic. The Warrior Jar Shard is the workhorse that carries you through the journey. The Shard of Alexander is the championship belt you wear for the final fight. You can't go wrong, but you do have to choose. And that, my friends, is the beauty—and the cruelty—of the Lands Between. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a sudden craving for a nice, warm... pot of tea. 😅
Remember, the world of Elden Ring in 2026 is as rich as ever, and choices like these are what make each Tarnished's journey uniquely their own. Good luck, and don't you dare go hollow!