In the sprawling, treacherous world of the Lands Between, the Tarnished will inevitably cross paths with the enigmatic and sinister Volcano Manor. As players traverse the misty waters of Liurnia of the Lakes, an invitation to join this den of assassins awaits. While the prospect of aligning with a faction that hunts fellow Tarnished may seem morally dubious, the choice to accept is one laden with opportunity and curiously devoid of narrative penalty. As the acclaimed action RPG continues to captivate players years after its release, the decision regarding Volcano Manor remains a pivotal and rewarding point of exploration.

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The Allure of the Manor: Quests, Rewards, and Zero Downsides

Contrary to initial instincts, joining Volcano Manor has no negative consequences on Elden Ring's overarching story. In fact, refusing the invitation results in missing out on substantial content. The Manor, founded centuries ago by the blasphemous Lord Rykard, operates under the stern leadership of Lady Tanith. Her contracts serve as a grim introduction to the game's invasion mechanics, tasking players with assassinating specific NPC Tarnished across the Lands Between. While the work is dark, set against the manor's fiery backdrop, the rewards far outweigh any fleeting guilt.

Players have much to gain and nothing to lose. The assassination targets do not return for revenge, and the questline unlocks access to some of the game's most coveted armor sets. A major highlight is the ability to eventually claim the Raging Wolf Armor set, a distinctive suit previously exclusive to the network test's 'Bloody Wolf' class. This set, along with others like the Scaled Armor obtained from the first contract, offers not only unique aesthetics but also robust defensive stats.

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A Hub of Activity and Challenging Combat

Beyond material rewards, Volcano Manor serves as a crucial narrative hub. It is a meeting point for several key NPCs, allowing players to progress quests for the enigmatic Rya, the noble Diallos, and even the ever-opportunistic Patches. This convergence of characters enriches the world-building and provides deeper insights into the fractured politics of the Lands Between.

Moreover, joining unlocks significant new combat challenges. The main quest involves hunting three unique Tarnished duelists:

  • Old Knight Istvan

  • Rileigh the Idle

  • Juno Hoslow, Knight of Blood

These battles are distinct, challenging encounters against humanoid foes that often require more tactical prowess than some of the game's larger bosses. The questline culminates in exclusive boss fights, ultimately leading to the epic confrontation with Rykard, Lord of Blasphemy himself.

The Case for Skipping: A Question of Time

Of course, the path of the assassin is not for every Tarnished. The primary reason to decline the Manor's invitation is to expedite one's journey. The Volcano Manor quest line can be lengthy, primarily due to the need to traverse vast distances to locate targets. If a player has not yet unlocked certain regions of the map, the hunt can become a significant time sink. Furthermore, the duel-style battles against cunning NPCs can pose a unique and sometimes frustrating challenge, potentially more difficult than certain main story bosses.

For those solely focused on reaching the endgame or engaging in a speedrun, skipping this content is a valid choice. It is entirely possible to reach Mt. Gelmir, explore the manor's dungeon through a secret entrance, and challenge Rykard without ever swearing allegiance to Tanith.

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How to Join: Paths to the Fiery Fortress

For those convinced by the Manor's rewards, there are multiple paths to gain entry. The most straightforward method involves assisting Rya in Liurnia of the Lakes. After retrieving her stolen necklace from Blackguard Big Boggart (either through purchase or force), she will later appear on the Altus Plateau and offer direct teleportation to the Manor. This method requires no combat for the invitation and introduces a valuable merchant.

Two other routes exist:

  1. Teleportation from Raya Lucaria: By allowing a specific Abductor Virgin enemy in the academy to kill the player, they will respawn inside Volcano Manor.

  2. The Hard Trek: Players can physically scale the dreaded Mt. Gelmir, starting from the Seethewater River Site of Grace. This path is perilous and lined with enemies, making it the most challenging option.

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The Final Verdict: An Enriching Choice

Ultimately, the decision rests on how players choose to engage with Elden Ring's vast world. For those seeking a completionist experience, unique narratives, powerful gear, and some of the game's most memorable one-on-one duels, joining Volcano Manor is highly recommended. It represents a deep, self-contained storyline that complements the main journey without contradicting it. The morally ambiguous contracts add a layer of complexity to the Tarnished's role, and the tangible rewards are among the best in the game. For players on subsequent playthroughs or those with strict time constraints, skipping it is acceptable, but they will miss a defining and richly rewarding chapter in the epic saga of the Lands Between. In 2026, as players continue to dissect every corner of this masterpiece, Volcano Manor stands out as a prime example of the meaningful, player-driven choices that make Elden Ring an enduring classic.