In Elden Ring, players often encounter strange choices that seem simple on the surface but carry deeper consequences in the story and gameplay. One of the most memorable early moments involves Varre and his question about whether you should let him anoint you. Many players pause at this point, unsure whether agreeing is a good idea or a dangerous step. The phrase should I let Varre anoint me has become a common search because it represents both curiosity and caution in a game where choices often have hidden outcomes. Understanding what this moment means helps players decide how it fits into their journey through the Lands Between.
This decision is not just about dialogue. It is connected to one of the game’s early questlines, multiplayer mechanics, and even access to optional regions. Like many things in Elden Ring, the meaning of Varre’s request is not fully explained at first, which makes it confusing for new players. Exploring the consequences and benefits of this choice can help you decide what fits your playstyle and goals.
Who is White-Faced Varre?
White-Faced Varre is one of the first NPCs players meet in Elden Ring after leaving the tutorial area. He appears at the First Step site of grace and immediately comments on your status as a Tarnished. His tone is slightly mocking but also inviting, making him an intriguing figure from the start.
Varre is associated with the mysterious Mohgwyn Dynasty and plays a key role in one of the game’s alternative quest paths. Unlike many early NPCs, he does not simply offer basic guidance. Instead, he introduces the idea of following a different kind of lordship, one that is tied to blood, ambition, and the enigmatic Mohg.
Because of his unusual behavior and cryptic dialogue, players often question his intentions. This is where the decision to let him anoint you becomes important.
What does it mean to be anointed by Varre?
When Varre asks to anoint you, he is offering to officially recognize you as a follower of his cause. In practical terms, this involves joining his path and later participating in a series of tasks that lead deeper into his storyline. The anointing is symbolic, but it also serves as a gateway to multiplayer features and optional content.
It is important to understand that accepting the anointing does not lock you into a permanent decision immediately. Instead, it begins a questline that can eventually lead to unique rewards and access to hidden areas. However, it also involves interacting with invasions and PvP mechanics, which may not appeal to every player.
Should you let Varre anoint you?
The answer depends on what kind of experience you want in Elden Ring. There is no strictly right or wrong choice, but each option leads to different outcomes. Understanding both sides can help you make a better decision based on your goals.
Reasons to accept the anointing
If you choose to let Varre anoint you, you unlock a questline that eventually leads to one of the game’s secret areas. This includes access to the Mohgwyn Palace region, which is important for players seeking high-level challenges and unique farming opportunities.
Accepting also allows you to progress through Varre’s storyline, which is one of the more interesting NPC arcs in the game. It ties into the lore of the Mohg, Lord of Blood, and reveals more about the darker factions within the world.
Additionally, Varre’s questline provides early access to multiplayer invasions, which are required for progression in his tasks. For players who enjoy PvP or want to explore all mechanics, this can be a valuable opportunity.
- Access to hidden questline content
- Entry toward Mohgwyn Palace area
- Opportunities for rune farming later in the game
- Deeper understanding of game lore
Reasons to refuse or delay
On the other hand, some players prefer not to engage with invasions or multiplayer content early in the game. Varre’s quest requires you to invade other players or NPCs, which may not suit a solo playstyle.
Refusing the anointing does not permanently block you from progress. You can still return to Varre’s quest later when you feel more comfortable. This flexibility allows players to avoid early pressure from PvP mechanics.
Another reason to delay is simply unfamiliarity. New players may not yet understand how invasions work, and jumping into that system too early can feel overwhelming.
What happens after you accept?
If you agree to be anointed, Varre will give you instructions that lead to a series of tasks. These tasks typically involve interacting with other players through invasions and collecting items that prove your loyalty. This is part of the game’s broader multiplayer system.
As you progress, Varre’s questline eventually leads you to a special item that allows access to a hidden teleportation path. This path takes you to Mohgwyn Palace, a late-game area filled with powerful enemies and valuable rewards.
The journey is not immediate. It requires multiple steps and can be challenging, especially for players unfamiliar with PvP mechanics. However, it is one of the fastest ways to reach certain high-level farming locations in the game.
What happens if you ignore Varre?
If you choose not to engage with Varre’s request, nothing negative happens immediately. You can continue the main story and explore the world normally. Varre will remain at his location, and you can return later if you change your mind.
This is an important aspect of Elden Ring’s design. Most NPC choices are not permanently punishing. Instead, they offer alternative routes and optional content that can be revisited later.
Ignoring Varre simply means you delay access to his questline and the rewards it offers. For many players, this is a perfectly valid approach, especially during early exploration of the game.
Impact on gameplay and progression
Varre’s questline is not required to complete the main story, but it provides meaningful advantages for players who choose to follow it. One of the most significant benefits is early access to a powerful farming area that can help with leveling up.
Additionally, participating in invasions introduces players to Elden Ring’s multiplayer systems, which are a core part of the game’s design. Even if PvP is not your main focus, understanding how it works can enhance your overall experience.
However, the decision should always align with your comfort level. Some players prefer exploration and boss fights over competitive interactions with others. In that case, delaying or skipping the quest is perfectly reasonable.
Tips before making your decision
Before deciding whether to let Varre anoint you, it helps to consider a few practical points. These can guide you toward a more comfortable choice based on your playstyle.
- Think about whether you enjoy PvP or want to avoid it
- Consider your current level and experience with the game
- Remember that you can return to the quest later
- Understand that the quest leads to optional, not required, content
- Be aware that rewards are useful but not essential for completion
The question should I let Varre anoint me does not have a single correct answer. It depends entirely on how you want to experience Elden Ring. Accepting the anointing opens a path toward unique content, multiplayer interactions, and valuable late-game areas. Refusing or delaying it allows you to focus on exploration and main story progression without pressure from PvP systems.
Varre’s role in the game reflects one of Elden Ring’s core strengths freedom of choice. Every decision leads to different experiences, but none of them fully lock you out of enjoying the game. Whether you choose to accept his offer or not, the journey through the Lands Between continues in meaningful ways tailored to your playstyle.