Many players exploring the Lands Between eventually encounter a rough, practical man known as Blackguard Big Boggart. At first glance, he may seem like just another minor non-playable character, but learning how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring can unlock useful items, unique dialogue, and even affect certain questlines. Because Elden Ring is known for its subtle storytelling and lack of direct instructions, interacting properly with NPCs like Blackguard requires attention, patience, and the right sequence of actions. If you approach him without preparation, you might miss important steps or accidentally lock yourself out of valuable rewards.
Who Is Blackguard Big Boggart in Elden Ring?
Blackguard Big Boggart is an NPC in Elden Ring who initially appears as a tough, crab-cooking outlaw with a blunt personality. He is closely connected to Rya’s questline and can later be found in different locations depending on your progress. Understanding who he is and how he fits into the larger world helps you decide how to approach him.
Unlike some characters who immediately offer quests, Blackguard requires specific triggers before he becomes fully interactive. This is why many players search for how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring after encountering limited dialogue options.
First Location Liurnia of the Lakes
The first time you can meaningfully interact with Blackguard Big Boggart is in Liurnia of the Lakes. He is found near a shack close to the Boilprawn Shack Site of Grace. However, simply walking up and speaking to him is not always enough to progress his dialogue.
Start with Rya’s Necklace Quest
To properly unlock Blackguard’s interaction, you need to meet Rya first. She asks you to retrieve her stolen necklace. The thief she refers to is Blackguard himself. Without starting this quest, talking to him may feel incomplete.
- Find Rya in Liurnia of the Lakes
- Accept her request to retrieve the necklace
- Go to Boilprawn Shack to confront Blackguard
When you approach him during this quest, you will have dialogue options that allow you to purchase the necklace instead of fighting him. Choosing to buy it is the recommended option if you want to maintain friendly relations.
Buying the Necklace Instead of Fighting
If you attack Blackguard immediately, you will end his questline and lose future interactions. To keep him alive and unlock further dialogue, select the option to purchase the necklace. This choice opens the door to future cooperation.
After buying the necklace and returning it to Rya, you can revisit Blackguard. His attitude changes slightly, and he begins selling Boiled Prawn, a consumable item that boosts physical damage negation.
This step is crucial for players wondering how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring beyond a simple confrontation. Showing restraint and choosing dialogue over combat makes a big difference.
Exhausting Dialogue Options
In Elden Ring, exhausting NPC dialogue is essential. After completing a quest step, speak to Blackguard multiple times until he repeats himself. This ensures you do not miss hidden progression triggers.
Many players make the mistake of talking once and leaving. Because Elden Ring hides progression behind repeated interactions, always double-check conversations after key events.
Second Location Altus Plateau
As you progress further into the game and advance Rya’s storyline, Blackguard relocates to the Altus Plateau. He can be found near the Outer Moat area of Leyndell, Royal Capital.
If you are unsure how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring at this stage, make sure you have progressed Rya’s questline far enough. NPC movements are often tied to story advancement.
Purchasing Boiled Crab
In the Altus Plateau, Blackguard upgrades his inventory and begins selling Boiled Crab. This item provides an even stronger defensive buff than Boiled Prawn. For melee-focused builds, this consumable is extremely useful during difficult boss fights.
- Boiled Prawn Moderate physical damage reduction
- Boiled Crab Greater physical damage reduction
Maintaining friendly relations ensures you continue to have access to these items.
What Happens If You Attack Blackguard?
Some players may wonder what happens if they choose violence. If you attack and kill Blackguard early, he drops certain items, but his full questline ends permanently. You will lose access to his shop and future interactions.
Elden Ring emphasizes consequences. Learning how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring properly means understanding that aggression is not always the best solution. While combat is central to gameplay, certain NPCs reward diplomacy.
Connection to the Dung Eater Questline
Later in the game, Blackguard becomes entangled in events involving the Dung Eater. This part of the storyline can significantly impact his fate. If you wish to see his full narrative arc, it is important to keep him alive and follow quest progression carefully.
During this stage, you may encounter grim outcomes depending on your choices. Elden Ring does not always provide happy endings, and Blackguard’s story reflects the harsh world of the Lands Between.
Tips for Successfully Talking to Blackguard
To summarize the best approach, follow these practical tips
- Start Rya’s quest before confronting him
- Choose to buy the necklace instead of attacking
- Exhaust all dialogue options each time you meet him
- Revisit his location after major story progression
- Avoid unnecessary aggression if you want full quest access
These steps ensure you experience everything his character offers.
Why Blackguard Matters in Elden Ring
At first, Blackguard may seem like a minor side character. However, his presence adds depth to the world. He represents the everyday survivors of the Lands Between–people trying to live through chaos by any means necessary.
His boiled seafood business may sound humorous, but his story becomes darker as events unfold. This contrast between casual dialogue and grim fate highlights Elden Ring’s storytelling style.
Common Mistakes Players Make
Understanding how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring also means avoiding common errors. Many players
- Attack him before starting Rya’s quest
- Forget to return after progressing the main story
- Fail to exhaust dialogue options
- Miss his relocation to Altus Plateau
Because the game provides little direction, careful exploration and patience are key.
Learning how to talk to Blackguard in Elden Ring is less about complex mechanics and more about timing and choices. By beginning Rya’s quest, purchasing the stolen necklace peacefully, and revisiting him after major story milestones, you unlock his full role in the game. His shop items can be valuable for combat-heavy builds, and his involvement in later questlines adds emotional weight to the experience.
Elden Ring rewards players who pay attention to dialogue and resist the urge to solve every problem with a sword. Blackguard Big Boggart is a perfect example of how small interactions can grow into meaningful story moments. Taking the time to speak, listen, and choose wisely ensures you get the most out of his character and the world around him.