Elden Ring: How to Complete Knight Bernahl's Quest
Here's a complete guide on how to complete Bernahl's quest and everything you gain along the way.
Where to Find Knight Bernahl
You'll first encounter Knight Bernahl early in your journey at the Warmaster's Shack in Stormhill, near the path leading to Stormveil Castle. Here, Bernahl serves primarily as a vendor, offering a variety of Ashes of War for sale in exchange for Elden Ring Runes. These Ashes of War are highly valuable Elden Ring items that allow you to customize your weapon skills, tailoring your combat style to your build.
Bernahl initially seems like a straightforward character—a mentor to other Tarnished—but as you progress through the game, his true affiliations and ambitions come to light.
Progressing Bernahl's Questline
After your first meeting, Bernahl's questline doesn't immediately progress until you reach a specific part of the game: Volcano Manor.
Joining Volcano Manor
Once you gain access to Volcano Manor (located on Mt. Gelmir), you can choose to join the organization led by Lady Tanith. Volcano Manor is dedicated to hunting other Tarnished, and after you swear allegiance, you will find that Knight Bernahl has also joined this cause. He will now appear at the manor, offering you further missions.
Talk to Bernahl here, and he will give you Letters of Reprisal, directing you to invade and defeat certain NPC targets. Completing these invasions will deepen your relationship with the Manor and with Bernahl himself.
These invasions are excellent opportunities to farm Elden Ring Runes, as each defeated Tarnished target yields significant rune rewards along with rare Elden Ring Items like new weapons, armor sets, or talismans.
Completing Bernahl's Invasions
Bernahl will assist or guide you through several assassination targets. Each victory earns you rewards and increases your standing in Volcano Manor:
First Target: Find and defeat Old Knight Istvan. Reward: Scaled Armor Set.
Second Target: Defeat Rileigh the Idle. Reward: Crepus's Vial.
After completing several of these assignments, Bernahl will gift you new Ashes of War, further expanding your arsenal of skills.
Recusant Bernahl: The Final Stages
As you near the end of Volcano Manor's questline, the manor eventually collapses after certain events in the story. However, Bernahl's journey does not end there.
Later, during your exploration of the late-game area known as Crumbling Farum Azula, you will encounter Recusant Bernahl again—this time as a hostile NPC Invader.
Where to Find Recusant Bernahl
While exploring Farum Azula, you'll be invaded by Bernahl near the temple-like structures close to the Godskin Duo boss arena. Defeating him is challenging but rewarding.
Upon defeating Recusant Bernahl, you receive:
Beast Champion Set: A heavy armor set with excellent defense.
Devourer's Scepter: A colossal weapon with life-draining abilities, one of the most unique Elden Ring items in the game.
Both rewards are powerful tools, particularly useful for strength-based or tanky builds.
Optional: Summoning Bernahl
If you stay loyal to Volcano Manor and advance Bernahl's quest properly, you'll also unlock him as an NPC Summon during the Godskin Duo boss fight in Crumbling Farum Azula. Summoning Bernahl can make this notoriously tough battle much easier, as he can draw aggro and dish out significant damage.
Having Bernahl's help can be the difference between victory and defeat, saving you a ton of precious Elden Ring Runes you would otherwise lose upon death.
Why You Should Complete Bernahl's Quest
Knight Bernahl's storyline is one of the most layered and satisfying in Elden Ring. It blends early-game mentorship with late-game betrayal and conflict, fitting the dark themes of the game's world.
By completing his quest, you gain:
Access to rare and powerful Ashes of War.
Large amounts of Elden Ring Runes from defeated targets.
Valuable Elden Ring Items like the Devourer's Scepter and Beast Champion armor.
An ally against one of the hardest boss fights if summoned.
These benefits significantly boost your character's power, no matter your build.
Tips for Completing Bernahl's Quest
Buy early Ashes of War: When you first meet Bernahl, it's wise to invest in his skills early. Some are incredibly useful throughout the game.
Stay loyal to Volcano Manor: Betraying the Manor too early can cause Bernahl's quest to end prematurely.
Be prepared for his invasion: Bernahl is no pushover. His equipment and skills make him a serious threat during the invasion in Farum Azula.
Don't miss the summon: If you're struggling with the Godskin Duo, having Bernahl as a summonable ally can make the fight dramatically easier.
Final Thoughts
Knight Bernahl's transformation from Ash of War merchant to Recusant Invader mirrors many of Elden Ring's best themes: ambition, betrayal, and strength. Following his quest rewards patient players with an incredible amount of Elden Ring Runes and rare, powerful Elden Ring Items, helping them forge their path through the dangerous world of the Lands Between.
If you're looking to maximize your build, explore more of the game's lore, or just enjoy one of the richer NPC stories in Elden Ring, make sure you follow Bernahl's journey to its bitter end.