Elden Ring Join Volcano Manor Or Not And What Each Choice Means
When exploring Mt. Gelmir in Elden Ring, players will eventually arrive at Volcano Manor and meet Tanith, who presents a seemingly momentous decision. You are asked whether you want to join the manor's rebellion against the Erdtree or refuse her offer. Understanding what each choice entails helps players maximize their rewards without fear of locking themselves out of major endings.
What Happens If You Join Volcano Manor?
Accepting Tanith's invitation grants you the Drawing-Room Key, opening doors along the main hallway. Inside, you can collect letters containing assassination contracts that target fellow Tarnished across the map. Completing these invasions unlocks exclusive armor sets, weapons, and powerful talismans like the Taker's Cameo.
Joining the faction also advances questlines for notable NPCs like Rya, Bernahl, Diallos, and Patches. Additionally, completing all contracts allows Tanith to teleport you directly to the dungeon's main boss. This option is generally considered the most rewarding path for players seeking rare loot and extra dialogue.
What Happens If You Refuse to Join?
Declining the offer does not trigger hostile behavior or lock you out of completing the Legacy Dungeon. You can still explore Volcano Manor by discovering an illusory wall inside one of the guest rooms. This path leads through the town's prison area, lava fields, and hidden pathways toward the main boss encounters.
The main drawback of refusing is missing out on specific questlines and unique armor rewards tied to the assassination targets. However, choosing to decline is ideal for roleplay purposes if you prefer not to hunt down other Tarnished. You can also reconsider at any time and accept the offer later by talking to Tanith again.
Does Joining Affect Game Endings or Major Storyline?
Many new players worry that siding with Volcano Manor will permanently ruin their main campaign or alter game endings. Siding with the manor has zero negative impact on main story endings, including Ranni's questline or Erdtree progression. NPC relationships outside of the faction targets remain completely unaffected by your decision.
Because there are no story penalties, accepting the invitation is widely recommended for most playthroughs. Just keep in mind that defeating Rykard will prematurely end active manor side quests, so complete your assassinations beforehand.