In Elden Ring, one confusing decision that players search online again and again is:
➡️ “Join Volcano Manor or not?”
New players often worry:
- What happens if I join?
- Will it lock main quests?
- Will NPCs disappear if I don’t join?
- Is joining Volcano Manor the “correct choice”?
Even though this phrase looks like a game decision, many people type it into Google the same way they search grammar comparisons like “then or than,” “to or too,” because they want to understand the difference between two options — joining vs. not joining.
This guide will explain:
- What “Join Volcano Manor” means (with simple in-game examples)
- What “Not Joining Volcano Manor” means
- The key difference
- When you should choose each option
- Real examples from the game
- A quick recap chart + mini quiz
Everything is written in easy English, so even a 4th-grade reader or a new Elden Ring player can understand clearly.
What Does “Join Volcano Manor” Mean?
Join Volcano Manor means:
You agree to help Lady Tanith and the Volcano Manor by completing assassination missions.
In simple words:
- You join the group.
- You do quests for them.
- You invade and defeat NPC targets.
✅ What happens when you join the Volcano Manor?
You get:
| Benefit | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Access to assassination quests | Special missions where you defeat NPC targets. |
| Unique rewards | Weapons, gear, and magic not available elsewhere quickly. |
| Shortcut to Rykard | A faster way to reach the boss Rykard. |
| Fun story path | You learn about Tanith and the Manor’s secret plot. |
Examples (easy sentences)
- “I chose to join Volcano Manor to unlock special missions.”
- “When you join the Manor, you receive assassination letters.”
- “Joining Volcano Manor gives you quick access to Rykard’s boss fight.”
What Does “Not Join Volcano Manor” Mean?
Not joining Volcano Manor means:
You refuse Lady Tanith’s offer and continue playing Elden Ring the regular way.
In simple words:
- You do not help with assassinations.
- You progress through the game normally.
- You explore the area using standard paths.
✅ What happens when you do NOT join Volcano Manor?
| Result | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| No assassination missions | You skip this side storyline. |
| Slower progression | You reach Rykard later using normal routes. |
| No special rewards early | You miss Manor-exclusive items. |
| NPC storylines remain unaffected | Some players prefer this. |
Examples
- “If you don’t join, you can still reach Rykard by exploring the mountain.”
- “Not joining keeps the game story neutral.”
- “I didn’t join because I didn’t want to invade NPCs.”
Key Difference: Join Volcano Manor or Not? (Comparison Table)
| Option | Meaning | When to Choose It | Simple Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ Join Volcano Manor | You agree to help Tanith and do assassination missions. | You want rewards, fast access to Rykard, and a unique storyline. | “I decided to join Volcano Manor for extra gear.” |
| ❌ Not Join Volcano Manor | You refuse the offer and follow the main route. | You don’t want to invade NPCs or want a clean playthrough. | “I don’t want to join because I am avoiding side missions.” |
⭐ Quick Memory Tip
Join = shortcut + rewards.
Not Join = neutral story + slower route.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
| ❌ Incorrect Understanding | ✅ Correct Understanding |
|---|---|
| “If I join Volcano Manor, I will lock other quests!” | Joining does not lock the main story. |
| “If I don’t join, I can’t fight Rykard.” | You can still fight Rykard by progressing normally. |
| “Joining is evil, so it’s a bad choice.” | It’s just a game mechanic — not a permanent consequence. |
When to Choose Join Volcano Manor
Choose Join Volcano Manor if:
✔ You want special weapons
✔ You want quicker access to Rykard
✔ You enjoy assassination missions
✔ You want additional lore and conversations
Example Sentences
- “I will join Volcano Manor to try something new.”
- “You should join if you want unique rewards.”
- “Joining makes the game more exciting.”
When to Choose Not Join Volcano Manor
Choose Not Join Volcano Manor if:
✔ You prefer a neutral or ‘good guy’ path
✔ You don’t want to invade and harm NPCs
✔ You enjoy exploring everything manually
Example Sentences
- “I will not join Volcano Manor because I want a clean playthrough.”
- “You can skip joining and still reach the final boss.”
- “Not joining keeps all NPC questlines safe.”
Memory Hack
If you enjoy exploring, don’t join.
If you enjoy shortcuts, join.
Quick Recap: Join Volcano Manor vs Not Join Volcano Manor
- Join = rewards + assassination missions + shortcut
- Not Join = slower path + no missions + neutral route
- Both choices lead to the same final boss
Advanced Tips (For Experienced Players)
- Joining Volcano Manor gives early access to strong spells like “Magma Shot.”
- Not joining helps protect NPC questlines (especially if you’re doing multiple endings).
- You can join, get rewards, and still side with other factions later.
Mini Quiz! (Test Yourself)
Fill in the blanks:
- If you want a shortcut to Rykard, you should ______ Volcano Manor.
- If you don’t want to invade NPCs, ______ join Volcano Manor.
- Joining gives you ______ missions.
- Not joining means you follow the ______ route.
- Both choices still lead to the ______ boss.
(Answers: join, not, assassination, regular, same)
FAQs
1. Does joining Volcano Manor lock me into a bad ending?
No. Both paths allow all game endings.
2. Can I fight Rykard if I don’t join?
Yes. You can access him through normal exploration.
3. Is joining Volcano Manor worth it?
Yes, if you want exclusive rewards and faster progress.
4. Can I join and later stop doing quests?
Yes, you’re not forced to complete all assassination missions.
5. Which choice is best for a first playthrough?
Joining is recommended because it gives unique rewards and fun mission variety.
Conclusion
Whether you join Volcano Manor or not, the game will continue normally.
Both choices are safe. Both choices lead to Rykard.
- Choose join for rewards and shortcuts.
- Choose not join for neutral story and full exploration.
There is no wrong answer.
Just choose the path that matches your playstyle.
Improving your decision-making in games also improves your confidence as a player — keep exploring and learning!
Eley Williams writes clear, engaging guides on confusing words and phrases, helping readers understand meanings, differences, and correct usage with ease.
