Elden Ring: Millicent Side Quest Guide
This guide will walk you through Millicent's quest step-by-step, ensuring you don't miss any critical moments.
Who is Millicent
Millicent is a young woman afflicted by Scarlet Rot, a disease tied to one of the game's most iconic bosses, Malenia, Blade of Miquella. Her journey mirrors Malenia's struggle, as Millicent searches for a cure while grappling with her fate. Helping her involves a series of encounters that span the Lands Between, culminating in a decision that affects the outcome of her story.
Starting Millicent's Quest
Millicent's quest begins in the region of Caelid, known for its Scarlet Rot-infested landscapes. To start the quest, you'll need to find an NPC named Gowry.
Travel to Gowry's Shack: Gowry's Shack is located near Sellia, Town of Sorcery, in Caelid. Speak to Gowry, who will ask for your help in curing Millicent. He'll request an important Elden Ring Item: the Unalloyed Gold Needle.
Defeat Commander O'Neil: The Unalloyed Gold Needle is dropped by Commander O'Neil, a powerful optional boss in the Swamp of Aeonia. Be sure to prepare thoroughly by farming Elden Ring Runes to level up and upgrading your weapons. Commander O'Neil's attacks deal high damage, and the Scarlet Rot in the area can be lethal.
Return the Needle: Once you have the Unalloyed Gold Needle, return it to Gowry. After some time, he'll repair the needle and direct you to Millicent.
Meeting Millicent
After Gowry repairs the needle, you'll find Millicent resting at the Church of the Plague.
Give the Needle to Millicent: Approach her and offer the needle. After accepting it, she will use it to suppress the effects of Scarlet Rot. Rest at a nearby Site of Grace, and Millicent will thank you before setting out on her journey.
Follow Millicent's Journey: Millicent moves to several locations across the Lands Between. Each time, she provides subtle clues about her next destination. Be sure to exhaust her dialogue at every step to ensure the quest progresses.
Millicent's Locations
Here's a breakdown of where to find Millicent as her quest unfolds:
Erdtree-Gazing Hill (Altus Plateau): Millicent moves here after leaving the Church of the Plague. Speak to her near the Site of Grace to continue her story.
Dominula, Windmill Village: After defeating the Godskin Apostle in Dominula, Millicent will appear nearby. Speak with her to advance the quest.
Ancient Snow Valley Ruins (Mountaintops of the Giants): Millicent's journey eventually takes her to this remote location. Exhaust her dialogue here to progress.
Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree: The final stages of Millicent's quest take place near Malenia's arena in the Haligtree region.
Key Decision: Helping or Betraying Millicent
At the climax of Millicent's questline, you'll face a critical choice:
Assist Millicent: By helping Millicent, you'll fight alongside her to defeat her sisters, who seek to claim her life. This decision rewards you with the Elden Ring Item “Millicent's Prosthesis,” a talisman that boosts Dexterity and enhances attack power after successive hits.
Challenge Millicent: Alternatively, you can betray Millicent and fight her directly. Defeating her rewards you with the Elden Ring Item “Unalloyed Gold Needle,” which has another use in cleansing the Frenzied Flame later in the game.
How Elden Ring Runes and Items Can Help
Millicent's quest spans some of the game's most challenging areas and encounters. Using Elden Ring Runes and Elden Ring Items strategically can make these sections far more manageable:
Leveling Up with Runes: Farming Runes is essential to stay ahead of tough enemies and bosses encountered during this quest. Areas like Mohgwyn Palace or Greyoll's Dragonbarrow are excellent for amassing large quantities of Runes.
Item Preparation: Stock up on items like Preserving Boluses and Immunizing Cured Meat to counteract the effects of Scarlet Rot, which is a recurring hazard in Millicent's storyline.
Weapon Upgrades: Use Somber Smithing Stones or regular Smithing Stones to upgrade your weapons. Fully upgraded weapons will make challenging fights, such as the one against Commander O'Neil, much more manageable.
Spirit Ashes: Summon Spirit Ashes like the Mimic Tear or Black Knife Tiche to assist in tough battles, particularly in the later stages of Millicent's quest.
Millicent's Fate and Rewards
Depending on your choice to assist or challenge Millicent, her story concludes with either her survival or her death. Assisting her results in her succumbing to Scarlet Rot, completing her tragic arc. Betraying her leads to her untimely demise but grants access to unique rewards.
Regardless of your decision, Millicent's quest rewards you with powerful items and deepens your understanding of Elden Ring's lore, particularly the connection between Scarlet Rot and Malenia.
Final Thoughts
Millicent's side quest is a testament to FromSoftware's ability to weave intricate narratives into its games. While her journey is fraught with peril, the rewards—both in terms of Elden Ring Runes, Elden Ring Items, and storytelling—make it worth pursuing. By following this guide, you'll not only complete her storyline but also gain valuable tools to aid in your broader exploration of the Lands Between.
As you venture through Elden Ring, remember that every choice shapes the world around you. Whether you choose to help or challenge Millicent, her tale remains one of the game's most poignant and unforgettable stories.