Can I Invade White Mask Varré? Your Ultimate Guide to This Elden Ring Dilemma
Hey there, fellow Tarnished! If you’re diving into the vast world of Elden Ring, you’ve probably stumbled across White Mask Varré, the creepy guy with the unsettling smile and a knack for calling you “maidenless.” He’s one of the first NPCs you meet, and his questline stirs up a big question: Can I invade White Mask Varré? The short answer is yes—but there’s so much more to it than just clicking that red invasion sign. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, this guide is here to break it all down for you. We’ll explore what happens when you invade him, why you might want to (or not), and how it shakes up your game—plus some fresh insights you won’t find everywhere else!
Let’s journey through the Lands Between together and figure out everything you need to know about invading Varré. Grab your controller, and let’s get started!
What Happens When You Invade White Mask Varré?
So, you’ve made it to Mohgwyn Palace, and there’s that ominous red invasion sign staring at you. What’s the deal? Invading White Mask Varré is an optional step in his questline, and it’s a moment that can feel both thrilling and confusing. Here’s what goes down when you take the plunge:
When you activate the sign near the Mausoleum Midpoint Site of Grace, you’re whisked into Varré’s world. You’ll face off against him in a one-on-one fight. He’s no pushover—he wields his signature weapon, Varré’s Bouquet, and uses blood-based spells like Swarm of Flies and Bloodflame Blade. Beat him, and you’ll return to your world to find him dying on the ground, muttering about his lord, Mohg. You’ll snag some cool rewards: a Rune Arc, a Furlcalling Finger Remedy, and—most importantly—Varré’s Bouquet, a unique hammer that causes blood loss.
But here’s the kicker: invading him isn’t required to finish his quest. You’ve already gotten the Pureblood Knight’s Medal earlier, which teleports you to Mohgwyn Palace. So why bother? Let’s dig deeper.
Why It Matters
- Closure: Fighting Varré feels like tying up a loose end. He’s been taunting you since the start—don’t you want to wipe that smirk off his face?
- Loot: That Bouquet is a bleed weapon with flair, perfect for players building around blood loss.
- Story Vibes: It’s a chance to see Varré’s devotion to Mohg in his final moments, adding a layer to the game’s lore.
What You Don’t Lose
A lot of players worry: Will invading Varré lock me out of something? Good news—nope! By this point, his quest is mostly done. You’ve already got the medal, and the White Mask helmet (part of the War Surgeon set) comes from other invaders in the area, not Varré himself. So, invading him is a low-risk choice.
Should You Invade Varré? Weighing the Pros and Cons
Deciding whether to invade Varré isn’t just about the fight—it’s about what it means for your playthrough. Let’s break it down with some pros and cons to help you choose.
Pros of Invading Varré
✔️ Unique Weapon: Varré’s Bouquet is a rare drop you can’t get any other way. It’s got a cool flower design and packs a bleed punch—great for PvP or bleed builds.
✔️ Satisfying Payback: After all his snarky comments, taking him down feels good.
✔️ Quick Fight: Compared to some bosses, Varré’s not too tough if you’re prepared (more on that later).
Cons of Invading Varré
❌ Missed Dialogue: If you like soaking up every bit of lore, letting him live means he’ll stick around, calling you “lambkin” forever. Killing him cuts that off.
❌ No Big Rewards: Beyond the Bouquet, the loot isn’t game-changing. Rune Arcs are nice, but you can find them elsewhere.
❌ Moral Quandary: Some players feel bad ending an NPC’s story, even a creepy one like Varré.
Quick Poll: What’s Your Take?
Here’s a fun little question to think about:
Would you invade Varré for the weapon, the revenge, or just to see what happens?
Drop your answer in your head (or chat with your gaming buddies) and see where you land!
How to Beat White Mask Varré: A Step-by-Step Battle Plan
Ready to take him on? Varré’s fight isn’t the hardest in Elden Ring, but he can still catch you off guard. Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it a breeze.
Step 1: Gear Up
- Weapon: Use something fast or with bleed/stagger potential—katanas, curved swords, or heavy weapons like a greatsword work well.
- Armor: Equip gear with decent Robustness (bleed resistance) to counter his blood attacks. The Bull-Goat set or talismans like the Stalwart Horn Charm are solid picks.
- Items: Bring Stanching Boluses to stop bleed buildup if he lands a hit.
Step 2: Know His Moves
Varré’s got a few tricks up his sleeve:
- Varré’s Bouquet: A quick hammer swing that causes bleed. Dodge to the side!
- Swarm of Flies: A cloud of bloodflies that tracks you. Sprint away or roll through.
- Bloodflame Blade: He buffs his weapon with bleeding flames—keep your distance when he casts it.
Step 3: Fight Smart
- Stay Aggressive: Varré staggers easily. Hit him with combos to keep him on the defensive.
- Dodge the Flies: When he summons Swarm of Flies, run or roll—don’t let them stack bleed on you.
- Finish Fast: He’s not super tanky, so a few solid hits can end it quick.
Pro Tip
If you’re struggling, stand on the cliff above him and use ranged attacks or spells like Nightmaiden’s Mist. He won’t climb up, making it an easy win!
Does Invading Varré Affect the White Mask or War Surgeon Set?
One of the biggest worries players have is missing out on that slick White Mask helmet or the full War Surgeon armor set. Let’s clear this up once and for all.
The Truth About the White Mask
The White Mask isn’t tied to Varré directly. It drops from one of three Nameless White Mask invaders in the blood swamp area of Mohgwyn Palace. These guys spawn near the Lake of Blood, not from invading Varré. However, there’s a catch: if you’ve already killed Mohg, Lord of Blood (the area boss), these invaders won’t spawn. So, invading Varré doesn’t ruin your shot at the mask—killing Mohg does.
How to Get the War Surgeon Set
- White Mask: Kill one of the Nameless White Mask invaders (try near the bird-rune farm spot).
- Rest of the Set: The gown, gloves, and trousers drop from the other two invaders in the same area.
Checklist: Securing the Set
✔️ Explore Mohgwyn Palace before killing Mohg.
✔️ Hunt down all three invaders in the blood swamp.
❌ Don’t invade Varré expecting the mask—it’s not his drop!
New Angle: Does Invading Varré Change Your Game’s Ending?
Here’s something you won’t find in most guides: could invading Varré subtly affect your Elden Ring ending? Most articles say his quest doesn’t tie into the big endings (Age of Fracture, Duskborn, etc.), but let’s think deeper.
The Mohg Connection
Varré’s whole deal is serving Mohg, Lord of Blood. By invading and killing him, you’re cutting off a key follower of Mohg’s cult. Later, when you fight Mohg, it’s just you and the boss—no Varré to mourn his fall. Compare this to sparing him: he stays alive, potentially influencing the lore vibe of Mohg’s defeat. It’s not a mechanical change (no new ending unlocks), but it shifts the story’s emotional weight.
A Fresh Take
Think of it like this: sparing Varré leaves a witness to Mohg’s downfall, while killing him makes it a cleaner break. It’s a roleplay choice—do you want a world where Mohg’s followers linger, or one where you’ve snuffed out his influence completely? No hard data backs this up (FromSoftware doesn’t spill those beans), but it’s a cool lens to view your decision through.
Hidden Gem: Varré’s Early Game Rune Farm Trick
Here’s a bonus most guides skip over: Varré’s quest unlocks one of the best early-game rune farms in Elden Ring. After getting the Pureblood Knight’s Medal, you teleport to Mohgwyn Palace way before you’re “supposed” to be there (usually level 80+). Near the Palace Approach Ledge-Road Site of Grace, there’s a bird you can snipe with a bow for 11,000 runes a pop. Rest, repeat, profit!
How to Maximize It
- Weapon: Use a bow or ranged spell (e.g., Rock Sling).
- Position: Stand on the cliff, shoot the bird, watch it fall.
- Boost: Equip the Gold-Pickled Fowl Foot for extra runes.
In an hour, you could rake in millions of runes—way more than grinding at lower-level spots. Invading Varré doesn’t affect this farm, so it’s yours whether you fight him or not!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing With Varré
Let’s save you some headaches. Players often mess up Varré’s quest or the invasion part—here’s what to watch out for.
Top 3 Slip-Ups
- Killing Him Too Early: If you attack Varré at The First Step or Rose Church before finishing his quest, you’ll miss the medal and the Mohgwyn Palace shortcut.
- Invading After Mohg: Beat Mohg first, and those Nameless White Masks won’t spawn—kiss the armor set goodbye until New Game+.
- Skipping Invasions: You need to invade three times (players or Magnus the Beast Claw) to progress his quest. Don’t slack on this step!
Fix-It Tip
If you’ve already goofed, don’t panic. You can still reach Mohgwyn Palace later via the Consecrated Snowfield portal—just a longer road.
Interactive Quiz: Are You Ready to Invade Varré?
Let’s have some fun! Answer these quick questions to see if you’re set to take on Varré:
- Do you have a weapon with bleed or stagger potential? (Yes/No)
- Are you at least level 80 with decent Robustness? (Yes/No)
- Have you saved the White Mask by beating the invaders first? (Yes/No)
Results:
- 3 Yeses: You’re golden—go crush him!
- 2 Yeses: You’re close, but prep a bit more.
- 1 or 0 Yeses: Hold off—level up and gear up first!
Unexplored Topic: Varré’s Psychology—Why He’s So Weird
Ever wonder why Varré acts like that? Most guides focus on what he does, not why. Let’s dive into his headspace for a fresh perspective.
The Cult Vibes
Varré’s obsessed with Mohg and the “Mohgwyn Dynasty.” His taunts (“maidenless,” “lambkin”) aren’t just random—they’re meant to break you down, make you feel unworthy, then build you up as a follower. It’s classic cult recruitment! Psych studies, like those from the American Psychological Association, show cults often use shame and praise to hook people—Varré’s doing it in game form.
Why It’s Creepy
His mask, his tone, his fixation on blood—it’s all designed to unsettle you. FromSoftware loves these unsettling NPCs (think Patches), but Varré’s devotion takes it to a new level. Invading him feels like rejecting that manipulation—pretty satisfying, right?
Lore Dive: Varré and the Bigger Picture
Varré’s not just a random creep—he’s a thread in Elden Ring’s tapestry. Let’s connect some dots.
His Role in Mohg’s Plan
Mohg wants to start a new dynasty with Miquella, and Varré’s his recruiter. By giving you the medal, he’s pulling you into that scheme. Invading him breaks that chain, but does it matter? Mohg’s still out there, and Miquella’s fate hangs in the balance (especially with the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC buzz from 2024).
A Theory to Chew On
What if Varré’s mask hides more than his face? The War Surgeon set hints these guys were forced into Mohg’s service—maybe Varré’s a victim turned zealot. Killing him could be mercy, not just revenge. No official lore confirms this, but it’s a juicy angle to ponder.
Practical Advice: When’s the Best Time to Invade?
Timing matters in Elden Ring. Here’s when to pull the trigger on Varré.
Ideal Scenario
- Level: 80-100 (Mohgwyn Palace is tough!).
- Progress: After getting the medal but before Mohg.
- Gear: Bleed resistance and a strong weapon ready.
Why Wait?
If you’re underleveled, Varré’s bleed attacks will shred you. Plus, exploring the palace first nets you runes and the White Mask—then you can invade with no regrets.
Community Chatter: What Players Are Saying in 2025
Based on recent buzz (think X posts trending in March 2025), players are still hooked on Varré’s quest. Some love the early rune farm, others debate if he’s worth sparing for roleplay. A mini-trend? People are pairing his Bouquet with the Shadow of the Erdtree bleed buffs—apparently, it’s a beast now! No hard stats, but the vibe is clear: Varré’s still a hot topic.
Final Thoughts: To Invade or Not to Invade?
So, can you invade White Mask Varré? Absolutely. Should you? That’s up to you. If you want the Bouquet, some sweet revenge, or just to flex your skills, go for it. If you’re a lore hound who likes him lurking around, maybe skip it. Either way, you’re not breaking your game—just shaping your story.
What’s your next move, Tarnished? Will you take Varré down or let him keep preaching Mohg’s gospel? Whatever you choose, you’ve got the tools and know-how now. Happy adventuring—and watch out for those flies!
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