FromSoftware dropped patch Version 1.03 for Elden Ring back in March 2022, and it brought more than just balance tweaks—it sprinkled in fresh quest steps and brand-new endings for a handful of NPCs. Among them was Gostoc, the shady gatekeeper haunting Stormveil Castle. Fast forward to 2026, and this update remains a cornerstone for anyone diving into the Lands Between, proving that a well-timed patch can age like fine wine. While the community has since uncovered every nook and cranny, the ripple effects of that version still guide both newcomers and veterans through one of the game’s most satisfying side story branches.

Gostoc is, to put it mildly, a character who gets under your skin. Stationed inside Stormveil Castle—the first major legacy dungeon most players stumble across—he lurks as the infamous Rune thief. Every time a Tarnished bites the dust inside the castle, Gostoc slyly plucks a percentage of their hard-earned runes right from under their nose. It’s the kind of mechanic that rubs salt in the wound, so it’s no surprise that a massive chunk of the player base unceremoniously offed him the moment they caught wind of his thievery. On Twitter and Reddit, players from both English and Japanese communities have long joked about how killing Gostoc was the unofficial “first rite of passage.” If you already sent him to the great beyond, you’re in good company—thousands of Tarnished did exactly the same thing. The silver lining? Even with the expanded quest line added in 1.03, playing judge, jury, and executioner early on didn’t lock anyone out of the truly juicy rewards.

The new ending for Gostoc’s quest is intricately tied to the tales of two other notable NPCs: Nepheli Loux, the warrior with a heart of gold, and Kenneth Haight, the ever-optimistic noble claiming rulership of Limgrave. To set this chain in motion, players must first find Nepheli inside Stormveil Castle itself, just before the fog gate to Godrick. After exhausting her dialogue and taking down the grafted lord, she relocates to Roundtable Hold. Further steps send her to the Village of the Albinaurics, then back to Roundtable Hold, where she sinks into a funk. At this point, the Tarnished needs to hand over the Stormhawk King ashes—a key item found in the Church of Anticipation, accessible by revisiting the starting area via the Four Belfries. Meanwhile, Kenneth Haight’s quest must be pushed along by clearing out Fort Haight and listening to his grandiose promises.

All this legwork is only half the battle. The grand finale locks itself behind one of Elden Ring’s major milestones: defeating Morgott, the Omen King, in Leyndell. That’s a late-game gatekeeper, so the payoff isn’t handed out like candy. After Morgott falls, teleport back to Godrick’s arena Site of Grace—the one tucked right after his boss chamber—and take a breather. If all conditions are met, the fog gate leading to the throne room will have lifted, and inside players will find a sight to behold: Nepheli, Kenneth, and Gostoc all gathered, bringing Nepheli’s personal arc to a close. It’s a rare moment of hope in a land starved of happy endings.

Speaking with Nepheli and Gostoc in that throne room yields the cream of the crop: an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from each of them. These stones are the crème de la crème for armament upgrades, capable of bumping a weapon to its maximum potential. They’re as rare as hen’s teeth, so grabbing two in one fell swoop feels like hitting the jackpot. Reddit sleuths, like player Auritor, were among the first to confirm this double reward back in the day, and the information has been gospel ever since. Of course, you can scrounge up several other Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones throughout the game, but having two land in your lap without grinding is a sweet deal. For those worried they missed the boat by axing Gostoc prematurely, the news gets even better—Nepheli and Kenneth still spawn in the throne room regardless. That means at least one Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from Nepheli is always on the table. The worst-case scenario is booting up New Game Plus and grabbing the second stone on a fresh cycle, which is hardly a punishment given how many players dive back in for alternate endings anyway.

As of 2026, none of this has been patched out or altered in any significant way. The Elden Ring ecosystem has settled into a comfy rhythm, with balance updates for PvP and tweaks to DLC content taking center stage. The core story and side quests that blossomed with Version 1.03 remain untouched, a testament to FromSoftware’s commitment to narrative depth. Community guides still light the way for those chasing every upgrade material, and the Gostoc decision point continues to spark debates in forums and Discord servers. Some argue it’s worth sparing the rune pilferer just for the camaraderie of the throne room scene; others stick to the pragmatic “see a thief, slay a thief” mantra. Regardless of which camp you pitch your tent in, the post-1.03 experience ensures no one walks away empty-handed.

So while 2022 may feel like a lifetime ago in gaming years, the lessons carved into Limgrave stone by that patch endure. Gostoc’s expanded quest line is more than a footnote—it’s a masterclass in interlocking character arcs that rewards patience and thorough exploration. Whether you’re a fresh-faced Tarnished picking up Elden Ring for the first time in 2026 or a seasoned veteran on your umpteenth journey, that moment in Godrick’s throne room still hits like a truck. And if you already sent Gostoc to an early grave? No sweat. The Lands Between are generous enough to give you most of the loot anyway—just be prepared to hear Kenneth’s grand speeches ring out regardless.