How to Get Pumpkin Head in Elden Ring?
The Pumpkin Head armor set in Elden Ring is obtained primarily through defeating Mad Pumpkin Head enemies found in various locations throughout the Lands Between. While the helm (Pumpkin Helm) is the most sought-after piece, the rest of the armor is found elsewhere in the world.
Introduction: The Enigmatic Pumpkin Head
The Pumpkin Helm in Elden Ring isn’t just a striking visual – it’s a functional piece of armor that can significantly impact your gameplay. It offers decent physical protection at the cost of reduced vision, a trade-off many players find worthwhile. This article serves as a comprehensive guide on how to acquire the coveted Pumpkin Helm, as well as how to find the remaining pieces of armor that complete the look. This guide will also address frequent questions about this memorable enemy and its associated loot.
Locating the Mad Pumpkin Head
The Mad Pumpkin Head enemy isn’t a one-off encounter. They can be found in multiple locations throughout the Lands Between, giving you several opportunities to secure their distinctive headwear.
- Agheel Lake South: One of the first Mad Pumpkin Heads most players encounter is near the ruined gate town on the southern shores of Agheel Lake in Limgrave. This is a relatively early-game location, making it accessible to most players.
- Waypoint Ruins: Inside the Waypoint Ruins, guarded by a Mad Pumpkin Head, is where you can meet Sorceress Sellen. Defeating the enemy is essential to progress this questline.
- Fort Haight: A Mad Pumpkin Head guards the entrance to Fort Haight in the eastern part of Limgrave.
Farming the Pumpkin Helm
The Pumpkin Helm isn’t a guaranteed drop. It’s obtained by defeating a Mad Pumpkin Head, but the drop rate is somewhat low, requiring persistence. This is, essentially, farming for the item.
- Prepare for the Fight: Equip yourself with weapons that deal strike damage. The Pumpkin Head is highly resistant to pierce damage. Consider summoning Spirit Ashes to distract the enemy.
- Defeat and Reset: After defeating a Mad Pumpkin Head, immediately check if the helm dropped. If not, teleport to a nearby Site of Grace to reset the enemy spawn.
- Repeat: Rinse and repeat the process until the helm drops. The drop rate isn’t officially known, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it falls within the range of a 5%-10% chance.
Armor Set Pieces Beyond the Helm
While the Pumpkin Helm is the primary focus, the other pieces of armor that match it aren’t dropped by the same enemy. These need to be found in specific locations within the game world. The armor parts aren’t directly named “Pumpkin” but they visually match:
- Leather Armor: Typically found on early game wandering merchants, this provides a good match to the helm’s aesthetic.
- Leather Gloves: Also available from wandering merchants and early ruins loot.
- Leather Boots: Found in chests or on bodies in early-game dungeons and areas.
Understanding the Stats and Benefits
The Pumpkin Helm offers a moderate level of physical protection but impairs your vision. While not the best helmet in terms of pure defense, it provides a unique look and can be useful in specific situations.
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Physical Def | 6.4 |
| VS Strike | 5.8 |
| VS Slash | 6.4 |
| VS Pierce | 4.9 |
| Magic Def | 3.8 |
| Fire Def | 5.5 |
| Lightning Def | 3.1 |
| Holy Def | 4.1 |
| Poise | 6 |
| Weight | 4.5 |
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Using the Wrong Damage Type: Trying to defeat a Mad Pumpkin Head with primarily pierce damage weapons will lead to prolonged fights. Focus on strike damage.
- Ignoring Spirit Ashes: Summons can be invaluable for distracting the enemy, giving you openings to attack.
- Giving Up Too Soon: The Pumpkin Helm drop rate can be discouraging, but persistence is key. Don’t give up after just a few attempts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Pumpkin Helm the only item dropped by the Mad Pumpkin Head?
No. The Mad Pumpkin Head can drop other items, but the Pumpkin Helm is the most sought-after. You can also expect to receive common crafting materials or weapons the enemy is using.
What is the best strategy to defeat a Mad Pumpkin Head?
The best strategy is to use a weapon that deals strike damage, such as a hammer or club. Also, use Spirit Ashes to distract the enemy and create openings for attack. Staying behind it is generally a safe strategy.
Does increasing Discovery affect the drop rate of the Pumpkin Helm?
Yes, increasing your Discovery (item discovery stat) will increase the likelihood of the Pumpkin Helm dropping. This can be done through consuming Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot or increasing your Arcane stat.
Where is the easiest Mad Pumpkin Head to farm for the helm?
The Mad Pumpkin Head near Agheel Lake South is generally considered the easiest to farm, especially for low-level characters, due to its proximity to a Site of Grace.
Can I obtain the Pumpkin Helm in the late game?
Yes, you can *obtain the *Pumpkin Helm*** at any point in the game, as the Mad Pumpkin Heads are present throughout the Lands Between. Their difficulty doesn’t scale dramatically, so they remain relatively manageable.
Does the Pumpkin Helm offer any special stat buffs?
No, the Pumpkin Helm does not offer any specific stat buffs. Its primary appeal is its unique appearance and moderate physical protection.
Is there any way to guarantee the Pumpkin Helm drop?
Unfortunately, there is no guaranteed way to obtain the Pumpkin Helm. It relies entirely on chance and the drop rate mechanic of the game.
Are the Mad Pumpkin Heads considered mini-bosses?
While they present a challenging encounter, Mad Pumpkin Heads are generally not considered mini-bosses. They are more like tough regular enemies.
Does the Pumpkin Helm’s vision impairment significantly affect gameplay?
The Pumpkin Helm’s vision impairment is noticeable but not overly debilitating. Most players adapt to it quickly. However, for builds that rely heavily on precise aiming (e.g., archers), it can be a hindrance.
Can I summon other players to help me farm the Pumpkin Helm?
Yes, you can summon other players to assist you in defeating the Mad Pumpkin Heads, making the farming process easier. This is particularly useful for lower-level players.
What is the weight of the Pumpkin Helm?
The Pumpkin Helm weighs 4.5 units, which is relatively light. This makes it a viable option for most builds without significantly impacting your equip load.
What is the lore behind the Mad Pumpkin Heads?
The *lore behind the *Mad Pumpkin Heads*** is fragmented and ambiguous. The pumpkins may be related to rituals or even acts of madness and desperation. They are a disturbing addition to the Lands Between that adds to the game’s overall theme of decay and tragedy.