Should you kill or spare Gonzo in Rise of the Ronin? This dilemma occurs during one of the game’s early quests. We are here to help you decide.

During the main mission, ‘Curtain Falls, Curtain Rises,’ after the boss battle with the bandit chief, players are presented with two choices one where they leave the bandit chief Gonzo alive and the other one where players kill him. 

Since every action in the game has consequences and can easily block you out of quests, rewards, and other such things, you should know whether to kill or spare Gonzo in Rise of the Ronin. 



Kill or spare Gonzo in Rise of the Ronin?

Rise of the Ronin merciless title
Screenshot by Hritwik Raj/ONE Esports

In Rise of the Ronin, you should spare Gonzo instead of killing him because killing Gonzo unlocks the title Merciless, which you can equip via the Status menu to gain +1 Strength.

Rise of the Ronin Gonzo ally
Screenshot by Hritwik Raj/ONE Esports

On the other hand, sparing Gonzo leads to a whole lot of new things and way better rewards, as not only do you unlock him as an ally who can join you in battle as one of the two allies, but you also get access to his fighting style called Nodachi Jigen-ryu.

Rise of the Ronin The Bad Bunch mission
Screenshot by Hritwik Raj/ONE Esports

In addition, players get access to a quest called The Bad Bunch, where they can assist Gonzo to improve their bond with him and earn rewards, including consumables, exp points, and others. 

When you have Gonzo as an ally during missions, you also get access to a passive stat for having in your party where enemies drop more money during missions, Strength Points and much more. 

That being said, there are four bond levels that you can achieve with him overtime by giving gifts, exhausting all available dialogues, selecting certain dialogues during conversations, doing missions together, etc, to gain access to the following rewards:

BOND LEVEL BOND BONUS
Acquainted Vow of ComradeshipNodachi Jigen-ryu Novice
Friendly Combined Assassination (With Ally)Gesture: Smoke BombStrength Points +1Nodachi Jigen-ryu Intermediate
Inseparable Bandit Chief’s OdachiSamurai Escort’s Battle AttireNodachi Jigen-ryu Advanced
FateStrength Points +1Nodachi Jigen-ryu Master

Now decide, will you should kill or spare Gonzo in Rise of the Ronin?

READ MORE: Rise of the Ronin multiplayer guide — how to play with friends