Elden Ring’s Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduces a new item called the Deflecting Hardtear. This item changes how players fight by allowing them to perform perfect guards, similar to those in Sekiro. When used correctly, the Deflecting Hardtear helps reduce damage and stamina loss, and it can fill the enemy’s stagger bar. The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC adds this new defensive feature to Elden Ring. The Deflecting Hardtear is a special Crystal Tear that enables Spontaneous Guards. This means players can guard against attacks when they time their actions precisely.
Players can use the Deflecting Hardtear with or without a shield. It allows them to block perfectly with two-handed weapons or pairs of weapons, creating new strategic options. This is especially helpful for aggressive players or those who find traditional parrying difficult. Additionally, the Deflecting Hardtear boosts guard counters, which lets players launch follow-up attacks and creates powerful combat combinations. This guide explains how to get and use the Deflecting Hardtear, discusses its benefits, offers tips for mastering the technique, and highlights the exciting new content in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
Mastering the Deflecting Hardtear in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
What is the Deflecting Hardtear?
The Deflecting Hardtear is a new Crystal Tear introduced in the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC. When mixed with the Flask of Wondrous Physick, it temporarily enhances your guard. This allows you to perform a “Spontaneous Guard” that significantly reduces damage and stamina loss when timed just before an attack hits.
How to Get the Deflecting Hardtear
To obtain this powerful tear, you’ll need to defeat a challenging foe:
- Travel to the Scorched Ruins: This area is located near the start of the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC.
- Find the Furnace Golem: A powerful, fire-wielding Golem patrols this area.
- Defeat the Furnace Golem: This enemy can be tough, so come prepared with strong weapons and a strategy to break its poise.
- Claim your reward: Upon defeating the Golem, you’ll receive the Deflecting Hardtear.
Using the Deflecting Hardtear
- Mix it in your Flask of Wondrous Physick: Head to a Site of Grace and combine the Deflecting Hardtear with another Crystal Tear of your choice.
- Practice the timing: The key to Spontaneous Guard is timing. Activate your guard just before an enemy attack connects.
- Follow up with a Guard Counter: After a successful deflect, you can unleash a powerful Guard Counter for massive damage.
Benefits of Deflecting Hardtear
- Reduced Damage: Take less damage from enemy attacks.
- Stamina Conservation: Lose less stamina when blocking.
- Powerful Guard Counters: Deal increased damage with Guard Counters.
- New Combat Options: Opens up new defensive and offensive strategies.
Tips for Deflecting
- Start with slower enemies: Practice against enemies with slower, more predictable attacks.
- Pay attention to audio cues: Listen for the sound of the attack to help with timing.
- Experiment with different weapons: Some weapons are better suited for Guard Counters than others.
Exploring the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC
The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC offers a wealth of new content for Elden Ring players. Here’s what you can expect:
- New Areas: Explore a vast new area filled with challenging enemies and breathtaking landscapes.
- New Bosses: Face off against formidable new bosses that will test your skills.
- New Weapons and Armor: Discover powerful new weapons and armor to enhance your build.
- New Storyline: Uncover a new chapter in the Elden Ring lore.
If you’re a fan of Elden Ring, the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC is a must-play. It offers a challenging and rewarding experience that will keep you engaged for hours.
Key Takeaways
- The Deflecting Hardtear enables Sekiro-style perfect guards in Elden Ring
- This item works with all weapon types, including two-handed and paired weapons
- Perfect blocks nullify damage and enhance guard counters, creating powerful combat options
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Common Questions About Early Game Progression
How to Level Up Fast in the New DLC?
Focus on defeating weaker enemies in groups to gain runes quickly. Explore the initial areas thoroughly to find hidden caches of runes. Use rune-boosting items like Golden Scarab talisman if available. Complete early NPC quests for additional rune rewards.
Invest in Vigor early to increase survivability. Balance stat increases based on your chosen playstyle and starting class. Avoid hoarding runes – spend them on levels frequently to minimize loss upon death.
Best Starting Areas for Quick Advancement
The Badlands of Radhama offer accessible early content. Explore the Withered Wastes for valuable items and manageable enemies. Visit the Shaded Citadel for unique upgrade materials.
Stick to the outskirts of tougher areas initially. Return to challenging locations after leveling up and upgrading equipment. Use stealth and mounted combat to navigate dangerous zones safely.
Key Items to Grab Early
- Sacred Tears for flask upgrades
- Golden Seeds to increase flask charges
- Memory Stones for extra spell slots
- Talismans that boost stats or provide useful effects
- Smithing Stones for weapon upgrades
Prioritize finding map fragments to reveal unexplored areas. Collect Stonesword Keys to access imp statue rooms with valuable loot.
Effective Starting Builds
Strength Build:
- High Vigor and Endurance
- Focus on heavy weapons and shields
- Invest in Faith for supportive incantations
Dexterity Build:
- Balance Vigor, Endurance, and Dexterity
- Use fast weapons and bows
- Consider adding Intelligence for spell versatility
Intelligence Build:
- Prioritize Intelligence and Mind
- Rely on sorceries for ranged combat
- Supplement with Dexterity for melee options
Bosses and Enemies for Quick Power Gains
Defeat the Guardian of the Shaded Citadel for a significant rune reward. Farm the Scavenger Camps in the Withered Wastes for consistent rune income.
Take on mini-bosses like Erdtree Avatars for valuable upgrade materials. Avoid major story bosses until you’ve leveled up sufficiently.
Rewarding Early Quests
Complete the Wandering Merchant’s request for a unique talisman. Aid the Exiled Knight to unlock a powerful weapon.
Seek out the Hermit of the Badlands for rare spells and incantations. Assist the Lost Pilgrim to gain access to a hidden area with valuable resources.