There’s been no scarcity of contentious dialogue surrounding Shadow of the Erdtree’s problem, notably on the subject of the bosses. Relentless combo chains are in all probability the most-bemoaned side of encounter design within the DLC, however I’ve come to sing the praises of our good friend, our granter-of-damage, our savior: the Deflecting Hardtear.

The place to get the Deflecting Hardtear

That is very simple to search out, and really early within the DLC. The primary Furnace Golem you see within the Land of Shadow will drop the Deflecting Hardtear when defeated. Defeating it’s only a matter of strolling up and whacking its tootsies till it “stance breaks” 3 times, at which level it is going to fall to the bottom primed for a excessive injury punish to its face.

Simply be sure to watch the ft and bounce over the ensuing flames on Torrent (or on foot should you’re feeling courageous). If it jumps with each ft, again away a distance to keep away from the ensuing AoE. As soon as it’s down, combine the Deflecting Hardtear into your Flask of Wondrous Physick on the close by Grace.

The right way to use the Deflecting Hardtear

The Deflecting Hardtear is deceptively easy and highly effective. It fully negates injury and vastly reduces stamina drain if you block within the exact second you’d in any other case take injury (consider it working almost the identical as a parry in Sekiro). This works with shields, weapons, even your naked palms. You possibly can tank hits that will in any other case pancake you with nothing greater than a dagger should you press block when the blow lands.

What’s extra, the tear additionally will increase your follow-up Guard Counter. This bonus lasts just a few moments and likewise stacks as much as 4: should you land 4 excellent guards in a row the ensuing Guard Counter will probably be boosted by a staggering 80% injury.

These two boons are sufficient to positively annihilate any humanoid-style enemy like Messmer. Sure, you’ll must study their assault patterns to have the ability to land excellent guards, however should you mix the tear with a robust protect you’ll safely block any assaults you attempt to block too early. Blocking too late will get you hit, however blocking about half of any incoming blows remains to be an enormous injury discount when making an attempt to study fights.

Now, may this have been a talisman as a substitute of a flask buff? Yeah, in all probability. However relaxation assured: the buff lasts 5 minutes, which is lengthy sufficient for any boss encounter within the DLC and greater than sufficient to get you thru any troublesome scuffles in your approach to the subsequent website of Grace.

Deflecting Hardtear construct recommendation

Combining the Deflecting Hardtear with the Curved Sword Talisman, which additional improves Guard Counters, is a no brainer. I’d additionally recommend utilizing it with both a excessive poise-damage weapon (like a Colossal weapon) or any weapon that inflicts one thing like bleed and hits a number of occasions on Guard Counter (like Blood-infused Backhand Blades). It will allow you to land extra stance breaks or deal constant damaging afflictions if you do land Guard Counters.

Should you’d prefer to play it protected, you’ll be able to mix the tear with a Greatshield for added cushioning on missed excellent blocks. However, should you’re feeling zesty, you’ll be able to merely rock a two-handed weapon with the Two-Handed Sword Talisman, which boosts injury when any weapon is held in each palms. Should you’re on the lookout for one thing in-between, strive a two handed weapon with a excessive bodily block worth, just like the Greatsword of Solitude.

Utilizing the Deflecting Hardtear facilitates my new favourite playstyle in Elden Ring. Taking it into the bottom sport and countering Melania’s Waterfowl Dance is positively cathartic. I do want it have been “baked in” to the sport’s choices a little bit extra, however the truth that we acquired a parry in any respect is greater than welcome.