The variety of builds and playstyles available in Elden Ring gives players a lot of choice over how they approach combat. But one thing that's been missing from the game is a Perfect Block system – Shadow of the Erdtree exceeds expectations yet again by finally introducing this incredible mechanic to the game's already-complex combat system.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – How To Get Omen Form Transformation (Lamenter's Mask Location)
In Shadow of the Erdtree, unlock Omen form by collecting the Lamenter's Mask and activating it under certain circumstances.
Unfortunately, though, the Shadow of the Erdtree Perfect Block mechanic can only be enabled temporarily. This is because it is tied to the 
Flask of Wondrous Physick, and can only be enabled with a specific Crystal Tear. This guide explains how to get the Perfect Block crystal tear, the 
Deflecting Hardtear, and offers tips on how to master the new Elden Ring Spontaneous Guard system.
Updated July 30, 2024 by Erik Petrovich: In the Elden Ring DLC, Spontaneous Guard is a mechanic that can be incredibly useful for certain builds, but not quite as useful for others. This Perfect Block Elden Ring players can unlock allows you to negate most of the damage of an attack when you time your block input just right, but knowing when to use it and how to empower the Deflecting Hardtear takes it to the next level. This guide to the Elden Ring DLC's Deflecting Hardtear has been updated with a variety of new tips and advice for using this Spontaneous Guard mechanic much more reliably, including advice on how to maximize your time spent with the temporary Perfect Block buff.
The Deflecting Hardtear Unlocks The Perfect Block Mechanic
A crystal tear formed slowly over the ages, where the scattered sap of the Scadutree pools deep within the furnace golems.
Damage negation and guard poise will be heightened in the moment immediately after assuming a guard stance.
Successfully executing a Spontaneous Guard will also strengthen Guard Counters.
The Deflecting Hardtear is a new Shadow of the Erdtree Crystal Tear that unlocks the Spontaneous Guard system, which essentially introduces an Elden Ring Perfect Block mechanic – a bit like the block system from FromSoftware's previous major title, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree - 7 Tips for Underleveled Players
If you've managed to beat Mohg, you'll probably be fine in the Land of Shadow by following these tips for underleveled characters.
As long as you block at the precise moment the hit would have connected, you will gain an extreme boost to your Poise and damage reduction during that block. You will take a significantly reduced amount of damage to your stamina when Perfect Blocking a hit, but you will lose no HP and will also gain an empowered Guard Counter after you Spontaneous Guard.
The Deflecting Hardtear Spontaneous Guard effect lasts for 5 minutes, about enough time to finish most boss fights in the game. If you end up running out, consider only taking your Flask of Wondrous Physick after the fight starts, to maximize time spent with the Deflecting Hardtear buff to allow Perfect Blocks. Unfortunately, the Spontaneous Guard mechanic is only temporary – and if you are spending longer than five minutes in a boss fight, you may need to go get some more Scadutree Blessings or level up.
It's a good idea to pair the Deflecting Hardtear with a Crystal Tear that helps break enemy Poise, such as the Stonebarb Cracked Tear, and Talismans that enhance your Guard Counters.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – How To Beat Blackgaol Knight Boss Guide
The Blackgaol Knight is one of the first Elden Ring DLC bosses most players will come across, but it is punishing if you try to fight it unprepared.
One nice thing about using this Crystal Tear is that, if you are skilled enough to successfully Perfect Block, Shadow of the Erdtree players don't have to use a Shield to completely negate incoming damage. You can still use a shield if you like, as it will help reduce damage to Stamina even further. But blocking with a weapon still completely negates incoming HP damage.
This works especially well with fast weapons and shields, like the 
Buckler or the 
Backhand Blade. Even though blocking with the Backhand Blade would normally mean taking significant Stamina and HP damage, if you block at the right moment, you will still lose no HP and take less stamina damage than blocking with the game's best Greatshields.
However, unlike in Sekiro, initiating a Perfect Block does not build the enemy's hidden Poise meter. You must still strike enemies directly, or Parry them, to break their Poise. But by using the Deflecting Hardtear, Shadow of the Erdtree players will have a much, much easier time staying aggressive in close combat.
As long as you have a tiny amount of Stamina to block, and have the Shadow of the Erdtree Spontaneous Guard effect active, you can stay in the midst of combat without worrying about being ripped apart. The faster you can block, the better you will be able to use the Deflecting Hardtear to its fullest.
Where To Find Deflecting Hardtear Location
To get the Deflecting Hardtear in Shadow of the Erdtree, you must defeat the Furnace Golem that patrols the Gravesite Plains. To get to this boss, head north from the beginning of the DLC, past the Scorched Ruins. You should see it on the horizon by the time you reach the Scorched Ruins, but continue to the Three-Path Cross Site of Grace to the northwest of the Scorched Ruin if you don't.
The Deflecting Hardtear boss is the first of many Furnace Golems in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and thankfully the reward is the only one that's truly worth the time spent taking down this gargantuan enemy.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree – Early Scadutree Fragments Locations
To get stronger in the Elden Ring DLC, look for these early Scadutree Fragments which will buff your character's offense and defense.
Though it is not a good idea to go up against this skyscraper-sized enemy early in the DLC, it is surprisingly easy to knock it down and deal Critical Hits directly to its face. As long as you are able to jump over its stomp attacks, dodge its swipes and kicks, and don't get hit by fireballs raining down from the sky from time to time, you should be able to slowly whittle down its HP by attacking its legs.
To knock down this particular Furnace Golem, you can indeed attack its legs, though not all Furnace Golems have this weak point. After you break its Poise three times, it will collapse to the ground for a good ten seconds, allowing time to navigate around its enormous body and get to the face plate.
- Melee builds can use extremely heavy Colossal weapons, and other high-Poise damage weapons, to break its legs pretty quickly.
- Spellcasters should watch out for the Golem's attacks while they target its face, which will deal more damage than attacking its legs, but can be harder to hit.
Upon defeat, the Furnace Golem drops the Deflecting Hardtear, which can immediately be slotted into your Flask of Wondrous Physick as soon as you next visit a Site of Grace.
Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree
- Released
- June 21, 2024
WHERE TO PLAY
- ESRB
- M For Mature 17+ Due To Blood and Gore, Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Base Game
- Elden Ring
- Developer(s)
- FromSoftware
- Publisher(s)
- Bandai Namco Entertainment, FromSoftware
