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The variety of builds and playstyles available inElden Ringgives players a lot ofchoice over how they approach combat. But one thing that’s been missing from the game is a Perfect Block system –Shadow of the Erdtreeexceeds expectations yet again by finally introducing this incredible mechanic to the game’s already-complex combat system.
Unfortunately, though, theShadow of the ErdtreePerfect Block mechanic can only be enabled temporarily. This is because it is tied to theFlask of Wondrous Physick, and can only be enabledwith a specific Crystal Tear. This guide explains how to get the Perfect Block crystal tear, theDeflecting Hardtear, and offers tips on how to master the newElden RingSpontaneous Guard system.
Updated June 24, 2025 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 newShadow of the ErdtreeCrystal Tear thatunlocks the Spontaneous Guard system, which essentially introduces anElden RingPerfect Block mechanic – a bit like the block system from FromSoftware’s previous major title,Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.
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 willtake a significantly reduced amount of damage to your staminawhen Perfect Blocking a hit, butyou will lose no HP and will also gain an empowered Guard Counterafter 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.
One nice thing about using this Crystal Tear is that, if you are skilled enough to successfully Perfect Block,Shadow of the Erdtreeplayers 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 theBuckleror theBackhand Blade. Even thoughblocking with the Backhand Bladewould 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 inSekiro,initiating a Perfect Block does not build the enemy’s hidden Poise meter. Youmust still strike enemies directly, or Parry them, to break their Poise. But by using the Deflecting Hardtear,Shadow of the Erdtreeplayers 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 theShadow of the ErdtreeSpontaneous Guard effect active, you’re able to 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
Toget the Deflecting HardtearinShadow of the Erdtree, youmust defeat the Furnace Golemthat patrols theGravesite 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 inElden 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.
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.
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.
