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If you’ve spent any time exploring the vast world of Elden Ring, you know that your Flask setup can make or break a run. Crystal Tears are one of the most valuable resources for customizing your flasks, letting you boost health, focus points, or apply special effects. But hunting them down can be a bit tricky if you’re not sure where to look. Here’s a guide to help you track down these essential items and optimize your Flask builds.

What Are Crystal Tears?

First, let’s cover the basics. Crystal Tears are consumable items that you can slot into your flasks to modify their effects. Depending on the tear you use, you can increase healing, add a temporary buff, or restore more focus points. The game doesn’t make it immediately obvious where all the tears are hidden, so having a strategy helps. Personally, I find it satisfying when a careful exploration rewards me with a tear that perfectly complements my build.

Early-Game Locations

In the early stages of the game, you can find Crystal Tears in a few accessible spots. Some of the easier locations include small altars in churches or near Sites of Grace tucked in forested areas. Keep an eye out for glimmering bottles; they usually indicate the presence of a tear. Even though these early tears aren’t the most powerful, grabbing them early can make your early combat much smoother.

Also, remember that while exploring these areas, you’re likely gathering plenty of elden ring runes. It’s tempting to rush into combat, but taking a little detour to collect these can save you from grinding later. I often prioritize tear locations that also offer a decent chunk of runes—double win.

Mid-Game Spots

Once you get a bit further into the Lands Between, Crystal Tears start appearing in more challenging locations. Swampy regions, minor dungeons, and areas guarded by mid-tier enemies often have more potent tears. One tip is to clear out smaller enemy camps near these spots first; it makes revisiting for extra tears less stressful.

During this stage, I know some players like to supplement their collection if they’re short on specific tears. Some turn to online sources like U4GM for quick acquisitions, especially if they’re aiming to test a particular Flask setup without wandering for hours. While I prefer discovering tears naturally, it’s an option if you’re in a pinch.

Late-Game and Boss-Linked Tears

As you reach the endgame, tears become more specialized and often tied to bosses or mini-bosses. Certain Crystal Tears are only dropped after defeating specific foes or completing hidden events. My personal approach is to check every chest, altar, or hidden cave I find while progressing through the story—some of the best tears are tucked away in places that most players overlook.

I should mention, though, that for players looking to stock up quickly, there’s also the option of third-party platforms claiming to be the best site to buy elden ring runes pc. While this is primarily for rune farming, some of these sites provide insights or bundles that include tips for rare item locations, including tears. I’ve used such resources sparingly, mostly to compare drop locations I might have missed in-game.

Tips for Efficient Collection

Mark Your Map: Every time you find a tear, make a mental note or mark it on your map. You’ll thank yourself when you need a specific tear for a Flask build.

Check Enemy Drops: Some mid-to-late game enemies drop tears occasionally. Don’t skip smaller camps—they often hide minor rewards that add up.

Revisit Areas: Tears respawn at certain locations after resting at a Site of Grace, so it’s worth going back once your Flask needs change.

Balance Exploration and Grinding: While chasing tears, you’ll naturally collect elden ring runes. I like to alternate between exploring for tears and grinding high-density rune areas to stay powered up.

Crystal Tears might seem like a minor item at first glance, but they play a huge role in optimizing Flask builds. Whether you’re enhancing your health, boosting focus points, or adding special effects, knowing where and when to find tears can make your playthrough much smoother. Exploring the Lands Between with an eye for these items rewards patience, and even a small detour can give you exactly what your build needs.

Remember, collecting tears is about strategy and exploration, not just grinding. Keep track of locations, combine your collection with rune farming, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different Flask combinations. Soon enough, your Flask setup will feel custom-made, and you’ll wonder how you ever played without those sweet Crystal Tears.

Strategy Insight: Stonedigger Troll in Elden Ring’s Limgrave Tunnels