Mastering Your Sacred Flask: A Guide to +12 in Elden Ring
So, you’re looking to maximize your survivability in the Lands Between, eh? Reaching that coveted +12 Flask potency in Elden Ring is a game-changer. It significantly boosts the restorative power of your Flask of Crimson Tears (HP) and Flask of Cerulean Tears (FP), making even the most challenging encounters more manageable. Achieving this requires finding and using Sacred Tears at Sites of Grace. Each Sacred Tear permanently increases the amount of HP or FP restored by your flasks. With enough Sacred Tears, you can reach that +12 potency, offering a substantial advantage in your journey to become Elden Lord.
Unlocking the Power: Sacred Tears and Sites of Grace
The core mechanic for upgrading flask potency lies with Sacred Tears. These rare items are scattered throughout the Lands Between, often found within or near Churches. Think of these churches as mini-dungeons or points of interest, frequently guarded or containing some minor puzzle.
To upgrade your flask potency, you need to rest at a Site of Grace. Select the option to “Flasks” and then “Strengthen flasks.” The game will then prompt you to use a Sacred Tear, permanently improving the amount of HP or FP restored by your flasks. There is no way to undo this process, so it is always in your best interest to utilize them.
Hunting for Sacred Tears: Key Locations to Explore
Finding all the Sacred Tears necessary to reach +12 Flask potency will take some exploration. Here’s a breakdown of key areas where you’ll find them:
- Limgrave: Start your search in the early game areas. Explore the Third Church of Marika and the Church of Elleh and Church of Irith.
- Liurnia of the Lakes: This vast region holds several Sacred Tears. Look for the Church of Irith, Bellum Church, and the Church of the Cuckoo. Pay close attention to the areas around these churches; sometimes, the tear isn’t directly in the building.
- Caelid: This scarlet rot-infested region has a few Sacred Tears to offer, including the Church of the Plague. Prepare for a fight, as Caelid is home to some challenging enemies.
- Altus Plateau: As you progress further, the Second Church of Marika is your best bet for finding Sacred Tears.
- Mountaintops of the Giants: Near the end of the main game. Look for the First Church of Marika.
Remember to thoroughly explore each location. The Sacred Tears may be hidden slightly off the beaten path or guarded by enemies.
Strategic Flask Allocation: Crimson vs. Cerulean
While increasing your flask potency is crucial, you also need to consider how to allocate your flask charges. Do you prefer more HP restoration, more FP restoration, or a balance of both? This will depend heavily on your play style and build.
- Melee Builds: Generally benefit from prioritizing Flasks of Crimson Tears (HP). You’ll be taking more direct hits, so healing is paramount.
- Magic/Casting Builds: Require a balance, but often lean towards Flasks of Cerulean Tears (FP). Running out of FP in the middle of a boss fight is a recipe for disaster.
- Hybrid Builds: Need careful allocation. Experiment to find the balance that works best for your specific combination of melee and magic.
You can freely change your flask allocation at any Site of Grace. Experiment and adapt to different encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Sacred Tears do I need to reach +12 Flask potency?
You need a total of 12 Sacred Tears to fully upgrade your Flasks to +12 potency. Each Sacred Tear improves the restorative properties of your flasks until you reach the maximum.
2. Are Sacred Tears missable in Elden Ring?
No, Sacred Tears are not missable. Once you acquire the ability to upgrade your flasks, you can return to any location and collect any Sacred Tears that you may have missed earlier in the game.
3. Can I respec my flask allocation later in the game?
Yes, you can respec your flask allocation at any Site of Grace. This allows you to adjust the number of charges for your Flask of Crimson Tears (HP) and Flask of Cerulean Tears (FP) to suit your needs.
4. What is the difference between Flask potency and Flask charges?
Flask potency refers to the amount of HP or FP restored by each flask use, and it’s upgraded with Sacred Tears. Flask charges refer to the number of times you can use your flasks before needing to rest at a Site of Grace, and those are upgraded using Golden Seeds.
5. Where can I find a map of Sacred Tear locations?
While there isn’t an in-game map, many online resources, including interactive maps and video guides, show the exact locations of Sacred Tears. A simple web search will bring these up.
6. Are there any Sacred Tears in the optional areas of the game?
Yes, the optional areas often contain additional Sacred Tears. Thoroughly explore these areas to maximize your flask potency.
7. Does multiplayer affect my Flask potency or charges?
No, your flask potency is not affected by playing in multiplayer. However, as an invader/helper phantom, the number of flask charges is halved.
8. Is it possible to have an unlimited number of Flasks?
No, there is a hard limit on the number of Flask charges you can have (14 with Golden Seeds).
9. Can I trade Sacred Tears with other players?
No, Sacred Tears cannot be traded with other players. You must find them yourself.
10. Is it worth it to prioritize Flask potency over other upgrades?
Generally, yes. Increasing your Flask potency significantly improves your survivability and resource management, making it a valuable upgrade throughout the game.
11. Are Sacred Tears affected by difficulty settings?
Elden Ring does not have difficulty settings, so the location and availability of Sacred Tears remain consistent for all players.
12. Can I upgrade my flasks at any Site of Grace, or only certain ones?
You can upgrade your flasks at any Site of Grace. There are no restrictions based on the specific location.
13. How do I know if I’ve already collected a Sacred Tear from a location?
Most Sacred Tears will disappear from the game world after you pick them up. If you revisit a church and the Sacred Tear is not there, you’ve likely already collected it.
14. Can I use Sacred Tears on other players’ games?
No, Sacred Tears are a single-player item, only usable in your own game.
15. What is the Games Learning Society?
The Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, is an organization dedicated to researching and promoting the educational potential of video games. They believe that games can be powerful tools for learning and development. Visit https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for more information.
By diligently exploring the Lands Between and collecting those crucial Sacred Tears, you’ll significantly enhance your chances of survival and success in Elden Ring. Good luck, Tarnished!