The Curious Case of the Returned Larval Tear in Elden Ring

In the vast and unforgiving world of Elden Ring, the Larval Tear is a precious commodity, a single-use key unlocking the potential for rebirth and the opportunity to reshape your character. But what happens if, faced with the overwhelming possibilities or last-minute doubts, you decide to give back a Larval Tear – to cancel the rebirth process? Fortunately, the game provides a mechanic for exactly this: if you enter Rennala’s rebirth menu and then back out without finalizing stat changes, you will not lose your Larval Tear. It will remain safely in your inventory, ready for a more decisive moment.

Understanding Rebirth and the Larval Tear

Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, and the Art of Respec

To fully understand the significance of backing out of rebirth, it’s crucial to grasp the mechanics surrounding it. After conquering Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon at the Academy of Raya Lucaria, she doesn’t vanish or turn hostile. Instead, she becomes a passive NPC, residing in her boss arena. Talking to her allows you to access the Rebirth function. This lets you reallocate your character’s stat points, effectively respeccing your build.

However, this power comes at a cost: each rebirth requires one Larval Tear. These items are scattered throughout the Lands Between, found in limited quantities in each playthrough. Because of the finite supply, carefully considering your choices before committing to a respec is vital.

The Significance of Character Builds

Character builds are the foundation of your strength in Elden Ring. Different builds emphasize different attributes, such as Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane. Optimizing your build allows you to wield powerful weapons, cast potent spells, and survive the brutal challenges the game throws your way.

Experimenting with builds is often necessary to find what suits your playstyle best. The Larval Tear makes this possible, allowing you to adapt your character to new gear, strategies, or even correct mistakes in early-game stat allocation.

The Freedom of Respec – With a Safety Net

Elden Ring offers ample opportunities for players to create powerful and diverse characters. With 18 respecs per playthrough, you can radically alter your approach to the game to meet new challenges. The ability to safely cancel the Rebirth process without losing a Larval Tear provides players with some wiggle room to experiment with different builds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Larval Tears

1. Where Can I Find Larval Tears?

Larval Tears are scattered throughout the Lands Between, found in specific locations, often associated with Mimic Tears or other transformative enemies. Some are also quest rewards. Look carefully in dungeons, underground areas, and areas with significant boss encounters.

2. How Many Larval Tears Are Available in a Single Playthrough?

There are a total of 18 Larval Tears available per playthrough, providing ample opportunities to respec your character.

3. Can I Farm Larval Tears?

While some enemies may initially drop Larval Tears, these drops are usually one-time occurrences. There is no reliable method for farming an unlimited supply of Larval Tears.

4. Can I Trade Larval Tears with Other Players?

No, Larval Tears cannot be dropped for Player Trade. They are bound to your character.

5. Do Larval Tears Carry Over to New Game Plus?

Yes, you will keep all the Larval Tears in your inventory upon entering New Game Plus. This allows for even more experimentation with builds across multiple playthroughs.

6. What Happens if I Use a Larval Tear for Rebirth?

Using a Larval Tear allows you to reset your stats to your starting class’s base values and reallocate them as you see fit.

7. What Happens if I Cancel the Rebirth Process?

Cancelling the rebirth process, by pressing the “Back” button in the Rebirth menu, will return you to the game without consuming a Larval Tear.

8. Is There a Level Cap in Elden Ring?

The max level in Elden Ring is 713. Reaching this level requires an astronomical amount of Runes.

9. When is the Best Time to Respec?

Respec when you want to adapt your character to new gear, spells, or challenges you’re facing. Mid to late-game is a good time, as you’ll have a better understanding of your playstyle and available equipment. You can also use your respecs to correct build mistakes or optimize a build that will work best when you have gathered the appropriate equipment.

10. What About Boc the Seamster and Larval Tears?

If you give Boc the Seamster a Larval Tear, he will seek rebirth with Rennala. However, this action leads to his unfortunate demise. Avoid giving Boc a Larval Tear if you wish to keep him alive.

11. Can I Revive Boc After He Dies?

No, Boc cannot be revived once he dies, even with Celestial Dew.

12. Should I Let Boc Call Me Lord?

Letting Boc call you “My Lord” grants you the “My Lord” gesture, which is considered one of the best in the game.

13. What is the Significance of Rennala’s Amber Egg?

Rennala’s amber egg contains a Great Rune, a fragment of the Elden Ring, which she uses to grant rebirth. It may be related to the death of her daughter, Ranni.

14. What is the Item in the Chest Behind Rennala?

The chest behind Rennala contains the Dark Moon Ring, essential for completing Ranni’s questline.

15. Why Was Boc Turned into a Tree?

Boc was transformed into a tree by bandits who stole his belongings and took over his home as a cruel joke.

Mastering the Art of Rebirth

The Larval Tear and the ability to respec through Rennala are powerful tools in Elden Ring. Understanding the mechanics, including the ability to cancel rebirth without penalty, allows you to experiment and adapt your character to the ever-evolving challenges of the game. Take advantage of the safety net, and don’t be afraid to explore different builds and playstyles to become the Elden Lord you were meant to be.

Just as the characters in Elden Ring must learn and adapt to survive, game developers and educators are constantly exploring new ways to use games for learning and engagement. For more information about the intersection of games and education, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.