Larval Tears are a uniquely coveted item within the universe of Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s monumental open-world RPG. For many players, these mysterious tears represent the possibility of reinvention—allowing them to respec their character’s stats and adapt to new builds or overcome difficult challenges. Due to their limited availability and crucial function, knowing the exact Larval Tear locations is essential for both new and experienced Tarnished looking to maximize experimentation and effectiveness in the Lands Between.
Beyond basic curiosity, the hunt for every Larval Tear speaks to the deeper strategy and replayability at the heart of Elden Ring. Whether you aim to shift from a dexterity-based assassin to a powerhouse mage halfway through your journey, or simply wish to optimize your loadout for a notorious boss encounter, each Tear empowers meaningful choice. However, these transformative artifacts are scattered across the game’s vast and perilous map, often hidden behind elaborate puzzles, formidable enemies, or obscure side quests.
Understanding Larval Tears: What Makes Them So Valuable?
The primary function of a Larval Tear is to allow players to reset their character’s stat allocations at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, who resides in Raya Lucaria Academy. This “rebirth” mechanic is finite and deeply valued, as it enables a mid-game identity shift that is typically rare in Soulslike games.
“The magic of Larval Tears is how they offer a second chance—few resources in Elden Ring carry so much strategic weight or spark as much communal conversation around build theory.”
From PvP enthusiasts to completionists, the allure is universal. Larval Tears are not endlessly farmable; nearly all are tied to one-time events or rare drops, making each one feel precious and finite.
Complete Guide to All Larval Tear Locations
Exploration is central to Elden Ring, and the distribution of Larval Tears mirrors this ethos. Spread across Limgrave, Liurnia of the Lakes, Caelid, Siofra River, Nokron, Nokstella, and the Mountaintops of the Giants, Tears are typically found in cryptic contexts—mimic enemies, corpses, hidden merchants, or questlines.
Limgrave and Weeping Peninsula: Early Game Opportunities
- Limgrave (Agheel Lake South): Defeating a disguised Wandering Noble (sheep in disguise) southeast of Agheel Lake yields a Tear.
- Weeping Peninsula: Found near the Village of the Albinaurics, looted from an enemy masquerading as a regular enemy until attacked.
While these Tears are positioned as potential early finds, powerful enemies often guard them or they’re tied to transformative enemies that only reveal their true form upon attack.
Liurnia of the Lakes: The Midgame Cluster
Liurnia represents the largest concentration of Larval Tears:
- Near the Folly on the Lake Site of Grace: A giant lobster enemy, once defeated, turns into a powerful Revenant and upon its death, drops a Tear.
- Village of the Albinaurics: Search behind shacks and around graves to uncover a hidden Tear.
- Raya Lucaria Academy: Found upon a corpse in the graveyard just outside the schoolhouse classroom.
Additionally, a merchant in the Siofra River region—technically accessible from Liurnia—sells a Larval Tear once for Runes, giving players a non-combat avenue to obtain one.
Caelid and Altus Plateau: High-Risk, High-Reward
- Caelid (Near the South Aeonia Swamp Bank): Defeat a Lesser Runebear, initially disguised as a wandering villager.
- Altus Plateau: The only Tear here comes from a mimic enemy near the Windmill Village.
Enemies in Caelid and Altus are noticeably more dangerous; many players cite these encounters as their first brutal wake-up call about the game’s unpredictable enemy scaling.
Siofra River and Nokron/Nokstella: The Underground Treasure Troves
- Siofra River: Buyable from a merchant for a steep price.
- Nokron, Eternal City: Multiple Tears are found on corpses; notable sites include bridges guarded by Silver Tears, and rooftops overlooking the aqueducts.
- Nokstella, Eternal City: A few additional Tears tucked in guarded corners and under the watchful gaze of Silver Tear mimics.
These subterranean realms reward careful navigation—one misstep often leads to being swarmed by agile, dangerous foes.
Mountaintops of the Giants and Consecrated Snowfield: Late Game Finds
- Mountaintops: A rare Silver Tear enemy, hidden within deceptive environmental cues, drops a single Tear upon defeat.
- Consecrated Snowfield: The final Tears are typically locked behind layered environmental hazards and aggressive late-game enemies.
Late-game Tears are the most sparsely distributed but offer invaluable flexibility when players may want to overhaul their build before facing the game’s most demanding tests.
Essential Tips for Finding and Using Larval Tears
Finding Larval Tears often demands acute environmental awareness and a readiness to engage enemies that seem out of place—or, conversely, to withhold aggression until a mimic reveals itself. Here are practical tips drawn from accomplished players:
- Look for Odd Behavior: Enemies with strange movement patterns or animals alone in monster-dense areas are prime suspects.
- Explore with Intention: Many Tears are hidden in side routes, behind illusory walls, or within graveyards and abandoned villages.
- Maximize Efficiency: Hold off on using a Tear until after a significant respec need arises, as the number available per playthrough is strictly limited.
Interactive Map Resources
Community-driven interactive maps have become invaluable for tracking these scarce items. Sources like MapGenie and the Fextralife wiki feature annotated Elden Ring maps, allowing players to strategize their exploration and avoid missing these crucial resources.
The Impact of Larval Tears on Build Diversity
The scarcity and distribution of Larval Tears have shaped the Elden Ring meta more than many players realize. Statistically, players with access to extra Tears demonstrate more varied builds and experiment with PvP strategies late into the game’s lifecycle. This resonates through discussion forums and YouTube content, where “rebirth” runs—dedicated to respec experimentation—are a common theme.
Balancing challenge and opportunity, the finite supply of Larval Tears is ultimately a testament to FromSoftware’s philosophy: every choice, every change, is weighted and meaningful.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your Potential with Larval Tear Mastery
Securing all Larval Tears in Elden Ring is a challenging adventure involving exploration, combat finesse, and a sharp eye for environmental storytelling. With each Tear located, players unlock not just mechanical flexibility but also deeper engagement with the game’s world-building and secrets.
For the determined Tarnished, systematically tracking down every Larval Tear elevates play—transforming setbacks into second chances, and build curiosities into battle-tested realities. Consider consulting interactive maps or community guides if aiming for a complete collection, and weigh each respec carefully to maximize the impact of these rare treasures.
FAQs
How many Larval Tears are available in a single playthrough?
There are roughly a dozen Larval Tears available in a standard playthrough, scattered across multiple regions. Given their limited number, strategic use is essential.
Where can I respec after obtaining a Larval Tear?
Players can respec at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon, once she is defeated and the Raya Lucaria Academy legacy dungeon is completed. She remains accessible as long as you have at least one Larval Tear in your inventory.
Can Larval Tears be farmed or respawned?
No, Larval Tears are finite and do not respawn; each one is tied to unique events, enemies, or specific merchant sales. New Game Plus will replenish these locations per playthrough.
Are any Larval Tears locked behind quests or missable events?
A handful are tied to side quests or disguised enemies. However, most are not permanently missable and can be backtracked for collection provided the player explores thoroughly.
What should I consider before using a Larval Tear?
Ensure you have a clear build objective—using a Larval Tear resets all stat allocations, so planning your respec in advance guarantees optimal results.
Do Larval Tears have any other function besides respeccing?
Their sole use is to enable character rebirth (respec) via Rennala. They cannot be used for crafting or any secondary upgrade paths, making careful management especially important.
