Roundrock Guide: Mastering When to Throw and When to Craft in Elden Ring DLC

[Raztharis]

With the release of the Elden Ring DLC, players are once again diving deep into the Lands Between — or, more precisely, beyond them. Among the many new systems and items introduced, one mechanic that’s gaining attention is centered around Roundrock, a unique throwable and crafting material that adds new layers of strategy to combat. This guide, “Roundrock Guide: When to Throw, When to Craft – Elden Ring DLC”, breaks down how to get the most out of this deceptively simple tool.

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Understanding Roundrock
Roundrock is not just another consumable; it represents a balance between offense and resource management. It’s a throwable item that can stagger certain enemies, disrupt spellcasters, or create windows for critical strikes. However, its true value comes from its dual nature: you can either throw it directly in battle or use it as a crafting component for more advanced gear or bombs introduced in the DLC.

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When to Throw
Throwing a Roundrock is best reserved for situations where timing and precision matter more than raw power. For example:

• Interrupting Enemy Attacks: Certain bosses and elite enemies in the DLC have long wind-up animations that can be interrupted by a well-timed throw.
  
• Maintaining Distance: When your stamina is low or your melee options are limited, throwing a Roundrock can buy you time to heal or reposition.
  
• Exploiting Elemental Weaknesses: Some versions of the item can be imbued with elemental properties through crafting, making them effective against specific enemy types.
  

However, don’t waste them on weaker mobs. Their crafting potential makes them far too valuable for casual use.

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When to Craft
The new crafting options in the Elden Ring DLC expand the game’s resource economy, and Roundrock plays a pivotal role in it. You can combine it with new materials found in the Shadow Realm to forge enhanced throwing weapons, traps, or even catalysts.
Craft when:

• Preparing for Boss Fights: Crafted Roundrock variants deal higher damage or have added effects like bleed buildup or frostbite.
  
• Exploring Dangerous Zones: Having crafted items ready can help manage crowd control and environmental hazards.
  
• Building a Specialized Loadout: Some new talismans boost throwable item potency, making crafted Roundrocks part of high-DPS builds.
  

The trick is knowing that every Roundrock you throw is one less crafting resource. The best players will always balance immediate utility against long-term benefit.

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Tips from the Field

• Farm Smart: Roundrocks are often dropped by specific stone-skinned enemies or mined from luminous caves introduced in the DLC.
  
• Experiment with Infusions: Certain alchemical recipes let you turn Roundrocks into status-inflicting projectiles. Don’t overlook this if you’re running hybrid builds.
  
• Mind Your Weight: Carrying too many crafted items can impact your equipment load, so manage your inventory wisely.
  

The Roundrock Guide: When to Throw, When to Craft – Elden Ring DLC highlights what makes FromSoftware’s design so satisfying — every item, no matter how small, has depth and purpose. Mastering when to use Roundrock offensively and when to conserve it for crafting separates casual adventurers from true Tarnished veterans. Whether you’re facing a new Shadow Realm boss or optimizing your next build, remember: sometimes restraint is the deadliest weapon.