In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, Roundrock is one of those deceptively simple items that ends up being far more useful than it first appears. What looks like a mere throwable rock actually plays a dual role as both a powerful Strike-damage projectile and Elden Ring Runes a key crafting material for some of the most effective consumables in the expansion. Understanding when to throw your Roundrock and when to save it for crafting can have a major impact on your efficiency in both exploration and combat. This guide covers everything you need to know about Roundrock- how it works, where to find it, how to farm it efficiently, and how to make smart use decisions between throwing it directly and crafting it into Hefty Rock Pots.
What Is Roundrock?
Roundrock is a throwable item introduced in Shadow of the Erdtree, dealing Strike damage when thrown. Strike is one of the most important damage types in the DLC because of the abundance of heavily armored and stone-skinned enemies. These foes, including golems, stone guardians, and shell-covered beasts, are notably resistant to Slash and Pierce damage but take increased damage from Strike attacks- making Roundrock surprisingly effective even when compared to some melee options.
However, Roundrock is not just a simple projectile. It also serves as a crafting ingredient, most notably in the creation of Hefty Rock Pots, which are among the strongest thrown consumables in the DLC. This dual function makes it both a short-term combat tool and a valuable long-term resource, which means you'll need to think carefully before using it up.
How Roundrock Works in Combat
When thrown, Roundrock inflicts Strike-type physical damage, scaling modestly with your Strength stat. It has a relatively short arc and can be thrown quite rapidly, allowing for consistent damage output at midrange. While it won't replace your main weapon, it's particularly useful in several key scenarios:
Against Armored Enemies: Many new enemies in the Shadow Realm are clad in thick armor or carapaces. Roundrock's Strike damage bypasses some of their defenses, making it effective where knives or darts would barely scratch them.
In Tight Caves or Corridors: Its straight trajectory and moderate weight make it easy to hit enemies in cramped spaces without worrying about bouncing projectiles.
For Finishing Off Enemies: When an enemy is low on health and closing in, a quick throw can save you from taking unnecessary damage.
When Mounted on Torrent: Roundrock can also be thrown while riding, providing a mobile Strike option for mounted combat against large targets.
However, Roundrock's direct use has a key drawback: it's consumed upon throwing. Once it's gone, it's gone- and since it's also used in crafting, every throw could potentially cost you a Hefty Rock Pot later.
How to Obtain and Farm Roundrock
Roundrock can be found naturally in several locations throughout the Shadow Realm, particularly in river caves where water erosion has smoothed the stones over time. The two best locations to farm Roundrock are:
Ellac River Cave – Found in the lower sections of the Ellac River area, this cave contains numerous Roundrock deposits near the walls and along the riverbed. Look for faintly glowing stones to identify pickup spots. Enemies inside are mostly low-threat creatures, making this a good early farm.
Rivermouth Cave – Located near the southern reach of the Shadow Realm, this area has even denser deposits. The cave's structure allows for easy looping routes, so you can farm and rest at the nearby Site of Grace repeatedly.
Each cave run can net anywhere between 10 to 25 Roundrocks, depending on how thorough you are. If you plan to craft Hefty Rock Pots later, aim to collect several stacks early before you start spending them in combat.
For the most efficient farming:
Equip Silver Scarab and use the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost item discovery.
Use a weapon or spell with good area coverage to clear enemies quickly.
Reset the area via fast travel after each full collection loop.
Crafting With Roundrock: Hefty Rock Pots and Beyond
The main reason to hold onto your Roundrock supply is to craft Hefty Rock Pots, one of the most potent throwable items in Shadow of the Erdtree. These pots deliver a heavy, explosive Strike impact that can stagger large enemies, making them ideal for mini-boss encounters or PvP duels.
Hefty Rock Pot Recipe:
1x Roundrock
1x Hefty Cracked Pot
1x Volcanic Stone (optional for variants)
You can learn this recipe from a crafting manual found in the Ellac River area, often dropped by a miner-type enemy or discovered near a corpse inside one of the side tunnels.
The key benefit of Hefty Rock Pots is their area-of-effect Strike damage. Unlike the basic Roundrock, they can damage multiple enemies at once and even break the poise of tough targets. However, since each crafted pot consumes one Roundrock, you'll need to weigh their long-term utility against your immediate needs.
When to Throw vs. When to Craft
This is the core dilemma of Roundrock usage: should you throw it now or save it for later crafting?
Throw it when:
You're exploring early in the DLC and lack strong Strike options.
You're facing small groups of armored foes that can be safely picked off.
You're in tight spaces where melee range is risky.
You need to finish off low-HP targets quickly.
Craft it when:
You've already stockpiled at least 50 Roundrocks and want to maximize their damage efficiency.
You're preparing for boss fights or large-scale encounters.
You have multiple Hefty Cracked Pots available, ensuring a consistent throw cycle.
You're focusing on Strength-based or hybrid builds that benefit from Strike AoE.
A balanced approach is usually best: keep a small stash (20–30 Roundrocks) for direct throwing, while saving the rest for crafting high-damage consumables. If you're running a build that relies on consumable combat tools- such as a Throwing Pot Barbarian or hybrid Strength build- prioritize crafting, since Hefty Rock Pots outscale basic Roundrocks significantly in the late game.
Tips for Managing Your Roundrock Supply
Don't waste them early. Many early-game enemies in Shadow of the Erdtree are weak to Slash or Pierce, so save Roundrock for when it really matters.
Pair with the Shard of Alexander. If you're using crafted consumables like Hefty Rock Pots, this talisman boosts their power substantially.
Use Golden Effigies or Grace Points to plan routes. Many Roundrock-rich areas are connected by underground waterways- efficient farming comes from chaining them together.
Craft in bulk before boss runs. Having 10–15 Hefty Rock Pots ready can make or break certain late-game fights.
Conclusion
Roundrock may not look like much, but it's one of the most strategically flexible items in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree. Whether you're using it as a throwable Strike weapon or saving it to craft Hefty Rock Pots, knowing when to throw and when to craft can give you a major edge throughout the DLC.
Farm diligently, manage your stock wisely, and Elden Ring Items buy you'll find that even something as simple as a rock can turn the tide of battle against the toughest foes in the Shadow Realm.
