Can You Buy Infinite Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring? A Tarnished’s Guide
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The burning question on every Tarnished’s mind: Can you buy infinite Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring? The answer, thankfully, is a nuanced yes, but not all of them. You can purchase an unlimited supply of Somber Smithing Stones [1] through [6], but obtaining the higher-level Somber Smithing Stones [7] through [9] and the coveted Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone requires more effort. Let’s delve into the details of how, where, and what it takes to keep your special weapons gleaming with power.
Acquiring Infinite Somber Smithing Stones (1-6)
The key to unlocking infinite Somber Smithing Stone purchases lies in finding and delivering specific Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. These spectral merchants will then offer the stones for purchase. Here’s a breakdown:
Finding the Bell Bearings
- Somber Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Found in a chest within the Sealed Tunnel located in Limgrave. This unlocks Somber Smithing Stones [1] and [2].
- Somber Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Dropped by the Crystalian boss at the end of the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel in Liurnia of the Lakes. This unlocks Somber Smithing Stones [3] and [4].
- Somber Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Located inside a chest within the Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid. This unlocks Somber Smithing Stones [5] and [6].
Purchasing the Stones
Once you’ve obtained a Bell Bearing, return to the Roundtable Hold and speak to the Twin Maiden Husks. Select the “Offer Bell Bearing” option and hand over your hard-earned treasure. The Husks will then add the corresponding Somber Smithing Stones to their inventory for purchase.
- Somber Smithing Stone [1]: 2000 Runes
- Somber Smithing Stone [2]: 3000 Runes
- Somber Smithing Stone [3]: 4000 Runes
- Somber Smithing Stone [4]: 5000 Runes
- Somber Smithing Stone [5]: 6000 Runes
- Somber Smithing Stone [6]: 7000 Runes
Limited Availability: Somber Smithing Stones (7-9) and Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone
While the lower-level stones are readily available, obtaining Somber Smithing Stones [7] through [9] and the Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone requires a different approach. These are generally found as static loot throughout the world, dropped by specific enemies, or awarded for completing certain quests. This limitation makes careful planning and resource management crucial for upgrading your favored special weapons.
Finding Somber Smithing Stones (7-9)
- Somber Smithing Stone [7]: Found in various locations, including chests in dungeons like Sage’s Cave and dropped by enemies such as Crystalians.
- Somber Smithing Stone [8]: More commonly found in later game areas such as the Mountaintops of the Giants and the Consecrated Snowfield. Look for them in chests, on corpses, and as rewards for defeating challenging foes.
- Somber Smithing Stone [9]: Relatively rare and typically found in the most difficult areas of the game, such as Mohgwyn Palace or as rewards for completing late-game quests.
Obtaining Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones
These are the most valuable upgrade materials in the game, allowing you to fully upgrade a special weapon to +10. They are extremely rare and can be found in the following ways:
- Completing specific questlines: Some character questlines, such as White Mask Varré’s, reward you with an Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone.
- Defeating challenging bosses: Certain late-game bosses may drop this precious item.
- Exploring hidden areas: Keep an eye out for hidden areas and secret passages, as they may contain an Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone.
- Purchasing from limited vendors: Late in the game, one Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stone can be purchased from Seluvis’s puppet version of Pidia, Carian Servant in Carina Manor, reached by jumping down the cliffs behind the Three Sisters sub-area.
Why the Limit? Design and Philosophy
The limited availability of higher-level stones encourages players to experiment with different weapons and carefully consider their upgrade choices. This design decision adds depth and strategic thinking to the weapon progression system. The scarcity makes each upgrade feel meaningful and rewarding. It also promotes exploration and a thorough understanding of the Lands Between. You can explore more on game design and learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring:
1. What are Somber Smithing Stones used for?
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons and weapons that scale primarily with one stat, often obtained from bosses or found in the world. These weapons are typically infused with special abilities and cannot be altered with Ashes of War.
2. How many Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones are there in the game?
The number varies slightly depending on how thoroughly you explore and which questlines you complete, but there are roughly 8-10 Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones available per playthrough.
3. Can I respec my character and reallocate my upgrade materials?
Yes, you can respec your character’s stats by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in Raya Lucaria Academy. However, you cannot respec your weapon upgrades. Once a weapon is upgraded, it remains upgraded.
4. Is it better to upgrade regular weapons or unique weapons?
It depends on your playstyle and build. Regular weapons offer more customization with Ashes of War, while unique weapons have pre-set special abilities and often superior scaling. Consider which type best suits your preferred combat style.
5. How do I get to the Roundtable Hold?
You are automatically transported to the Roundtable Hold after encountering Melina and resting at a few Sites of Grace. It serves as a central hub for merchants, crafting, and character progression.
6. What happens if I give a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks in a late game?
The Twin Maiden Husks will offer all the Somber Smithing Stones associated with the Bell Bearing, regardless of when you provide it. So, you can give a Bell Bearing anytime after obtaining it.
7. Can I farm Somber Smithing Stones?
You can farm certain enemies for specific Somber Smithing Stones, particularly in the later game areas. However, the drop rates can be low, making it a time-consuming process. The Crystalians in Sellia Crystal Tunnel and Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel drop Somber Smithing Stones [4] and [2], respectively.
8. Are there any easy-to-miss Somber Smithing Stones?
Yes, many are hidden in obscure locations. Thorough exploration and attention to detail are key. Check behind waterfalls, in hidden rooms, and along cliffsides.
9. Does New Game Plus affect the availability of Somber Smithing Stones?
In New Game Plus, you can find all the same Somber Smithing Stones as in your first playthrough, but you cannot obtain multiple copies of the Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones from completing the same quests again. Static loot and enemy drops reset, allowing you to collect them again.
10. What’s the best way to find Somber Smithing Stones early in the game?
Explore Limgrave and Liurnia of the Lakes thoroughly. Complete dungeons, defeat mini-bosses, and search for chests and corpses. The Sealed Tunnel and Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel are good starting points.
11. Do I need to kill every boss to find all the Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones?
No, not every boss. Some Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones are obtained through questlines or found in the open world. However, defeating many bosses is necessary to progress and unlock access to areas where these stones are located.
12. Is there a map showing the location of all Somber Smithing Stones?
While there isn’t an official map, many online resources and fan-made maps detail the locations of Somber Smithing Stones. Consult these resources, but be aware that some may contain spoilers.
13. Can I trade Somber Smithing Stones with other players?
No, you cannot trade upgrade materials, including Somber Smithing Stones, with other players.
14. How do I know which weapons require Somber Smithing Stones?
Weapons that require Somber Smithing Stones will typically have a unique name and lore description. They also tend to scale primarily with one attribute, such as Intelligence or Faith. When attempting to upgrade at a smithing table, the upgrade menu will clearly indicate whether Somber Smithing Stones or regular Smithing Stones are required.
15. Are there any glitches or exploits to get infinite Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones?
While glitches and exploits may exist, relying on them can potentially corrupt your save file or diminish your enjoyment of the game. It’s generally recommended to play the game as intended.
Conclusion: Embrace the Journey
While obtaining infinite Somber Smithing Stones [7] through [9] and Ancient Dragon Somber Smithing Stones isn’t possible, the limited availability adds a layer of strategic depth to Elden Ring. By carefully exploring the world, completing quests, and managing your resources, you can ensure that your favorite special weapons are always ready for the challenges that await. Remember to explore and learn while gaming, just like the educators and researchers at the Games Learning Society.