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Can You Drop Max Level Weapons in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide

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Yes, you can drop max level weapons in Elden Ring. However, whether or not another player can see and pick up that weapon is a completely different story, governed by a key mechanic related to their own progression. This guide will delve into the nuances of weapon dropping, upgrade levels, and trading in Elden Ring, providing a comprehensive understanding of this often misunderstood aspect of the game. Think of it as Elden Ring’s version of “show, don’t tell,” except it’s “drop, but they might not see.”

Understanding Weapon Upgrade Levels and Visibility

The core concept to grasp is that a player can only see and pick up weapons with an upgrade level equal to or lower than the highest upgrade level they have personally achieved on a weapon. This applies to both standard (Smithing Stone) and special (Somber Smithing Stone) weapon upgrade paths.

For example, if you’ve only ever upgraded a weapon to +5 using Smithing Stones, you won’t be able to see or pick up a +6, +10, or +25 weapon that someone drops for you. Similarly, if your highest Somber Smithing Stone weapon is +3, any +4, +9, or +10 Somber weapons dropped will be invisible to you.

This system exists primarily to prevent players from circumventing the intended progression and overpowering themselves too early in the game. It encourages exploration, resource gathering, and strategic upgrading, ensuring that players experience the game’s difficulty curve as intended by FromSoftware.

Dropping and Trading Mechanics in Detail

While the system limits what players can pick up, the act of dropping weapons itself is straightforward. From your inventory screen, you can select any weapon (or item, within the restrictions outlined below) and choose the “Leave” option. This will drop the item on the ground, appearing as a glowing orange object (a shield and sword icon) for other players in your world.

However, remember the crucial caveat: if the other player’s highest weapon upgrade level is too low, they won’t see the dropped weapon. This means careful communication and understanding of your friend’s progress are paramount if you’re planning a weapon trade.

What CAN and CANNOT Be Dropped in Elden Ring

It’s essential to know the limitations on what can be traded. While weapons are generally droppable (subject to the upgrade level restriction), certain key items and resources are not.

Droppable Items:

Weapons (within upgrade level limitations)
Armor
Consumable Items (e.g., healing items, buffs)
Runes (a valuable trading commodity!)
Some crafting materials

Non-Droppable Items:

Key Items (e.g., Story-related items, Map Fragments)
Upgrade Materials (Smithing Stones, Somber Smithing Stones)
Great Runes
Remembrances
Rune Arcs
Spirit Ashes
Crystal Tears
Magic Spells
Bell Bearings

This list highlights that FromSoftware discourages bypassing fundamental game systems through trading. You can’t simply drop a friend a stack of Smithing Stone [7] to fully upgrade their weapon. However, runes, acquired legitimately, can certainly help them purchase those stones. Bell bearings can not be dropped, however giving them the items the bell bearings unlock may be useful to your partner.

Strategies for Effective Trading and Helping Friends

Despite the restrictions, there are several effective strategies for helping friends in Elden Ring:

Runes: Dropping large stacks of runes can significantly boost a friend’s progress, allowing them to purchase materials, level up their character, and acquire equipment.
Lower-Level Weapons: If you want to give a friend a specific weapon, ensure you drop it at an upgrade level they can actually pick up. A +0 version is always a safe bet. They can then upgrade it themselves.
Guidance and Information: The most valuable help you can provide is guidance. Share your knowledge of good early-game weapons, upgrade material locations, and effective builds.
Co-op Assistance: Join your friend’s world and help them overcome challenging bosses or explore difficult areas. This not only provides direct assistance but also allows them to earn runes and resources.
Communicate Clearly: Always communicate your highest weapon level to prevent failed attempts at receiving weapons that are too high level.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Dropping Weapons in Elden Ring

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about dropping weapons and items in Elden Ring, designed to address common concerns and clarify the mechanics further:

Can I drop a +25 weapon to a friend who just started the game? No, they won’t be able to see or pick it up. They need to have upgraded a weapon to +25 themselves first.
What if my friend has a +8 Somber weapon, and I drop them a +9 Somber weapon? They won’t see the +9 weapon. The upgrade level needs to be equal to or lower than their highest.
Can I drop armor for my friend? Yes, armor can be dropped, and there are no upgrade level restrictions on armor visibility.
Can I drop consumables like healing items or buffs? Yes, these can be dropped and are often a helpful way to support other players.
Why can’t I drop Smithing Stones to my friend? Upgrade materials are non-droppable to prevent players from bypassing the intended progression system.
Can I drop a Great Rune to my friend to give them its power? No, Great Runes are key items and cannot be dropped.
What happens if I drop a weapon, and my friend accidentally leaves the area before picking it up? The weapon will remain on the ground for a limited time, but it will eventually disappear. Make sure they pick it up promptly.
Is there a limit to the number of items I can drop at once? Yes, there is a limit. Dropping too many items can cause some to disappear. It’s best to drop items in smaller batches.
Can I trade weapons with players on different platforms (e.g., PlayStation to PC)? No, Elden Ring does not support cross-platform play or trading.
How do I know what my highest weapon upgrade level is? Simply check your inventory for the weapon with the highest upgrade level, whether it’s a standard or Somber weapon.
Is it possible to drop key items? No, you cannot drop quest items and other key items.
Can I drop remembrance for my friend? No, you can not drop remembrance.
What is the best weapon to use with a strength build? According to this article the Heavy Giant-Crusher has the highest attack rating in Elden Ring.
What is the best damage type to use against the Elden Beast? According to the article, anything ranged or non-holy will work best.
Where can I learn more about game design and mechanics? The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org is a great resource for learning more about the educational and design aspects of video games.

Conclusion: Understanding Limitations, Maximizing Collaboration

While Elden Ring’s trading system has limitations, it encourages collaboration, communication, and a deeper understanding of the game’s mechanics. By understanding the rules governing weapon visibility and item dropping, you can effectively assist your friends, share your knowledge, and enhance the overall cooperative experience. Even though you can’t drop that fully upgraded weapon directly into their lap, you can provide the runes, advice, and companionship they need to conquer the Lands Between. Remember, true strength lies not just in powerful weapons, but also in the bonds forged through shared experiences.