Achieving Weapon Mastery: A Comprehensive Guide to +10 Somber Weapons in Elden Ring
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So, you’re aiming to wield the ultimate power in the Lands Between, a weapon forged and honed to its absolute peak? You want to know how to get a +10 Somber weapon in Elden Ring? The path is clear, but requires dedication and a keen understanding of the game’s upgrade mechanics.
The short answer is this: to upgrade a special weapon (one that uses Somber Smithing Stones) to +10, you need to collect a specific sequence of Somber Smithing Stones, ranging from [1] to [9], and culminating in the coveted Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Each stone increases the weapon’s power, and the final, rarest stone pushes it to its maximum potential. This entire process is performed at a Site of Grace within the game. Now, let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
Unlike standard weapons that upgrade with regular Smithing Stones and reach +25, special weapons rely on Somber Smithing Stones and are capped at +10. These weapons are often acquired by defeating bosses, completing questlines, or discovering hidden areas, and they typically possess unique skills or abilities that make them invaluable assets in your journey.
The Upgrade Path
The path to +10 is linear. You’ll start by using Somber Smithing Stone [1] to upgrade your weapon from +0 to +1. Then, you’ll continue using incrementally higher numbered stones until you reach Somber Smithing Stone [9], which takes your weapon to +9. Finally, the Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone is required to reach the pinnacle of +10.
Each upgrade requires a single stone of the corresponding number. There are no intermediary steps. It’s a straightforward, albeit resource-intensive, process. All weapon upgrading is performed at any Site of Grace by choosing the appropriate option.
Acquiring the Necessary Stones
Finding these stones is a key element. Somber Smithing Stones are scattered throughout the Lands Between, hidden in dungeons, dropped by specific enemies, or given as rewards for completing quests. To obtain all the smithing stones in the game, you must explore every region and complete all questlines. Here are some locations and methods for finding them:
- Early Game (Somber Smithing Stone [1] – [3]): Liurnia of the Lakes is a great place to start. Explore the lakes and surrounding areas for early-level stones. On the western edge of Liurnia of the Lakes, you’ll find the Road To The Manor Site of Grace. Next to it is a friendly giant who can forge weapons and sells infinite Somber Smithing Stone 1 and 2s.
- Mid Game (Somber Smithing Stone [4] – [6]): The Altus Plateau and Volcano Manor offer more mid-level stones.
- Late Game (Somber Smithing Stone [7] – [9]): Mountaintops of the Giants and Crumbling Farum Azula are the primary sources for high-level stones.
- Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones: These are the rarest, with only a limited number available per playthrough. Refer to the FAQs below for specific locations.
Bell Bearings and Infinite Purchase
The key to more easily upgrading is unlocking the ability to purchase Somber Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. To do this, you need to find and deliver Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings. These are scattered throughout the game and, once given to the Twin Maiden Husks, will allow you to purchase unlimited quantities of the corresponding Somber Smithing Stones. Remember, you must acquire all five bearings to purchase smithing stones from [1]-[9].
Locations of Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones
- Leyndell, Ashen Capital.
- Crumbling Farum Azula.
- Millicent’s Quest.
- Elphael, Brace Of The Haligtree: Prayer Room Body.
- Elphael, Brace Of The Haligtree: Prayer Room Chest.
- Mohgwyn Palace.
- Latenna’s Quest.
- Consecrated Snowfield.
Important Tips for Success
- Prioritize Exploration: Thoroughly explore each area, checking every corner and hidden passage.
- Complete Quests: Many quests reward you with valuable resources, including Somber Smithing Stones.
- Farm Enemies: Certain enemies have a chance to drop Somber Smithing Stones, though this method can be time-consuming.
- Use Bell Bearings: Unlock the ability to purchase stones from the Twin Maiden Husks as soon as possible.
- Plan Your Upgrades: Since Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are limited, carefully choose which weapons to upgrade to +10.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are there in a single playthrough?
There are only eight Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones available in each playthrough of Elden Ring.
2. Can I farm Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones?
No, you cannot farm Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. They are unique, limited resources.
3. Can I buy Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones?
Yes, one Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone can be bought from Gatekeeper Gostoc after completing Nepheli Loux’s quest. Also, there is one that can be purchased from the Isolated Merchant in Dragonbarrow.
4. What is the highest upgrade level for Somber weapons?
Somber weapons can be upgraded to a maximum of +10.
5. What is the difference between Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones?
Smithing Stones are used to upgrade standard weapons to +25, while Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade special weapons to +10.
6. Can I respec my weapon upgrades?
No, weapon upgrades are permanent. Choose wisely.
7. Where can I find Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings?
The locations of the Bell Bearings are as follows:
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] – Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel (Liurnia of the Lakes)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2] – Sealed Tunnel (Altus Plateau)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3] – Zamor Ruins (Mountaintops of the Giants)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] – First Church of Marika (Crumbling Farum Azula)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5] – Crumbling Farum Azula (main area of Crumbling Farum Azula)
8. Are Somber weapons better than regular weapons?
Not necessarily. It depends on the specific weapon and your playstyle. Somber weapons often have unique abilities and scale differently, but regular weapons can reach higher upgrade levels and may offer more flexibility in terms of Ashes of War.
9. Can I upgrade multiple Somber weapons to +10 in a single playthrough?
Yes, you can upgrade up to eight Somber weapons to +10, assuming you find all the Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
10. What happens to my weapon upgrades when I start New Game+?
Your weapon upgrades are carried over to New Game+.
11. Is there a particular build that benefits most from Somber weapons?
Many builds benefit from Somber weapons. Builds focusing on specific damage types (e.g., bleed, frostbite) or those that rely on unique weapon skills often find Somber weapons particularly effective.
12. Can Somber weapons be buffed with spells or greases?
Contrary to some assumptions, Somber weapons that deal purely physical damage can be buffed with spells or greases.
13. What is the earliest I can get a +10 Somber weapon?
It is possible to obtain a +10 Somber weapon relatively early in the game if you know where to find the necessary stones and are willing to face challenging enemies. The exact timing depends on your skill and route. However, it is generally recommended to wait until the late game, when you have access to more resources and locations.
14. How many weapons can I get to +10 Elden ring?
Each play through you can upgrade 8 special and 13 normal weapons to the maximum level (level 10 for special and 25 for normal).
15. Where can I learn more about game design and learning?
You can explore resources and research at the Games Learning Society, a community dedicated to the intersection of games and education at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Conclusion
Achieving a +10 Somber weapon in Elden Ring is a testament to your dedication and understanding of the game’s intricacies. It requires careful planning, thorough exploration, and a bit of luck. By following the guide and FAQs above, you’ll be well-equipped to forge your own path to weapon mastery and conquer the challenges that await you in the Lands Between. Happy hunting, Tarnished!