How to Get a TON of Smithing Stones in Elden Ring: A Forging Master’s Guide
So, you want to become a master blacksmith in the Lands Between? You crave that perfectly upgraded weapon, ready to cleave through the hordes of demi-gods and monstrous creatures standing between you and the Elden Throne. The key? Smithing Stones. And lots of them. The most efficient way to amass a fortune in these vital upgrade materials is through a two-pronged approach: acquiring Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings and knowing key farming locations.
The Bell Bearing Bonanza: Your Ticket to Unlimited Upgrades
The Bell Bearings are your lifeline. Forget endlessly wandering the Lands Between, chipping away at rocks and hoping for a lucky drop. These treasures, when presented to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, unlock the ability to purchase unlimited quantities of specific Smithing Stones. Think of it as opening your own personal Smithing Stone emporium!
Here’s a breakdown of each Bell Bearing and where to find it, making sure to mention what the Twin Maiden Husks will offer after turning them in:
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Located within the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, which lies just northeast of the Academy of Raya Lucaria in Liurnia of the Lakes. Beat the Crystalian boss at the end of the dungeon, and you’ll find the Bell Bearing as a reward.
- What it unlocks: Smithing Stone (1), Smithing Stone (2)
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Found inside a chest within the Sealed Tunnel, which is located on the Altus Plateau. This tunnel can be a bit tricky to find, so use online guides or videos to pinpoint its exact location.
- What it unlocks: Smithing Stone (3), Smithing Stone (4)
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Hidden away in a chest within the Zamor Ruins on the Mountaintops of the Giants. Explore the underground section of the ruins to locate the chest and claim your prize.
- What it unlocks: Smithing Stone (5), Smithing Stone (6)
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]: Located inside a chest inside Crumbling Farum Azula, one of the final areas of the game.
- What it unlocks: Smithing Stone (7), Smithing Stone (8)
Important Note: Don’t forget to hand these Bell Bearings over to the Twin Maiden Husks! You won’t be able to purchase the stones until you do.
Strategic Farming: Supplementing Your Purchases
While the Bell Bearings provide a reliable source of Smithing Stones, there will be times when you need a quick influx. This is where strategic farming comes into play. Certain enemies have a higher chance of dropping specific Smithing Stones, making them ideal targets for repeated farming runs. Here are a few good places to farm smithing stones:
- Smithing Stone [1]: Raya Lucarian Soldiers south of South Raya Lucaria Gate, Liurnia.
- Smithing Stone [2]: Raya Lucarian Soldiers, Liurnia of the Lakes, also can be found in old fountains in Caria Manor.
- Smithing Stone [4]: Stone Diggers at Ravine-Veiled Village, Liurnia.
Remember to equip items that boost item discovery (like the Silver Scarab talisman) to increase your chances of a successful drop. Also, consider using weapons with high Arcane scaling as this also boosts item discovery!
Somber Smithing Stones: Upgrading Unique Armaments
Don’t forget about Somber Smithing Stones, the materials needed to upgrade unique weapons. Similar to regular Smithing Stones, you can acquire Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings. However, they are separate and must be acquired and traded in separately to allow you to purchase Somber Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks.
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Reward for defeating the Crystalian (again!) boss in the Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid.
- What it unlocks: Somber Smithing Stone (1), Somber Smithing Stone (2)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Found in a chest in the Abandoned Cave in Caelid.
- What it unlocks: Somber Smithing Stone (3), Somber Smithing Stone (4)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Dropped by the Godskin Duo boss in Crumbling Farum Azula.
- What it unlocks: Somber Smithing Stone (5), Somber Smithing Stone (6)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]: Found on a corpse in a shack in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
- What it unlocks: Somber Smithing Stone (7), Somber Smithing Stone (8)
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5]: Found in a chest in the Mohgwyn Dynasty Mausoleum.
- What it unlocks: Somber Smithing Stone (9)
Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones: The Pinnacle of Power
These are used to upgrade weapons to the maximum upgrade level. They are much more limited than standard stones or even regular Somber Smithing Stones and are usually found by completing questlines or defeating very difficult bosses. Unlike the other smithing stones, there is no way to purchase unlimited quantities.
Mastering the Art of the Upgrade
With a combination of Bell Bearing acquisitions and strategic farming, you’ll be well on your way to forging the ultimate arsenal in Elden Ring. Remember to explore thoroughly, defeat those pesky bosses, and keep an eye out for shimmering stones in every nook and cranny of the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your weapons be ever sharp! Remember to engage with resources like the Games Learning Society to further hone your gaming expertise at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are Smithing Stones used for?
Smithing Stones are the primary materials used to upgrade standard weapons in Elden Ring. They are essential for increasing a weapon’s attack power and scaling, making you more effective in combat.
2. What are Somber Smithing Stones used for?
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons in Elden Ring, which often have special skills or characteristics.
3. Where can I find Smithing Stone [1]?
Raya Lucarian Soldiers in Liurnia of the Lakes are a common source. Also, check the West Limgrave statue east of the Stormhill Shack.
4. How do I access the Twin Maiden Husks?
The Twin Maiden Husks are located in the Roundtable Hold, which you can access after speaking with Melina at specific Sites of Grace early in the game.
5. How many Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings are there?
There are four Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings that grant access to Smithing Stone (1) through Smithing Stone (8) and five Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings.
6. Do enemies respawn in Elden Ring?
Yes, most enemies in Elden Ring respawn after resting at a Site of Grace. This allows you to repeatedly farm them for Smithing Stones or other items.
7. What is item discovery, and how does it affect my farming?
Item discovery increases the likelihood of enemies dropping items, including Smithing Stones. You can boost your item discovery stat by equipping specific talismans, wearing certain armor, or consuming certain consumables.
8. Can I upgrade weapons to the maximum level in one playthrough?
Yes, you can upgrade multiple weapons to +24 (regular) and +9 (somber) in a single playthrough. However, you are limited to the number of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, so you can only fully upgrade a limited number of weapons to +25 and +10, respectively.
9. Are there any merchants who sell Smithing Stones?
Yes, several merchants sell a limited supply of Smithing Stones. However, the Bell Bearings provide the only way to purchase unlimited quantities of specific stones.
10. What is the best way to use Runes to acquire Smithing Stones?
Once you have acquired the relevant Bell Bearings, spending your Runes on Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks is the most efficient way to upgrade your weapons.
11. How do I find the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel?
The Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel is located just northeast of the Academy of Raya Lucaria in Liurnia of the Lakes. Look for an opening in the cliffs near the lake.
12. Is it worth farming low-level Smithing Stones in the late game?
It’s generally more efficient to farm higher-level areas for better Runes and item drops, then purchase the lower-level Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks if needed.
13. What happens if I give a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks?
Giving a Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks unlocks the ability to purchase unlimited quantities of the corresponding Smithing Stones from their shop.
14. Can I get unlimited Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones?
No, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are limited to a certain amount per playthrough and cannot be purchased. You must find them throughout the world or earn them through specific quests.
15. Is there a particular class or build that is better for farming Smithing Stones?
A build with high Arcane is ideal as it boosts item discovery. Also a build that can rapidly take down the enemies in question is beneficial.