How Many Smithing Stones Do You Need to Fully Upgrade a Weapon in Elden Ring?
To fully upgrade a weapon in Elden Ring, the number of Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones you’ll need depends on the weapon type. Standard weapons, those upgraded with regular Smithing Stones, require a total of 12 Smithing Stones [1], 12 Smithing Stones [2], 12 Smithing Stones [3], 12 Smithing Stones [4], 12 Smithing Stones [5], 12 Smithing Stones [6], 12 Smithing Stones [7], 1 Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to reach +25. Unique weapons, upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones, need a total of 1 Smithing Stone [1], 1 Smithing Stone [2], 2 Smithing Stones [3], 2 Smithing Stones [4], 2 Smithing Stones [5], 2 Smithing Stones [6], 2 Smithing Stones [7], 2 Smithing Stones [8], 1 Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to achieve +10.
Understanding the Smithing Stone System
Elden Ring’s weapon upgrade system revolves around two main types of Smithing Stones: the regular Smithing Stones and the rarer Somber Smithing Stones. The former is used to upgrade most weapons you find or purchase, while the latter is reserved for unique weapons, often obtained from bosses, specific quests, or notable locations. Understanding the difference and the requirements for each type is crucial for efficient weapon progression.
Regular Smithing Stones
Weapons that use regular Smithing Stones can be upgraded to a maximum of +25. Each tier of Smithing Stone ([1] through [8]) corresponds to a range of upgrade levels. For example, Smithing Stone [1] will upgrade your weapon from +0 to +3, while Smithing Stone [2] will upgrade it from +3 to +6, and so on. This gradual increase requires a steady supply of the appropriate stones, which can be found throughout the Lands Between, purchased from vendors, or farmed from specific enemies.
Somber Smithing Stones
Unique weapons, such as those obtained from Remembrance of the Fallen, require Somber Smithing Stones for upgrades. These weapons have a maximum upgrade level of +10. Like regular Smithing Stones, Somber Smithing Stones come in different tiers ([1] through [9]), each corresponding to a specific upgrade level. Somber Smithing Stones are generally rarer than regular Smithing Stones, making their efficient use even more critical.
Efficient Stone Acquisition Strategies
Gathering enough Smithing Stones to fully upgrade your weapons can feel like a daunting task. However, several strategies can make the process more manageable.
Exploring and Mining
The most straightforward method is to explore the world thoroughly. Smithing Stones are often found in mines, caves, and dungeons scattered across the Lands Between. Look for glowing deposits on walls and floors, as these indicate the presence of Smithing Stones. Each region typically contains a specific tier of Smithing Stone, so progressing through the game will naturally lead you to higher-level stones.
Purchasing from Vendors
Several vendors throughout the game sell Smithing Stones. Early on, the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold and the Isolated Merchant are valuable sources. However, their stock is initially limited. By finding and delivering Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks, you can significantly expand their inventory, allowing you to purchase unlimited quantities of certain Smithing Stone tiers.
Farming Specific Enemies
Certain enemies have a chance to drop Smithing Stones upon defeat. While the drop rate can be low, this method can be effective, especially if you target enemies in areas with high enemy density. Researching which enemies drop which types of Smithing Stones can save you valuable time and effort.
Utilizing Bell Bearings
Bell Bearings are key items that, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, unlock the ability to purchase unlimited quantities of specific tiers of Smithing Stones. There are Bell Bearings for both regular Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. Acquiring these Bell Bearings is essential for players who want to fully upgrade multiple weapons or avoid relying solely on exploration and farming.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Smithing Stones and weapon upgrades in Elden Ring:
1. How do I find Smithing Stone [1] early in the game?
Smithing Stone [1] can be found in abundance in the Limgrave Tunnels. Exploring this dungeon thoroughly will provide you with enough stones to upgrade several weapons early on. Also, Isolated Merchants usually stock lower-level smithing stones.
2. Where can I find Smithing Stone [2]?
Smithing Stone [2] can be found in the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel in Liurnia of the Lakes. Similar to Limgrave Tunnels, mining the walls in this location will get you a good supply.
3. What is the earliest location to find Somber Smithing Stone [1]?
Somber Smithing Stone [1] can be found early in the game within the Groveside Cave in Limgrave, defeating the Beastman of Farum Azula.
4. Where can I purchase unlimited Smithing Stones?
By obtaining the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1], [2], [3], and [4] and giving them to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, you can purchase unlimited Smithing Stone [1] through [8] Stones.
5. Are Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones limited?
Yes, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, both regular and Somber, are limited per playthrough. They are found in specific locations or awarded for completing certain quests. This makes careful consideration when choosing which weapons to fully upgrade.
6. Can I respec my weapon upgrades?
No, Elden Ring does not allow you to respec weapon upgrades. Once a weapon has been upgraded, the Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones used are permanently consumed.
7. How do Bell Bearings work for buying Smithing Stones?
Bell Bearings are items you find by defeating certain bosses or raiding specific locations. When given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, they add new items to their shop, including unlimited quantities of the Smithing Stones corresponding to that Bell Bearing.
8. What is the best way to farm Smithing Stones?
The “best” way depends on the tier of Smithing Stone you need. Generally, finding a mining cave with abundant deposits of the desired stone is the most efficient method. Alternatively, find enemies that drop the desired stones and farm them.
9. Do Smithing Stones carry over to New Game Plus?
No, Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones do not carry over to New Game Plus. However, all Bell Bearings collected will remain with the Twin Maiden Husks, allowing you to purchase all smithing stones available from the previous playthrough.
10. Are there any talismans that increase Smithing Stone drop rates?
No, there are no talismans in Elden Ring that specifically increase the drop rate of Smithing Stones. However, equipping items that increase your overall item discovery, such as the Silver Scarab Talisman, will increase the chance of enemies dropping any item, including Smithing Stones.
11. Can I upgrade weapons without Smithing Stones?
No, Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones are essential for upgrading weapons in Elden Ring. There are no alternative methods to increase a weapon’s damage and scaling without using these resources.
12. What is the difference between regular Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones?
Regular Smithing Stones are used to upgrade standard weapons, which can be upgraded to +25. Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons, such as boss weapons and weapons with unique skills, which can be upgraded to +10.
13. How do I know which Smithing Stone to use for a particular weapon upgrade?
The game will clearly indicate which Smithing Stone is required for each upgrade when you attempt to reinforce a weapon at a blacksmith or using the smithing table at the Church of Elleh or the Roundtable Hold.
14. Can I sell Smithing Stones if I have too many?
Yes, you can sell Smithing Stones to vendors for runes, although the amount of runes received is relatively low. It’s often more beneficial to save the stones for upgrading other weapons or future playthroughs.
15. Is it better to fully upgrade one weapon or partially upgrade multiple weapons?
This depends on your playstyle and build. Fully upgrading one weapon will give you the highest possible damage output with that weapon, while partially upgrading multiple weapons allows you to have a wider variety of options for different situations and enemy types. Experimenting with different weapons and upgrade levels can help you find the approach that best suits your needs.
By understanding the Smithing Stone system and utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can efficiently upgrade your weapons and become a formidable force in the Lands Between. Good luck, Tarnished!