Elden Ring: Mastering Somber Smithing Stone Upgrades – A Comprehensive Guide
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To fully upgrade a weapon that requires Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring, you will need ten stones in total. Specifically, you’ll need one of each rank, from Somber Smithing Stone [1] to Somber Smithing Stone [9], and finally, one Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to reach the maximum upgrade level of +10.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring
Elden Ring, the sprawling open-world RPG from FromSoftware, presents players with a vast array of weapons, each with its own unique upgrade path. Unlike standard weapons that utilize regular Smithing Stones, unique armaments, often dropped by bosses or possessing unique skills, require the rarer Somber Smithing Stones. These stones are crucial for maximizing the potential of your special weaponry. Understanding how these stones work and where to find them is vital for any aspiring Elden Lord.
The Importance of Weapon Upgrades
Upgrading your weapons is fundamental to surviving the perilous Lands Between. As you progress through the game, enemies become increasingly formidable, making it essential to enhance your offensive capabilities. Weapon upgrades increase base damage, improve scaling with your character’s attributes (Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, Faith, and Arcane), and unlock new movesets or passive effects. Neglecting weapon upgrades can leave you severely underpowered, turning challenging encounters into insurmountable obstacles.
Somber Smithing Stones vs. Regular Smithing Stones
The key difference between Somber and regular Smithing Stones lies in the types of weapons they upgrade and the quantity required. Regular Smithing Stones are used for standard weapons, which can be upgraded to +25. Somber Smithing Stones, on the other hand, are exclusively for unique or special armaments, which cap at +10. While regular weapons require a larger number of stones overall, Somber weapons utilize fewer stones but demand one of each unique rank. This makes obtaining and managing your Somber Smithing Stones strategically important.
Acquiring Somber Smithing Stones
Finding Somber Smithing Stones can be a scavenger hunt in itself. They are scattered throughout the game world, hidden in dungeons, dropped by specific enemies, or sold by certain merchants. Exploration is key to finding these valuable resources. Be sure to thoroughly explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between, paying close attention to areas guarded by powerful foes, as these often reward you with valuable upgrade materials. Also, look out for Somber Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings, which, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, unlock the ability to purchase unlimited quantities of certain Somber Smithing Stones.
The Ultimate Upgrade: Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
The Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone is the holy grail of Somber Smithing Stone upgrades. These are the only stones that can take a weapon from +9 to the coveted +10 maximum level. They are extremely rare, with only a limited number available per playthrough. Because of their scarcity, you must carefully choose which weapons you want to fully upgrade. Obtaining these stones often requires defeating challenging bosses or completing difficult side quests, making them a true testament to your skill and dedication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Somber Smithing Stones
Q1: What are Somber Smithing Stones used for?
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique or special weapons in Elden Ring. These are typically weapons that drop from bosses, have unique skills, or cannot be modified with Ashes of War.
Q2: Where can I find Somber Smithing Stones early in the game?
Early on, you can find Somber Smithing Stones in locations like the Limgrave Tunnels, the Stormfoot Catacombs, and by exploring the Weeping Peninsula. Pay attention to caves, mines, and catacombs.
Q3: Are there any merchants who sell Somber Smithing Stones?
Yes, certain merchants, such as Iji the War Counselor located on the Road to the Manor in Liurnia of the Lakes, sell Somber Smithing Stones. Finding and interacting with these merchants is crucial for obtaining a consistent supply of upgrade materials.
Q4: How many Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are there in the game?
There are only eight Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones available per playthrough. This scarcity requires careful planning when deciding which weapons to fully upgrade.
Q5: Can I farm Somber Smithing Stones?
While you cannot infinitely farm all Somber Smithing Stones, you can acquire Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings which, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, allows you to purchase an unlimited supply of Somber Smithing Stones [1] through [9].
Q6: What is the maximum upgrade level for weapons that use Somber Smithing Stones?
Weapons upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones can reach a maximum upgrade level of +10.
Q7: Is it better to upgrade a Somber weapon or a regular weapon?
It depends on your playstyle and build. Somber weapons are generally easier to fully upgrade due to the lower overall stone count, and they often possess unique skills. Regular weapons offer more customization through Ashes of War and infusions, allowing for greater build versatility.
Q8: What happens when I upgrade a weapon to +10?
Upgrading a weapon to +10 with a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone maximizes its damage output, improves its scaling with your stats, and unlocks its full potential. This is often a significant power spike for your character.
Q9: Can I respec my character to better utilize a specific Somber weapon?
Yes, you can respec your character’s stats by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. This allows you to optimize your build for a particular Somber weapon.
Q10: How do I get the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings?
The Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings are obtained by defeating specific bosses in certain locations. For example, Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5], which unlocks unlimited Somber Smithing Stone (9) at the Twin Maiden Husks, is obtained by defeating Crystalian.
Q11: What are the best Somber weapons to upgrade early in the game?
Popular early-game Somber weapon choices include the Moonveil katana, Rivers of Blood katana, and the Bloodhound’s Fang. Experiment to find which weapon best suits your playstyle.
Q12: Do Somber weapons have different scaling compared to regular weapons?
Yes, Somber weapons often have unique scaling properties, sometimes scaling with multiple stats simultaneously (e.g., Intelligence and Dexterity). This can make them powerful options for hybrid builds.
Q13: Are there any armor sets that complement Somber weapon builds?
Certain armor sets, such as the White Mask (which buffs attack power when blood loss occurs) or armor sets that increase specific stats, can synergize well with Somber weapons that inflict status effects or scale with specific attributes.
Q14: Can I trade Somber Smithing Stones with other players?
No, Somber Smithing Stones cannot be traded with other players. You must find or earn them within your own game.
Q15: What are the best resources for learning more about Elden Ring and weapon upgrades?
Beyond this guide, the Games Learning Society and their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, provides a lot of insightful analysis and resources about gaming. Also, there are many dedicated Elden Ring communities online, including wikis, forums, and YouTube channels, that offer a wealth of information and advice.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of Somber Smithing Stone upgrades is essential for success in Elden Ring. By understanding how to acquire these stones, strategically upgrading your unique weapons, and optimizing your character build, you can overcome the game’s toughest challenges and become a true Elden Lord. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your weapons strike true!