Can You Buy Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones in Elden Ring? A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, under specific circumstances, you can buy an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone in Elden Ring. However, it’s not as straightforward as visiting just any merchant. The availability hinges on completing certain questlines and ensuring a specific NPC, Gatekeeper Gostoc, remains alive.
The Gostoc Connection: Your Ticket to +25
The key to purchasing this coveted upgrade material lies within Stormveil Castle and the intertwined fates of Nepheli Loux and Gatekeeper Gostoc. If you successfully navigate their respective questlines and keep Gostoc alive throughout, he will eventually relocate to Nepheli Loux’s side in the throne room of Stormveil Castle.
Once there, Gostoc transforms from a sneaky gatekeeper who steals your runes into a legitimate merchant. Among his wares, he offers a single Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for the hefty price of 20,000 Runes. This provides a significant boost to players looking to fully upgrade their standard weapons.
Why This Matters: Understanding Upgrade Systems
In Elden Ring, weapons are upgraded using two distinct types of Smithing Stones: Smithing Stones (1-8) for standard weapons and Somber Smithing Stones (1-10) for unique or special armaments. Standard weapons are upgraded to +24 using Smithing Stones of varying tiers, but achieving the coveted +25 requires an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Similarly, Somber weapons reach +9 with Somber Smithing Stones, needing a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for their final +10 upgrade.
Acquiring these final-tier upgrade materials is crucial for maximizing weapon effectiveness and tackling the game’s toughest challenges. The ability to purchase one Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from Gostoc offers a guaranteed, albeit expensive, path to achieving this goal.
Beyond Gostoc: Other Methods of Acquisition
While Gostoc offers a reliable purchase opportunity, he’s not the only source of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. Throughout the Lands Between, these stones are scattered in fixed locations, often guarded by formidable foes or hidden within challenging dungeons. Exploring thoroughly is vital for maximizing your acquisition of these essential items.
Strategic Considerations: Prioritizing Upgrades
Given the limited availability of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, thoughtful prioritization is crucial. Consider your playstyle, your preferred weapons, and the scaling attributes of each armament before committing to a full upgrade. It’s wise to experiment with different weapons and build a strong understanding of their strengths and weaknesses before investing such a valuable resource.
Gaining Knowledge from the Games Learning Society
The complexities of Elden Ring’s upgrade system and the strategic decisions involved highlight the potential for learning within games. Resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the intersection of gameplay and education, providing valuable insights into how games can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and their acquisition in Elden Ring:
1. Are Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones Limited?
Yes, Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are limited in each playthrough. You can’t infinitely farm them through standard methods.
2. Can you farm Ancient Dragon Stones?
No, there’s no direct way to infinitely farm Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones within a single playthrough. New Game Plus is the primary method for obtaining more.
3. How many Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are there in Elden Ring?
There are only eight Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones available in a single playthrough of Elden Ring.
4. Do Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones Respawn in New Game Plus?
Yes, both Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones respawn upon starting a New Game Plus cycle, allowing you to collect them again.
5. How many Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones can you get in one playthrough?
You can acquire a total of 13 Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones in a single playthrough, combining those found in the world with the one available for purchase from Gostoc.
6. Is there a bell bearing for somber ancient dragon smithing stones?
No, there is no Bell Bearing that allows you to purchase unlimited Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. Their acquisition relies solely on finding them in fixed locations.
7. What is the highest level somber stone in Elden Ring?
The highest level Somber Stone is the Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, required to upgrade a Somber weapon to +10.
8. What is the best use of ancient dragon smithing stones?
The best use of Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones is to upgrade weapons you frequently use and that complement your build to their maximum potential (+25 for standard weapons).
9. What merchant sells ancient dragon smithing stones?
Gatekeeper Gostoc, after completing Nepheli Loux’s questline, sells one Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
10. What does ancient dragon smithing stone do?
An Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone fully upgrades a standard weapon from +24 to +25.
11. How do I trigger Gostoc to sell the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone?
You need to complete Nepheli Loux’s questline, ensure Gostoc survives Stormveil Castle, and then find him alongside Nepheli in the throne room.
12. Can I accidentally make Gostoc disappear and lose access to the stone?
Yes, if Gostoc dies during the Stormveil Castle encounter or if you progress the game in a way that disrupts Nepheli’s questline, he will not appear as a merchant.
13. Is it worth spending 20,000 Runes on the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone from Gostoc?
For many players, yes. The convenience of a guaranteed stone outweighs the Rune cost, especially in the late game.
14. Besides Gostoc, where else can I find Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones?
They are found in various locations, including within Crumbling Farum Azula, Mohgwyn Palace, and as rewards for defeating certain bosses.
15. Does the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone carry over to New Game Plus?
Yes, like all other items in your inventory, the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone will carry over when you start a New Game Plus cycle. Remember though you will be able to recollect the ones in the world again.