Elden Ring: Mastering the Art of Smithing Stone Farming (1 & 2)
So, you’re looking to upgrade your arsenal in Elden Ring, huh? A wise Tarnished indeed! Smithing Stones (1) and (2) are your bread and butter in the early game, essential for transforming those rusty weapons into formidable instruments of destruction. The good news? There are several excellent spots to farm these precious materials. The direct and comprehensive answer is:
Smithing Stone (1):
- Limgrave Tunnels: This is a dedicated mining tunnel filled with miners who have a good chance of dropping Smithing Stone (1). Clear the area repeatedly for a reliable source.
- Godrick Soldiers: These soldiers, especially those around the Stormhill area, can drop Smithing Stone (1), albeit at a lower rate than the miners.
Smithing Stone (2):
- Raya Lucaria Soldiers: The soldiers south of the South Raya Lucaria Gate have a chance to drop Smithing Stone (2). It’s a decent early-game farming location if you’re venturing towards the Academy of Raya Lucaria.
- Limgrave Tunnels (Limited): While focused on Smithing Stone (1), you might find the occasional Smithing Stone (2) in this location as well.
Now, let’s delve deeper into the most efficient farming methods and address some common questions.
Prime Farming Locations: A Detailed Breakdown
Limgrave Tunnels: Your Early Game Haven for Smithing Stone (1)
Located on the Northern edge of Agheel Lake in Limgrave, Limgrave Tunnels is practically a Smithing Stone (1) factory. The miners inhabiting the tunnel are your primary targets. The tunnel itself is relatively small, with a clear path, making it easy to clear multiple times in quick succession.
Strategy:
- Fast travel to the Limgrave Tunnels Site of Grace.
- Carefully navigate the tunnel, eliminating all miners.
- Loot all available corpses, as they sometimes hold extra stones.
- Once you reach the end, rest at the Site of Grace to respawn the enemies.
- Repeat the process for efficient farming.
Pro Tip: Use a weapon with Blunt damage (e.g., a mace or hammer) as it is highly effective against the miners.
Raya Lucaria Academy Surroundings: A Mid-Game Smithing Stone (2) Goldmine
As you progress further into the game, specifically towards the Academy of Raya Lucaria in Liurnia of the Lakes, the Raya Lucarian Soldiers near the South Raya Lucaria Gate become a valuable source of Smithing Stone (2).
Strategy:
- Fast travel to the South Raya Lucaria Gate Site of Grace.
- Engage and defeat the Raya Lucarian Soldiers in the immediate vicinity.
- Consider using stealth to pick off isolated soldiers for quicker kills.
- Rest at the Site of Grace to respawn the enemies.
- Repeat the process for continuous farming.
Pro Tip: The soldiers can be challenging early on, so ensure you have adequate levels and weapon upgrades before attempting this farm.
Turning Stone to Gold: The Bell Bearing Route
While the above locations are great for early farming, the ultimate goal is to unlock unlimited Smithing Stones via the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearings.
- Obtain the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing (1) by defeating the Crystalian boss at the end of the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, located in northeast Liurnia.
- Bring the Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.
- You can now purchase an unlimited supply of Smithing Stone (1) and (2) from the Twin Maiden Husks.
The Bell Bearing strategy transforms farming from a necessity into a choice. It allows you to upgrade weapons at will, experimenting with different builds and playstyles. Learning within the world of gaming becomes easier and more fluid. This is a crucial aspect that organizations such as the Games Learning Society advocate for – making learning accessible and engaging. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more on their mission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What’s the quickest way to get Smithing Stone (1) early game?
Limgrave Tunnels is by far the most efficient early-game location. The sheer density of miners makes it a consistent and reliable source of Smithing Stone (1).
2. Is it possible to buy Smithing Stone (1) and (2) early on?
Not directly from a merchant immediately. However, acquiring the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] from Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel will allow you to purchase unlimited Smithing Stones (1) and (2) from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. This requires a bit of exploration and a boss fight.
3. Are there any one-time Smithing Stone (1) locations that I should know about?
Yes, there are a few scattered throughout Limgrave. Explore thoroughly and check corpses in ruins, but don’t rely on these as your primary source.
4. What’s the difference between Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones?
Smithing Stones are used to upgrade standard weapons, while Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons. They are two separate upgrade paths, so you’ll need both types.
5. Where can I find Somber Smithing Stone (1) early in the game?
There are several early locations for Somber Smithing Stone (1). Check Limgrave Tunnels, the corpse west of Waypoint Ruins, and the Teardrop Scarabs southwest of Deathtouched Catacombs and southwest of the Church of Dragon Communion island.
6. Can I give Smithing Stones to other players?
Unfortunately, no. Smithing Stones and other upgrade materials cannot be traded or dropped to other players in Elden Ring.
7. Do Smithing Stones respawn in the open world?
Smithing Stones found on the walls of caves do not respawn. However, those dropped by enemies within the caves are unlimited, making farming possible.
8. Which enemies are most likely to drop Smithing Stone (1)?
Miners in Limgrave Tunnels and Godrick Soldiers have a good chance of dropping Smithing Stone (1).
9. Can I farm Smithing Stone (2) before going to Raya Lucaria?
While possible in very limited quantities, the most reliable early source of Smithing Stone (2) is the Raya Lucarian Soldiers. Therefore, progressing to Liurnia of the Lakes is recommended.
10. What’s the best weapon type to use when farming miners in Limgrave Tunnels?
Blunt weapons, such as maces and hammers, are highly effective against the miners in Limgrave Tunnels due to their high damage output against armored enemies.
11. How many Smithing Stones (1) and (2) do I need to fully upgrade a weapon?
To upgrade a standard weapon to +3, you will need a total of 6 Smithing Stones (1) and 6 Smithing Stones (2). Fully upgrading a normal weapon to +25 requires a total of 12 stones of each tier from 1 to 7.
12. Is it worth farming Smithing Stones early in the game?
Absolutely! Upgrading your weapon early on significantly increases your damage output, making the initial stages of the game much easier. It’s a valuable investment of your time.
13. Are there any talismans that increase item discovery, which could help with Smithing Stone farming?
Yes! The Silver Scarab and the Gold Scarab talismans increase item discovery. The Silver Scarab is found in the Hidden Sanctum. Using these will increase your chances of enemies dropping Smithing Stones.
14. Is there a specific time of day that increases Smithing Stone drop rates?
No, the time of day does not affect the drop rate of Smithing Stones in Elden Ring.
15. Once I have the Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1], do I still need to farm Smithing Stones?
Technically, no. The Bell Bearing allows you to purchase unlimited Smithing Stones (1) and (2). However, you might still want to explore for other valuable items and resources while farming.
Conclusion: Forging Your Path to Victory
Farming Smithing Stones (1) and (2) is a vital part of your Elden Ring journey. By utilizing the strategies outlined above, you can efficiently upgrade your weapons and conquer the challenges that lie ahead. Remember, Tarnished, a well-equipped warrior is a victorious warrior! Good luck, and may your blade strike true!