Farming Somber Smithing Stone 5 in Elden Ring: A Tarnished’s Guide
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So, you’re looking to upgrade your special weapons in Elden Ring, and you’ve hit the wall that is Somber Smithing Stone 5. These elusive stones are crucial for taking your armaments from +4 to +5, a pivotal upgrade that can significantly boost your damage output. Unfortunately, unlike some of the earlier stones, consistent farming locations for Somber Smithing Stone 5 aren’t immediately obvious. Let’s dive into the best places to snag these valuable resources.
The most reliable method for “farming” Somber Smithing Stone 5, in the sense of infinitely acquiring them, involves unlocking their purchase at the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. This isn’t a traditional “farm” where you repeatedly kill enemies, but it is the most efficient way to obtain an unlimited supply. To do this, you’ll need to acquire the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]. This item allows you to purchase both Somber Smithing Stone [5] and [6] from the Twin Maiden Husks.
The Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3] can be found on a corpse inside the First Church of Marika, located in the western part of the Mountaintops of the Giants. Obtaining this bell bearing is critical to obtaining an unlimited supply of Somber Smithing Stone 5!
Once you have the Bell Bearing, simply return to Roundtable Hold and offer it to the Twin Maiden Husks. This unlocks the ability to purchase Somber Smithing Stone 5 for 16,000 runes each.
Other Notable Locations for Somber Smithing Stone 5
While unlocking the Twin Maiden Husks is the best long-term strategy, here are a few locations where you can find Somber Smithing Stone 5 before acquiring the Bell Bearing or if you need some early ones:
- Siofra River: On a corpse in the highest part of the ruins. This one is relatively easy to access early on.
- Gaol Cave (Caelid): Requires two Stonesword Keys to access the area where the stone is located. This is a risky area early in the game, so be prepared.
- Nokron, Eternal City: Dropped by a Teardrop Beetle. Nokron is a mid-game area, so you’ll need some levels under your belt to survive.
- Old Altus Tunnel (Altus Plateau): Can be found within the tunnel.
- Volcano Manor: Exploring this area thoroughly will yield at least one Somber Smithing Stone 5.
These single-find locations are valuable for early upgrades, but they are finite. Focus on obtaining the bell bearing for a consistent supply.
Tips for Efficient Rune Farming to Purchase Stones
Since purchasing Somber Smithing Stone 5 requires runes, efficient rune farming is essential. Here are a few popular methods:
- The Mohgwyn Palace Approach Ledge-Road: Killing the sleeping Albinaurics with a well-placed weapon art is a very efficient rune farm.
- Bird Farm at Mohgwyn Palace: Shooting the bird off the cliff provides a quick and easy 11,000+ runes.
- Killing Bosses: Re-fighting bosses (if available) is an excellent source of runes.
- Clearing Dungeon Areas: Many late-game dungeons have high enemy density and drop significant runes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about farming Somber Smithing Stone 5 in Elden Ring:
Where is the earliest Somber Smithing Stone 5 I can get?
The Somber Smithing Stone 5 in the Siofra River is accessible relatively early in the game. You’ll need to navigate the area carefully, but it’s generally safer than Gaol Cave early on.
How many Somber Smithing Stone 5 do I need to fully upgrade a weapon?
You need a total of one Somber Smithing Stone 5 to upgrade a special weapon from +4 to +5. Each level requires only one stone of that type.
Can I trade Somber Smithing Stones with other players?
No, you cannot trade Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones with other players in Elden Ring.
Do enemies in certain areas drop Somber Smithing Stone 5?
While some enemies can drop Smithing Stones, the drop rate for Somber Smithing Stone 5 is extremely low. Relying on enemy drops is not an efficient farming method.
What level should I be before farming Somber Smithing Stone 5?
You should be at least level 60-80 before seriously farming Somber Smithing Stone 5, especially if you’re venturing into areas like the Mountaintops of the Giants to get the Bell Bearing.
Is there a difference between Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones?
Yes. Smithing Stones are used to upgrade regular weapons, while Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade special weapons, like those obtained from Remembrance or unique finds.
Are there any items that increase the drop rate of Smithing Stones?
Items like the Silver Scarab Talisman and consuming a Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot increase item discovery, which might slightly increase the chances of enemies dropping stones. However, this is more relevant for early-game farming of lower-level stones.
Can I respec my character to make farming easier?
Yes, you can respec your character by using a Larval Tear at Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon. Respeccing to focus on arcane (for increased item discovery) or a build optimized for specific farming locations can be beneficial.
What are Bell Bearings, and how do they work?
Bell Bearings are key items that, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, unlock the ability to purchase specific items from their shop. They provide a consistent and often unlimited source of valuable materials.
Where can I find Smithing Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] and [2]?
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel (Limgrave) – Defeat the Crystalian boss.
- Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Sealed Tunnel (Altus Plateau) – Found in a chest within the tunnel.
What other useful items can I buy from the Twin Maiden Husks?
Besides Smithing Stones, the Twin Maiden Husks sell various other useful items, including cookbooks, upgrade materials, and even some early-game armor sets.
How many Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are there in the game?
There are only eight Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones in the game, which are required to upgrade a special weapon to +10 (maximum level).
What happens if I kill the Twin Maiden Husks?
Killing the Twin Maiden Husks will cause them to drop a Bell Bearing, which you can give to another vendor to access their shop. However, there’s no advantage to doing so, and it’s generally not recommended.
Are there any glitches or exploits to get unlimited Somber Smithing Stones?
While glitches and exploits might exist, they are often patched out by the developers. It’s best to rely on legitimate farming methods.
How can I learn more about Elden Ring’s game mechanics?
Exploring the in-game world is one of the best ways to learn more about the game. However, the GamesLearningSociety.org also provides valuable insights into game mechanics and strategies. Check out their website at Games Learning Society for information on game-based learning and the broader impact of games.
Farming Somber Smithing Stone 5 can seem daunting, but by following these tips and strategies, you can efficiently upgrade your weapons and conquer the Lands Between! Good luck, Tarnished!