Who Sells Smithing Stone 9 in Elden Ring?

The answer to the burning question is: There is no merchant in Elden Ring that directly sells Smithing Stone [9]. Acquiring this crucial upgrade material involves a different approach than simply purchasing it. Players must rely on finding them scattered throughout the late-game areas or through utilizing the services of the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold after offering them specific Bell Bearings.

Understanding Smithing Stone [9] and its Importance

Smithing Stone [9] is a vital resource in Elden Ring. It’s used to upgrade normal weapons to +24, the penultimate upgrade level before reaching the maximum of +25. Considering the high level of enemies encountered later in the game, maximizing weapon damage is crucial for survival and efficient combat. Without access to Smithing Stone [9], players will find themselves significantly underpowered against formidable bosses and challenging areas.

How to Obtain Smithing Stone [9]: Beyond Merchants

Since no merchant sells Smithing Stone [9] directly, here’s how you can get your hands on this valuable resource:

• Exploration: Smithing Stone [9] can be found in the late-game areas of Elden Ring. Look for them in places like the Mountaintops of the Giants, Consecrated Snowfield, Crumbling Farum Azula, and around the Haligtree. Be thorough in your exploration, checking bodies, ruins, and hidden corners.

• Crumbling Farum Azula: This area is particularly rich in Smithing Stone [9]. As you navigate the crumbling architecture, keep an eye out for glinting items that indicate the presence of these stones. Enemies in this area can also drop them, although the drop rate is not guaranteed.

• Bell Bearings: The most reliable way to acquire an unlimited supply of Smithing Stone [9] is by obtaining the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]. This Bell Bearing allows you to purchase both Somber Smithing Stone [9] and Smithing Stone [9] from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.

The Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]

This is the key to consistently acquiring Smithing Stone [9]. The Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] is located in Crumbling Farum Azula. It’s dropped by a boss fight: the Godskin Duo. Defeating this duo will reward you with the Bell Bearing.

Once you have the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4], return to the Roundtable Hold and offer it to the Twin Maiden Husks. This unlocks the ability to purchase Smithing Stone [9] for 20,000 runes each. While this is a significant investment, it guarantees a steady supply for upgrading your weapons.

Other Methods for Acquiring Smithing Stones

While the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] is the most reliable method, you can also obtain Smithing Stone [9] through:

• Enemy Drops: Certain enemies in late-game areas, especially in Crumbling Farum Azula, have a chance to drop Smithing Stone [9]. Farming these enemies can be a viable option, but it’s often less efficient than farming runes and buying them with the Bell Bearing.

• Boss Rewards: Some late-game bosses may drop Smithing Stone [9] upon defeat. However, this is a one-time reward and not a reliable source for continuous upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Smithing Stone [9]

1. Why can’t I find Smithing Stone [9] at any merchants?

As stated earlier, no merchant sells Smithing Stone [9] directly. This is a deliberate design choice by the developers to encourage exploration and progression through late-game areas. You must acquire them through exploration, enemy drops, or by finding the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4].

2. What is the best early-game strategy for getting stronger weapons?

Focus on upgrading your weapons using Smithing Stone [1]-[8] which are more readily available from merchants and exploration in earlier regions like Limgrave, Liurnia, and Caelid. Don’t worry too much about Smithing Stone [9] until you reach the Mountaintops of the Giants.

3. Where exactly is the Godskin Duo located in Crumbling Farum Azula?

The Godskin Duo boss fight is located in a large, circular arena accessible after progressing through a significant portion of Crumbling Farum Azula. You will need to navigate the collapsing structures and defeat various enemies along the way. The boss arena is relatively easy to spot once you’re in the correct area. Look for a Site of Grace nearby.

4. How difficult is the Godskin Duo boss fight?

The Godskin Duo is considered a challenging boss fight. They are two bosses fought simultaneously, each with unique attack patterns and abilities. Players often summon spirit ashes or other players for assistance to overcome this encounter.

5. What are the best spirit ashes to use against the Godskin Duo?

Popular spirit ash choices for the Godskin Duo include the Black Knife Tiche, Mimic Tear, and Lhutel the Headless. These spirit ashes are durable, deal significant damage, and can distract the bosses, allowing you to focus on one at a time.

6. How much do Smithing Stone [9] cost when purchased from the Twin Maiden Husks?

After offering the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] to the Twin Maiden Husks, Smithing Stone [9] will cost 20,000 runes each.

7. Is it worth farming runes to buy Smithing Stone [9]?

Yes, farming runes and purchasing Smithing Stone [9] from the Twin Maiden Husks is a highly efficient way to upgrade your weapons, especially in the late game. There are several excellent rune farming locations, such as the Albinaurics at the Mohgwyn Palace.

8. What level should I be before attempting Crumbling Farum Azula?

Ideally, you should be around level 120-150 before venturing into Crumbling Farum Azula. The enemies and bosses in this area are incredibly powerful, and you’ll need a high level to withstand their attacks and deal significant damage.

9. Can I respec my character if I’m struggling in the late game?

Yes, you can respec your character by talking to Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon in the Academy of Raya Lucaria after defeating her and obtaining a Larval Tear. This allows you to reallocate your stats to better suit your playstyle or the challenges you are facing.

10. Are there any talismans that increase my rune acquisition?

Yes, there are several talismans that increase rune acquisition. The most notable are the Gold Scarab (increases runes gained by 20%) and the Gold Pickled Fowl Foot (increases runes gained by 30% for a limited time).

11. What weapons benefit the most from being upgraded to +24 with Smithing Stone [9]?

Any weapon that you enjoy using and that scales well with your stats will benefit from being upgraded. Consider weapons with high base damage and scaling, such as colossal swords, katanas, and greatswords. Experiment to find what suits your play style.

12. Are Somber Smithing Stone [9] acquired in the same way?

Yes, the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] also unlocks the purchase of Somber Smithing Stone [9] from the Twin Maiden Husks. Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique weapons.

13. Is there a limit to how many Smithing Stone [9] I can hold at once?

There is no limit to the number of Smithing Stone [9] you can hold in your inventory or storage.

14. Will Smithing Stone [9] respawn in the world?

No, Smithing Stone [9] found through exploration are typically one-time finds. They do not respawn. However, the ability to purchase them infinitely from the Twin Maiden Husks after obtaining the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] effectively makes them infinitely available.

15. What happens if I die while trying to farm runes for Smithing Stone [9]?

If you die while farming runes, you will lose any unspent runes you are carrying. You can retrieve them by returning to the location of your death, but if you die again before retrieving them, the runes will be lost permanently. Be careful and consider spending your runes regularly to avoid significant losses.