Upgrading weapons in Elden Ring is an essential part of character progression, and for unique or special weapons, players rely on a rare resource known as the Somber Smithing Stone. These stones allow for enhancing unique weapons that cannot be upgraded using standard smithing materials. Understanding the max Somber Smithing Stone level and how to obtain each tier is crucial for fully unlocking the potential of boss weapons, legendary armaments, and other unique tools of destruction scattered across the Lands Between.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade special weapons, usually those acquired from bosses, legacy dungeons, or unique sources. Unlike regular weapons that require multiple upgrade levels and stones per level, unique weapons require only one Somber Smithing Stone per level, from level 1 through level 10. This makes the process straightforward but also more resource-dependent, since each stone tier is harder to find as you progress.
Somber Smithing Stone Upgrade Levels
The max upgrade level using Somber Smithing Stones is +10. Here’s a breakdown of each stone tier and its corresponding upgrade level
- Somber Smithing Stone [1] – Upgrade to +1
- Somber Smithing Stone [2] – Upgrade to +2
- Somber Smithing Stone [3] – Upgrade to +3
- Somber Smithing Stone [4] – Upgrade to +4
- Somber Smithing Stone [5] – Upgrade to +5
- Somber Smithing Stone [6] – Upgrade to +6
- Somber Smithing Stone [7] – Upgrade to +7
- Somber Smithing Stone [8] – Upgrade to +8
- Somber Smithing Stone [9] – Upgrade to +9
- Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone – Upgrade to +10
To reach the max level, +10, players must acquire a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, which is extremely rare and typically only found once or twice per playthrough. This final upgrade provides the greatest possible increase to a unique weapon’s stats.
Where to Find Each Somber Smithing Stone
Locating Somber Smithing Stones can be challenging, especially the higher-tier ones. Here’s where players can reliably find each type throughout their journey
Somber Smithing Stones [1] to [4]
These early-tier stones are found commonly in the initial zones such as Limgrave, Liurnia of the Lakes, and Caelid. You can find them
- On corpses in caves and ruins
- Inside minor dungeons
- As drops from certain enemies
- Sold by merchants after acquiring Bell Bearings
These are generally plentiful, and you’ll accumulate them just by exploring and defeating enemies in lower-level areas.
Somber Smithing Stones [5] to [9]
Mid- to late-game areas like Altus Plateau, Mountaintops of the Giants, and Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree contain higher-tier Somber Stones. Players can find them
- On elevated ledges or inside hidden rooms in legacy dungeons
- From tough mini-boss enemies
- Occasionally sold by merchants with the appropriate Bell Bearings
As the upgrade level increases, the availability of these stones becomes more limited, encouraging players to explore thoroughly or pursue specific farming spots.
Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone
This rarest stone upgrades unique weapons to +10, the maximum level. It’s usually guarded by strong enemies or hidden in dangerous regions. Key locations include
- Consecrated Snowfield
- Farum Azula
- Endgame legacy dungeons
There are only a few of these stones per playthrough, making it important to choose which weapon to upgrade wisely. It’s ideal to use them on weapons you know you’ll rely on during major boss fights or New Game+ runs.
Using Somber Smithing Stones at the Smithing Table
To upgrade your weapon, visit the blacksmith at the Roundtable Hold or use a Smithing Table found throughout the world. Simply select the unique weapon you want to upgrade and apply the appropriate tier of Somber Stone. Only one stone per level is required, streamlining the process compared to normal weapons.
Upgrade Process Simplified
Unlike standard gear which can be upgraded to +25 using multiple shards of Smithing Stones, Somber Stones simplify the system. Each tier matches the upgrade level directly, so there’s no confusion. It’s also easier to track your inventory and upgrade paths since you only need one of each type for each level.
How to Unlock Somber Stone Merchants
Players can unlock merchants that sell Somber Smithing Stones by turning in Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. Here’s what each Bell Bearing unlocks
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] – Somber Stones [1] and [2]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2] – Somber Stones [3] and [4]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3] – Somber Stones [5] and [6]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] – Somber Stones [7], [8], and [9]
These Bell Bearings are hidden across the Lands Between and often require defeating strong enemies or exploring dangerous zones. Once turned in, however, they provide a steady and infinite supply of mid-level stones useful for upgrading multiple weapons in one playthrough.
Tips for Efficient Weapon Upgrades
Maximizing the potential of your unique weapon requires thoughtful planning. Here are some helpful tips for using your Somber Smithing Stones effectively
- Save your Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stonefor a weapon you truly enjoy using and plan to stick with.
- Explore thoroughlymany stones are hidden behind illusory walls or hard-to-reach areas.
- Farm runesearly to buy stones from merchants once Bell Bearings are unlocked.
- Use weapons with scaling that complements your buildupgrading a weapon that doesn’t align with your stats won’t be efficient, even at +10.
Weapon Performance at +10
Upgrading a unique weapon to +10 significantly increases its base damage, scaling effects, and overall combat performance. This can turn an already strong boss weapon into a devastating tool, especially when paired with appropriate talismans, buffs, and status effects. Some weapons also receive visual or elemental enhancements when fully upgraded, which makes them even more rewarding to use.
Examples of Great Weapons for Max Upgrades
- Moonveil – A katana with magic scaling and high bleed potential
- Blasphemous Blade – Excellent for strength/faith builds and life-stealing abilities
- Wing of Astel – Ideal for intelligence-based characters and long-range melee attacks
Each of these unique weapons becomes far more powerful when brought to +10 with Somber Stones, and they scale well into the late game or even New Game+ cycles.
The max Somber Smithing Stone level in Elden Ring is +10, achieved by using a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Understanding how to gather, use, and optimize these stones can significantly affect your journey through the Lands Between. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer or a newcomer, mastering the use of Somber Smithing Stones allows you to wield the most powerful and unique weapons available in the game. By collecting Bell Bearings, exploring hidden areas, and wisely choosing your upgrades, you’ll ensure your arsenal is always ready for the challenges ahead.