Upgrading special weapons inElden Ringrequires a rare and distinct resource known asSomber Smithing Stones. These stones are used exclusively for unique weapons often boss drops, legendary arms, or weapons with special scaling or effects. Unlike standard Smithing Stones, the Somber variants upgrade these weapons in a linear path from +1 to +10. Among them,Somber Smithing Stone [8]is crucial for reaching the higher tiers of power, particularly when pushing your favorite unique weapon to +8. Finding this stone, however, is not always straightforward. Players will need to explore dangerous areas and uncover secret corners of the Lands Between. Understanding the best locations to obtain Somber Smithing Stone [8] and how to use it effectively can significantly enhance your combat potential.
What Is Somber Smithing Stone [8]?
Purpose and Function
Somber Smithing Stone [8] is part of a ten-tier upgrade material series, specifically meant for upgrading special or unique weapons inElden Ring. These are weapons that cannot be infused with Ashes of War but usually come with built-in abilities, scaling advantages, or lore significance. Using this item allows you to upgrade such weapons from +7 to +8 at a blacksmith’s forge.
Due to the linear nature of Somber upgrades, each level requires one stone of the corresponding tier. This makes each individual Somber Smithing Stone [8] highly valuable, especially for players investing in only one or two signature weapons.
Where to Find Somber Smithing Stone [8]
Mountaintops of the Giants
This late-game region is one of the most reliable places to locate Somber Smithing Stone [8]. Scattered throughout this snowy, treacherous zone are enemies, corpses, and mines containing rare smithing stones.
- Yelough Anix Tunnel: Located in the Consecrated Snowfield, this mine is home to several Somber Smithing Stones, including [8]. Navigate carefully through the tunnel to find glowing deposits or defeat miners for drops.
- Mountaintops Walkways: Look along cliff edges and near giant corpses many contain lootable corpses holding rare stones.
Consecrated Snowfield
This hidden and challenging area is accessible after assembling the Haligtree Secret Medallion and using it at the Grand Lift of Rold. While it’s filled with danger, it also offers high-tier upgrade materials, including Somber Smithing Stone [8]. Use Torrent to move quickly and safely between locations.
Mohgwyn Palace
This blood-soaked realm is not only critical for lore and late-game progression but also a good farming location for high-level materials. The caves and caverns here sometimes contain Somber Smithing Stones hidden behind powerful enemies.
Other Notable Locations
- Haligtree Area: Enemies and treasure chests in Miquella’s Haligtree may drop or contain this stone.
- Farum Azula (Crumbling): This endgame legacy dungeon holds several smithing stones in corners and off-path areas guarded by beastmen and dragons.
Purchasing Somber Smithing Stone [8]
Bell Bearings and the Twin Maiden Husks
Once you reach late game, you can eventually purchase Somber Smithing Stones by offeringSomberstone Miner’s Bell Bearingsto the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold. To unlock the ability to purchase Somber Smithing Stone [8], you’ll need to find and offer the correct Bell Bearing.
Bell Bearing Needed:
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]
You can find this bell bearing inCrumbing Farum Azula, usually dropped by a miner enemy or found in a chest deep within the ruins. Once delivered to the Twin Maiden Husks, you can purchase Somber Smithing Stone [8] for Runes saving you from further hunting or exploration if you have the currency to spare.
Best Weapons to Use Somber Smithing Stone [8]
Because these stones are limited and highly valuable, it’s best to use them on weapons you’re certain to use for the long term. Somber Smithing Stone [8] should ideally be spent on weapons that scale well with your current build or have abilities that fit your playstyle.
Recommended Weapons:
- Moonveil: Katana with Intelligence scaling and a deadly magic-based skill.
- Blasphemous Blade: A powerful faith/strength weapon that heals you on kills.
- Hand of Malenia: A dexterity weapon with quick slashes and lifesteal properties.
- Dark Moon Greatsword: Strong intelligence scaling, with magic-based frost damage and excellent range.
Before committing the stone to a weapon, test it in combat and ensure that the weapon complements your stats and build. Respec options exist later in the game if you want to adapt to a new playstyle centered around a unique weapon.
Farming Tips and Strategies
Increasing Item Discovery
To improve your chances of obtaining Somber Smithing Stones from enemies or chests, equip items and talismans that increase item discovery.
- Silver Scarab Talisman: Boosts item discovery.
- Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot: Temporarily increases drop rate when farming.
Use these items while exploring areas known to contain Somber Smithing Stone [8] to maximize efficiency. Save scumming near Sites of Grace can help if you’re targeting specific farming enemies like miners or corpse-looters.
Spirit Summons Help
Areas with strong enemies guarding smithing stones can be cleared more easily by using Spirit Ashes. Strong summons like Lhutel, Mimic Tear, or Black Knife Tiche can draw aggro and deal high damage while you loot or strike safely.
Using the Stone: Smithing Process
To upgrade a weapon using Somber Smithing Stone [8], you must visit a blacksmith NPC or a smithing table. The primary NPC for advanced upgrades isSmithing Master Hewgat Roundtable Hold. Speak with him and choose the weapon you wish to upgrade. If you already have the weapon at +7 and possess the necessary runes, the upgrade to +8 will be available.
Each upgrade increases a weapon’s base damage, scaling bonuses, and overall effectiveness. At this level, the weapon becomes significantly more powerful, often unlocking a new level of PvE or PvP viability.
Somber Smithing Stone [8]is a critical upgrade material for players focused on unique and legendary weapons inElden Ring. Found in some of the most dangerous areas of the game including the Mountaintops of the Giants, Consecrated Snowfield, and Crumbling Farum Azula this item is both rare and powerful. Whether you find it through exploration, obtain it via Bell Bearings, or farm it with high discovery gear, the reward is a major power boost to your chosen weapon. Smart investment of these stones can define your combat experience, especially in the late game when challenges become tougher and your gear must match the intensity of the enemies ahead.