Upgrading weapons is one of the most crucial elements in Elden Ring, especially for players who favor special weapons that do not follow the standard upgrade paths. The Great Somber Smithing Stone plays a vital role in enhancing these unique armaments. It allows players to push their somber weapons to their final tier of power, making it a highly sought-after upgrade item. Knowing how to find and use the Great Somber Smithing Stone can significantly boost your effectiveness in late-game content and boss encounters.
What Is the Great Somber Smithing Stone?
The Great Somber Smithing Stone is a rare upgrade material used exclusively for special weapons that scale with Somber Smithing Stones rather than the regular ones. These weapons include unique boss drops, legendary armaments, and magical constructs that stand apart from standard swords, spears, and axes.
While regular Somber Smithing Stones upgrade special weapons from +1 to +9, the Great Somber Smithing Stone is the final piece, taking the weapon to +10. This single upgrade level can dramatically increase the weapon’s scaling, base damage, and overall utility, often unlocking its full potential.
Key Characteristics
- Used only for somber weapons at upgrade level +9.
- Can upgrade a weapon directly to +10.
- Extremely rare and usually found in high-level areas or through late-game activities.
- Cannot be purchased from normal vendors or blacksmiths.
Where to Find the Great Somber Smithing Stone
Due to its importance, the Great Somber Smithing Stone is not something you can easily farm or buy. Instead, it is placed in strategic, often dangerous, parts of the game to encourage exploration and risk-taking.
Top Locations
- Consecrated Snowfield: Found in late-game zones, this frosty and treacherous region often hides valuable loot. Players can discover a Great Somber Smithing Stone hidden behind tough enemies or deep in side dungeons.
- Miquella’s Haligtree: This optional area is one of the hardest in Elden Ring. Inside its twisting branches and hidden paths lies a Great Somber Smithing Stone, guarded by fierce enemies and challenging platforming.
- Endgame Boss Areas: Some versions of the stone are dropped by major bosses or located in their arenas after victory. These rewards ensure you can immediately power up the unique weapon you earned from their Remembrances.
- Hidden Chests: Look for well-concealed chests at the end of secret pathways or near legendary enemy encounters. Some chests contain powerful items like the Great Somber Smithing Stone to reward determined explorers.
How to Use the Great Somber Smithing Stone
Once you have acquired the Great Somber Smithing Stone, you will need to bring it to a blacksmith who can handle advanced upgrades. The best option is usually Smithing Master Hewg, located in the Roundtable Hold. He is capable of upgrading somber weapons to +10.
Steps for Upgrading
- Ensure your weapon is at +9 using previous Somber Smithing Stones.
- Speak to Hewg at the Roundtable Hold or another eligible blacksmith.
- Select the weapon you want to upgrade to +10.
- Use the Great Somber Smithing Stone to complete the enhancement.
Once upgraded, the weapon reaches its full stats, which often means significantly better scaling with Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, or Faith depending on the weapon’s type. This can change your entire build’s efficiency and damage output.
Best Weapons to Upgrade with Great Somber Smithing Stone
Not every weapon deserves your only Great Somber Smithing Stone, especially since you may only find one or two during a normal playthrough. Choosing the right weapon to upgrade is critical. Focus on those that scale exceptionally well and offer powerful skills or spells.
Recommended Choices
- Moonveil Katana: Known for its Intelligence scaling and Moonlight Slash skill, this weapon becomes devastating at +10.
- Blasphemous Blade: With life-stealing properties and great scaling, it’s one of the best Faith-based greatswords.
- Rivers of Blood: Extremely effective for bleed builds, and even more dangerous at max level.
- Dark Moon Greatsword: Ideal for spellblade builds due to its magic buffs and scaling.
- Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear: Excellent for crowd control and bleed-focused builds in PvP or PvE.
Whichever weapon you choose, make sure it aligns with your build’s primary stats and combat style. It’s a major commitment, so plan accordingly.
Tips for Farming and Preparation
Although the Great Somber Smithing Stone can’t be farmed traditionally, players can still prepare for the opportunity by exploring thoroughly and completing late-game content. Here are some helpful tips:
- Explore every optional area: Places like Mohgwyn Palace, Haligtree, and Crumbling Farum Azula often hide rare items.
- Defeat secret bosses: Many secret or optional bosses reward powerful items, including upgrade materials.
- Use a map tracker or checklist: Keeping track of where you’ve been can help ensure you don’t miss any high-value chests.
- Invest in a balanced build: Before committing to an upgrade, make sure your stats support the weapon at its highest tier.
Late-Game Impact of +10 Somber Weapons
A +10 somber weapon can carry you through New Game+, high-level invasions, and the toughest dungeons. Their increased power not only helps you dispatch enemies faster but also gives you confidence in tackling new and challenging encounters. Many endgame bosses have high health pools, and a max-level somber weapon can reduce the time and effort required to beat them.
Furthermore, in PvP, having a +10 weapon ensures you’re competitive against other high-level players. Your attack power, poise damage, and skill effectiveness are all at their peak, giving you a clear edge in battle.
The Great Somber Smithing Stone is one of the most valuable upgrade materials in Elden Ring. It’s not just a tool it’s a milestone. Finding and using it can completely change your experience, opening up the full potential of a legendary weapon and making your build feel complete. Whether you’re chasing high DPS, unique effects, or legendary lore, this item ensures your favorite somber weapon performs at its absolute best. Seek it out carefully, use it wisely, and let your weapon become the symbol of your legacy across the Lands Between.