Update: We’ve enhanced our guide with interactive maps showcasing the locations of all Smithing Stones in both Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree.

Maximize Your Weapons in Elden Ring and Shadow of the Erdtree with Smithing Stones

If you’ve been delving into Elden Ring, FromSoftware’s expansive RPG, you may have realized that neglecting weapon upgrades using Smithing Stones can lead to dire consequences during your journey. This is equally applicable for the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, which offers an abundance of Smithing Stones as you explore the Realm of Shadow.

Before you resort to grinding lower-tier enemies for Runes to level up your character, consider a more effective strategy: focus on weapon enhancements. In Elden Ring, your success doesn’t hinge solely on character level but rather on the strength of your weapons. Upgrade your arsenal to elevate your damage output significantly.

Upgrading Weapons in Elden Ring

The process for upgrading weapons in Elden Ring is straightforward, relying on just two types of items: Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. As you progress, higher upgrade tiers will be required for your weapons, with lower tiers being more accessible and common among the game’s myriad resources.

The merchant Kale, located at the Church of Elleh near the game’s beginning, offers a smithing table capable of upgrading your weapon up to plus three. Beyond this, Master Hewg, a blacksmith encountered later, can continue the journey of enhancement, provided you possess the requisite Smithing Stones.

You can quickly determine the materials needed for any weapon upgrade via the ‘Strengthen Armaments‘ option in the menu, which also requires a small fee in Runes for each enhancement. Normal weapons can be upgraded up to a remarkable +25, while special weapons are capped at +10.

In total, there are nine tiers of Smithing Stones and ten tiers of Somber Smithing Stones, denoted by brackets (e.g., Smithing Stone [1], [2], etc.).Each type of stone grants different levels of weapon upgrades, with some Smithing Stones offering a three-level boost, while Somber Smithing Stones typically grant just one.

Smithing Stone Upgrade Guide

Here’s a breakdown of how each Smithing Stone impacts normal weapon upgrades:

  • Smithing Stone [1] – +5
  • Smithing Stone [2] – +6
  • Smithing Stone [3] – +9
  • Smithing Stone [4] – +12
  • Smithing Stone [5] – +15
  • Smithing Stone [6] – +18
  • Smithing Stone [7] – +21
  • Smithing Stone [8] – +24
  • Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone – +25

Somber Smithing Stone Upgrade Guide

Similarly, here’s how Somber Smithing Stones affect special weapon upgrades:

  • Somber Smithing Stone [1] – +1
  • Somber Smithing Stone [2] – +2
  • Somber Smithing Stone [3] – +3
  • Somber Smithing Stone [4] – +4
  • Somber Smithing Stone [5] – +5
  • Somber Smithing Stone [6] – +6
  • Somber Smithing Stone [7] – +7
  • Somber Smithing Stone [8] – +8
  • Somber Smithing Stone [9] – +9
  • Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone – +10

Elden Ring Smithing Stone Locations

To facilitate your quest for Smithing Stones, we’ve included an interactive map displaying their locations throughout The Lands Between:

Throughout Elden Ring, limited quantities of Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones can be discovered as rare loot. Additionally, you can purchase upgrade materials from merchants after locating specific “Bell Bearings”scattered across the world.

By giving Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold, you unlock the ability to buy endless supplies of the associated Smithing Stones. There are two primary types of Bell Bearings: the Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing and the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing, each linked to different tiers of upgrades.

For instance, obtaining Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] allows for the purchase of Smithing Stones [1] and [2], while Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5] facilitates the acquisition of Somber Smithing Stones [9].Additionally, Smithing Master Iji, found west of Liurnia of the Lakes, provides unlimited access to Somber Smithing Stone [1] & [2] and limited supplies of [3] & [4].

Locating Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearings

Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]

You can acquire the Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [1] by defeating the Crystalian boss at the end of the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel. This area is located east of the East Raya Lucaria Gate, at the cliffs on the northeastern shores.

The battle involves breaking the Crystalian’s super armor for significant damage; using jumping heavy attacks and charged strikes will aid your success.

Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]

The Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [2] is tucked away in the Sealed Tunnel, located east of the Altus Plateau. Unlike the previous Bell Bearing, you won’t encounter bosses here; it’s found inside a chest and accessible after breaking an illusory wall and navigating through some wooden obstacles.

Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]

This Bell Bearing can be located in the Zamor Ruins at the Mountaintop of the Giants. Proceed through to a small church where a staircase will lead you to its chest.

Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]

Smithing Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] drops from a compulsory boss in Crumbling Farum Azula, encountered after progressing the storyline past the Dragon Temple Site of Grace.

Path to Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings

Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]

Venture through the Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid to defeat a Fallingstar Beast, earning you the first Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing.

Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]

For Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2], explore the Altus Tunnel, where you will face off against the Crystalian Spear and Ringblade combo.

Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]

Located at the First Church of Marika, this bell bearing can be acquired without any boss fights by simply gathering it from a corpse.

Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]

Explore the Tempest-Facing Balcony in Crumbling Farum Azula to find this Bell Bearing next to another corpse.

Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5]

This one is found at the Beside the Great Bridge Site of Grace, concealed amongst foes while you parkour through the area.

Farming Smithing Stones in Elden Ring

Now that you have a reliable way to procure Smithing Stones, consider farming Runes to buy what you need regularly. However, remember that the ultimate upgrades, including Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, must still be sought out in the wild.

The Elden Ring world is rich with mines and tunnels, perfect for finding Smithing Stones. These small dungeons are home to numerous miners and loot, with a plethora of resources hidden behind breakable barriers. Explore thoroughly, as the resources you discover will not respawn, allowing for repeated exploration at your own pace.

Smithing Stones in Shadow of the Erdtree

For players diving into the Shadow of the Erdtree DLC, we’ve provided an interactive map pinpointing all Smithing Stone locations:

  • Ruined Lava Forge Intake – east of Castle Ensis.
  • Belurat Gaol – west of the lake in Gravesite Plain.
  • Dragon’s Pit – along the lower path full of dragon statues near Castle Ensis.
  • Bonny Gaol – accessible via Moorth Ruins.
  • Taylew’s Ruined Forge – Ancient Ruins of Rauh.
  • Lamenter’s Gaol – in Hidden Charo’s Grave.

Consider checking these areas to gather your Smithing Stones, while also keeping an eye out for drops from mobs.

Our comprehensive guide provides additional resources to assist on your journey, including strategies for challenging boss fights and gathering legendary spells. For dedicated players, our detailed Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones guide will further aid you in upgrading your gear.

Source & Images

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