In the vast and punishing world ofElden Ring, weapons are more than tools they’re survival. Every strike, dodge, and counter relies on a weapon that suits your build and feels right in your hands. While regular weapons can be upgraded using Smithing Stones, the game introduces a different type of upgrade material for special armaments: Somber Smithing Stones. These rare and essential items allow you to strengthen unique weapons that often come from legendary bosses, quests, or sacred ruins. Knowing how to use Somber Smithing Stones effectively can make all the difference in your journey across the Lands Between.
What Are Somber Smithing Stones?
Understanding the Item
Somber Smithing Stones are a specialized resource inElden Ringused to upgrade special armaments. These weapons typically include boss drops, unique loot, and magical armaments that cannot be enhanced through regular Smithing Stones. Each Somber Smithing Stone is labeled by level, from Somber Smithing Stone [1] through Somber Smithing Stone [10], corresponding to upgrade levels +1 through +10.
Differences from Regular Smithing Stones
Unlike standard weapons that require multiple stones per upgrade level, special weapons using Somber Smithing Stones only require one stone per tier. This streamlined process offers a more linear path, but each stone is rarer and harder to come by. It’s crucial to choose wisely when applying these valuable resources.
Where to Find Somber Smithing Stones
Exploration and Looting
Somber Smithing Stones can be found throughout the game world. They often appear:
- In chests deep within dungeons or legacy dungeons like Nokron or Siofra River
- On corpses in high-level zones such as Caelid, Mt. Gelmir, or Leyndell
- Near hidden or off-path locations that reward thorough exploration
Each tier of Somber Smithing Stone generally becomes available as players progress into more dangerous territory, with higher-tier stones tucked away behind tougher enemies and deeper mysteries.
Purchasing from Merchants
As you progress and collectSomberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings, you can unlock the ability to purchase various levels of Somber Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold. Each bell bearing corresponds to specific stone levels, so returning to Roundtable Hold regularly can open up new upgrade options.
How to Use Somber Smithing Stones
Upgrade Requirements
To use Somber Smithing Stones, you must:
- Have a special weapon that is eligible for somber upgrades
- Visit a blacksmith who can perform the upgrade
- Possess the correct level of Somber Smithing Stone for the desired upgrade
- Have sufficient Runes to cover the upgrade cost
The earliest blacksmith you’ll meet is Smithing Master Hewg, located at Roundtable Hold. He is capable of upgrading all weapons, including those requiring Somber Stones. Later, you may also find other NPCs who can perform upgrades, though Hewg is the most reliable and accessible.
Step-by-Step Upgrade Process
Here’s how to upgrade your special weapon using Somber Smithing Stones:
- Go to Roundtable Hold and speak with Smithing Master Hewg.
- Select Strengthen armament from the upgrade menu.
- Choose your special weapon from the list of eligible armaments.
- Check if you have the necessary Somber Smithing Stone level and enough Runes.
- Confirm the upgrade to enhance your weapon to the next level.
Repeat this process with progressively higher-level stones to reach the maximum upgrade of +10.
Which Weapons Use Somber Smithing Stones?
Special Armaments Explained
Any weapon labeled as a special armament or one that originates from Remembrances or unique quests will require Somber Smithing Stones. Some well-known examples include:
- Moonveil Katana
- Blasphemous Blade
- Rivers of Blood
- Dark Moon Greatsword
- Ruins Greatsword
These weapons typically come with powerful weapon skills, unique scaling, or magical effects, making them ideal for hybrid builds or themed runs. Since you can only upgrade them with Somber Stones, it’s important to be strategic in how you use each one.
Strategy for Using Somber Smithing Stones
Choose the Right Weapon
Because Somber Stones are limited, especially early in the game, prioritize upgrading weapons that:
- Suit your build’s primary stats (e.g., Intelligence, Dexterity, Faith)
- Have unique skills that complement your combat style
- Scale well with your current and future equipment
It’s easy to fall in love with a flashy weapon, but if it doesn’t scale with your build, it may underperform in the late game. Investing your first few Somber Smithing Stones should be a deliberate decision based on performance and synergy.
Balance Between Somber and Regular Weapons
Although special weapons are often stronger out of the gate, regular weapons upgraded with standard Smithing Stones can reach +25 and offer more flexibility in Ashes of War. Mixing your use of Somber and regular weapons can help you adapt to different enemy types and combat scenarios.
Farm Bell Bearings for Consistent Supply
Eventually, you’ll want to farm or locate all theSomberstone Miner’s Bell Bearingsso you can reliably buy stones up to level 9. Somber Smithing Stone [10] is the only one that cannot be purchased and must be found in the wild, so plan your path accordingly.
Upgrading Beyond Power
Weapon Skill Synergy
Many special weapons have built-in weapon skills that grow more effective as the weapon is upgraded. For example, Moonveil’s Transient Moonlight gains increased magic damage, and Rivers of Blood’s Corpse Piler can deal even more bleed buildup when enhanced. This makes Somber upgrades not just about raw damage, but skill enhancement as well.
PvP and PvE Considerations
In PvP, upgraded special weapons can quickly overwhelm unprepared foes, particularly those with high burst potential. In PvE, the right somber-upgraded weapon can trivialize certain boss fights or enemies, especially if matched to the opponent’s weaknesses. Weapons like the Blasphemous Blade, which heals you on kills, can provide passive sustainability during long dungeon runs or multi-phase bosses.
Tips for Managing Your Somber Stones
- Explore thoroughly to uncover hidden stones and Bell Bearings.
- Don’t rush to upgrade every new special weapon test them first.
- Upgrade one or two core weapons to +10, then diversify later.
- Save your Somber Smithing Stone [10] for a weapon you’ll use long-term.
Somber Smithing Stones are a vital part of upgrading special armaments inElden Ring. Their linear upgrade path and limited availability make them both powerful and precious. Understanding when and how to use them ensures your strongest weapons can keep pace with the game’s increasing difficulty. Whether you favor magic-infused blades or colossal boss weapons, Somber Smithing Stones allow you to unleash their full potential. As you progress through the Lands Between, wise management of your upgrade materials will turn a good build into a legendary one.