Progressing through the treacherous world ofElden Ringoften means upgrading your weapons to face tougher enemies and bosses. One of the key materials used for upgrading special weapons is the Somber Smithing Stone 6. Unlike standard smithing stones, somber stones are specifically used to enhance unique weapons, such as those gained from boss remembrances or found in legendary chests. Somber Smithing Stone 6 marks a mid-to-late-game upgrade level that boosts these powerful weapons to +6, offering a noticeable improvement in damage output and scaling. Knowing where to find these stones and how to use them effectively is essential for building a strong character.
What Is Somber Smithing Stone 6?
Purpose and Use
Somber Smithing Stones are used exclusively for upgrading special weapons those that typically cannot be infused with Ashes of War or modified with scaling changes. These weapons upgrade along a linear path, with Somber Smithing Stone 6 being the required material to upgrade from +5 to +6. This level of enhancement usually represents a significant power increase and is important for keeping your gear effective as enemy difficulty increases across areas such as Altus Plateau, Mountaintops of the Giants, and beyond.
Upgrading to +6 often unlocks higher scaling and enhanced passive effects, such as bleed, frost, or magic damage. You’ll need to visit a blacksmith such as Smithing Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold to use these stones.
Locations to Find Somber Smithing Stone 6
Early Access Areas (If Exploring Thoroughly)
While this upgrade level is designed for mid-to-late game, skilled or curious players can find Somber Smithing Stone 6 earlier than expected by thoroughly exploring optional zones or defeating high-level enemies in hidden locations. However, the primary and most reliable sources for this material begin appearing consistently in later zones.
Altus Plateau
Altus Plateau marks a turning point in the game’s progression and begins to offer a more consistent supply of Somber Smithing Stone 6. Some locations to explore include:
- Sealed Tunnel: This hidden dungeon near the Leyndell entrance contains several somber stones, including level 6, often guarded by tough enemies or illusions.
- Windmill Village: Defeat the enemies and explore side paths to find somber stones in corpses and chests.
Mt. Gelmir
This region is dangerous but filled with rewards for the brave. Somber Smithing Stone 6 can be found in various nooks and guarded by monsters like Kindred of Rot. Key spots include:
- Gelmir Hero’s Grave: A high-risk dungeon with chariots and flame traps, but it offers somber stones in several places.
- Volcano Manor quests: Completing contracts and exploring the manor can lead to access points with valuable upgrade stones.
Mountaintops of the Giants
This is a later-game zone, and Somber Smithing Stone 6 becomes more common here. Look for:
- Yelough Anix Tunnel: A dedicated mine with many smithing stones and several of somber level 6.
- Corpse Stashes: Search the ruins and cliff edges for glowing corpses holding upgrade materials.
Nokron, Eternal City
Unlocked after defeating Starscourge Radahn, Nokron offers a treasure trove of rare materials. The ruined city contains several Somber Smithing Stone 6 in chests and guarded alcoves.
Selling Merchants
Eventually, you can unlock the ability to purchase Somber Smithing Stone 6 from Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold. To do this, you must acquire and deliver theSomberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3], typically found in the Mountaintops of the Giants.
Once delivered, Somber Smithing Stone 6 will become available for purchase using runes, making future upgrades more convenient and repeatable.
How to Use Somber Smithing Stone 6 Effectively
Upgrade Process
To use the stone, visit any capable blacksmith, such as Smithing Master Hewg. The upgrade process is simple:
- Open the enhancement menu.
- Select your special weapon already at +5.
- Ensure you have a Somber Smithing Stone 6 and enough runes.
- Apply the upgrade to reach +6.
This step is essential for improving the base stats, scaling, and passive effects of your weapon. Each level has a significant impact, especially on weapons that deal elemental or status damage.
Best Weapons to Upgrade with Somber Smithing Stone 6
Here are a few strong weapons worth upgrading with Somber Smithing Stone 6:
- Moonveil Katana: Excellent for bleed builds and magic damage scaling. At +6, it becomes even deadlier for both PvP and PvE.
- Blasphemous Blade: This Greatsword restores HP on kills and scales well with Faith. Upgrading improves both physical and fire damage output.
- Wing of Astel: A curved sword with cosmic damage and unique heavy attacks, scaling strongly with Intelligence.
Using the stone on a well-matched weapon can make a noticeable difference in difficult battles, especially in areas like Haligtree or Crumbling Farum Azula.
Tips for Farming and Collecting
Farm Enemies That Drop Stones
Though less common than other materials, some enemies in late-game areas drop Somber Smithing Stone 6. Focus on:
- Mining enemies in tunnels like Sealed Tunnel or Yelough Anix.
- Treasure beetles in hidden areas or cliffsides.
Equip items that boost item discovery to increase your chances of getting them from drops.
Use the Map and Mark Known Locations
Since Elden Ring’s world is vast and easy to get lost in, use map markers to keep track of discovered somber stone locations. Some players forget the exact spots where they saw glowing loot, and this method helps track them for future visits or alt characters.
Importance of Somber Smithing Stone 6
Maintaining Combat Strength
As enemy health pools increase in later regions, keeping your weapon upgraded ensures you stay effective. A +5 special weapon may begin to feel underpowered, especially against bosses in Haligtree, Mountaintops, or late-game Evergaols. Upgrading to +6 helps avoid falling behind the game’s difficulty curve.
Completing Builds and Strategies
Many player builds are dependent on fully upgrading specific legendary weapons. Reaching +6 is a key benchmark in getting the most out of your chosen gear, whether you’re focusing on magic, bleed, strength, or hybrid builds.
Somber Smithing Stone 6 is a vital material inElden Ring, allowing players to power up their unique weapons and maintain competitiveness throughout the game’s most brutal sections. Found primarily in Altus Plateau, Mountaintops of the Giants, Nokron, and other late-game regions, these stones offer great value and are worth hunting down. Once you obtain Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3], purchasing becomes even easier, ensuring your favorite weapons can always be upgraded when needed. Whether you’re wielding Moonveil, Blasphemous Blade, or another powerful tool of destruction, upgrading it to +6 is a meaningful step on your journey across the Lands Between.