Deep beneath the Lands Between lies Nokstella, the Eternal City, a hauntingly beautiful location inElden Ringwhere ancient secrets and powerful resources await discovery. Among the many treasures hidden in its depths, one of the most coveted is theSomber Smithing Stone 7. This rare upgrade material is essential for strengthening special weapons beyond their standard limits. Finding it in Nokstella can be tricky due to the city’s intricate structure, formidable enemies, and hidden pathways. However, with the right guidance and preparation, acquiring this stone can be a smooth and rewarding part of your journey.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stone 7
Why It Matters
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade unique or special weapons typically those that scale with rare stats, deal magic or holy damage, or come with powerful weapon arts. Unlike regular smithing stones, which require multiple shards per upgrade, somber stones are used one at a time for each level, from +1 to +10.
The Somber Smithing Stone 7 is crucial because it allows you to push a weapon to +7, a substantial leap in damage and scaling potential. Whether you’re wielding Moonveil, the Blasphemous Blade, or any other legendary armament, reaching +7 can significantly increase your combat effectiveness in both PvE and PvP.
Nokstella as a Farming Location
Nokstella is not the only location where you can find Somber Smithing Stone 7, but it is one of the more reliable and lore-rich areas to search. Many players miss these stones simply because the city can be overwhelming to navigate. Its multi-level layout and enemy placements often distract players from key side paths and hidden corpses holding valuable loot.
How to Reach Nokstella
Progress Through Ranni’s Questline
To access Nokstella, you’ll need to follow Ranni the Witch’s quest. This multi-part storyline opens up Nokstella after completing several steps:
- Meet Ranni at Ranni’s Rise in Liurnia of the Lakes
- Serve her and complete her initial quests
- Defeat Baleful Shadow in Ainsel River Main
- Receive the discarded palace key and unlock the chest in Renna’s Rise
- Continue through the Ainsel River to reach Nokstella
This path ensures that players explore the interconnected underworld beneath the Lands Between and reach Nokstella at a narrative-appropriate moment.
Prepare for the Area
Enemies in Nokstella hit hard, and many can deal magic or lightning damage. Bring weapons upgraded to at least +6, wear armor with strong elemental resistance, and carry plenty of healing items. Torrent is unavailable here, so foot-based combat is unavoidable.
Locations of Somber Smithing Stone 7 in Nokstella
First Accessible Corpse
Once you enter Nokstella and reach the first Site of Grace, head down the wide staircase flanked by giant statues. You’ll encounter silver tear enemies and magical ball traps. Stick to the left, and you’ll find a corpse resting near a broken railing overlooking the river. Loot it to obtain one Somber Smithing Stone 7.
Hidden Alcove Beneath a Platform
Further into Nokstella, after battling through multiple waves of enemies, you’ll reach a large open courtyard guarded by two mimic tears and several spectral spellcasters. Look to the far right corner and drop down carefully to a lower ledge. Follow the path until you reach a small alcove behind a waterfall. Here, a corpse holds another Somber Smithing Stone 7.
Chest Guarded by a Nox Monk
In one of the upper levels of Nokstella, you’ll find a narrow hallway patrolled by a Nox Monk wielding a magical whip. This enemy can be tricky due to its reach and speed, so defeat it carefully. Behind it sits a chest containing a Somber Smithing Stone 7. Beware of magical traps in the area many of the orbs in Nokstella can shoot tracking lightning.
Tips for Farming and Efficiency
Clearing the Area Methodically
While it’s tempting to rush toward treasure, Nokstella punishes haste. Clear enemies as you go, paying close attention to ranged attackers hidden on balconies or rooftops. Use spells or bows to snipe them from a distance when possible. Clearing the area helps ensure that you can loot safely without being ambushed.
Return After Boss Fight
After defeating the Baleful Shadow and advancing further into Ranni’s quest, new sections of Nokstella open up. Return afterward to find additional loot and enemy placements. Some corpses and items only appear after certain triggers have been met in the questline.
Spirit Ashes and Summoning
You can summon Spirit Ashes in Nokstella. Using tanky or crowd-control-oriented summons like Lhutel the Headless or Oleg can help keep enemies occupied while you explore. This is especially helpful when dealing with multiple silver tears or magical automatons.
Other Uses and Upgrades
Ideal Weapons to Upgrade with Somber Smithing Stone 7
If you’re holding on to a Somber Smithing Stone 7 and unsure what to use it on, consider the following weapons that greatly benefit from upgrades at this tier:
- Moonveil: Gains higher INT scaling and enhanced weapon art damage.
- Rivers of Blood: Boosts bleed buildup and makes Corpse Piler even deadlier.
- Dark Moon Greatsword: Improved charge damage and projectile scaling.
- Wing of Astel: Faster light attack speed with higher INT damage.
These weapons are often used in both PvE and PvP, so upgrading them can significantly impact your overall build performance.
Combining with Bell Bearings
Eventually, players can access Somber Smithing Stone 7 through Twin Maiden Husks by offering the correct bell bearings. However, this often happens late in the game. Until then, scavenging from locations like Nokstella remains the best source. Farming in these natural environments also helps you discover hidden lore and uncover the deeper mysteries of the Eternal City.
Nokstella is one of the most atmospheric and rewarding locations inElden Ring, filled with danger, intrigue, and rare materials. Tracking down aSomber Smithing Stone 7here not only advances your power curve but also immerses you deeper into the game’s rich underground world. Whether you’re upgrading a legendary weapon or just exploring every hidden nook, Nokstella has much to offer for the persistent player. Make your way through the haunting ruins, claim your upgrade material, and bring your weapons one step closer to their full potential.