Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring often requires Somber Smithing Stones, essential crafting items used exclusively for enhancing unique gear. These stones differ from standard smithing stones and are used for weapons that typically scale more uniquely or have built-in special abilities. If you’re looking to maximize the potential of boss weapons, legendary finds, or other powerful tools, knowing how to buy Somber Smithing Stones becomes a key part of your progression. Fortunately, there are specific ways to gain access to these items through merchants and progression milestones.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
What Are Somber Smithing Stones?
Somber Smithing Stones are upgrade materials used to level up special weapons from +1 to +10. Unlike standard stones, which follow a tiered path (e.g., +1 to +25), Somber Stones require only one per upgrade level, simplifying the process. These stones are labeled from Somber Smithing Stone [1] to Somber Smithing Stone [10].
Why Are They Important?
Somber stones are necessary for enhancing weapons gained from boss souls, questlines, and special loot drops. These weapons often possess unique scaling or skills and cannot be upgraded with normal materials. Upgrading them significantly boosts damage output and overall performance.
Where to Buy Somber Smithing Stones
Roundtable Hold – Twin Maiden Husks
The main location for purchasing Somber Smithing Stones is the Twin Maiden Husks vendor at the Roundtable Hold. However, to unlock the ability to buy these stones, you need to locate and submit specific Bell Bearings.
Bell Bearings Required
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Unlocks Somber Stones [1] and [2]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Unlocks Somber Stones [3] and [4]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Unlocks Somber Stones [5] and [6]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]: Unlocks Somber Stones [7] and [8]
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5]: Unlocks Somber Stones [9]
After delivering each bell bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks, new Somber Stones become available for purchase using runes.
Bell Bearing Locations
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]
Found in the Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid. Defeat the boss at the end of the tunnel to receive this bearing. Once acquired, return to the Roundtable Hold and give it to the Twin Maiden Husks.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]
Located in the Altus Tunnel, within the Altus Plateau. Similar to the first bearing, you must defeat the boss within the tunnel to claim the item.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]
This one can be found in the Mountaintops of the Giants, specifically within the First Church of Marika or nearby dungeon areas depending on your path.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]
Located in the Crumbling Farum Azula zone. You may need to progress significantly in the main story to access this area. Search near the dragon temple or guarded towers for loot chests holding this item.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5]
Also in Crumbling Farum Azula, but deeper into the zone. Often found on a corpse near major bosses or hidden areas. Requires caution due to high-level enemies.
Buying Strategy and Rune Management
Stockpiling Runes
Somber Smithing Stones can be expensive, especially higher-tier ones. To ensure you have enough runes:
- Farm rune-rich zones like Mohgwyn Palace or Albinauric fields.
- Sell duplicate gear or unused weapons at merchants.
- Use Golden Runes from inventory to gain a quick rune boost when needed.
Cost Per Stone
The higher the Somber Stone level, the more it costs. For example:
- Somber [1] and [2]: Around 2,0004,000 runes
- Somber [5] and above: 10,000 runes or more
Be sure to plan your upgrades ahead of time to avoid wasting runes on weapons you may not continue using.
Alternative Sources of Somber Stones
Exploration and Loot
Before unlocking purchases, you can still find many Somber Smithing Stones by exploring:
- Crystal tunnels and mines often contain various stone tiers.
- Boss chests or named NPC drops occasionally include rare stones.
- Map exploration rewards and hidden alcoves may yield free upgrades.
Enemy Drops
Some enemies in later-game areas like Farum Azula or Mountaintops of the Giants drop Somber Stones. Use a high item discovery build to farm these enemies efficiently.
Merchant Traders
While the Roundtable Hold is the primary vendor, other merchants around the Lands Between occasionally offer Somber Smithing Stones in limited quantity:
- Isolated Merchant in Dragonbarrow
- Merchant in Nokron, Eternal City
These merchants are useful in the early or mid-game before all bell bearings are unlocked.
Efficient Weapon Upgrade Planning
Choosing the Right Weapon
Don’t waste Somber Smithing Stones on weapons you’re unsure about. Try weapons first before upgrading, especially since respec options are limited until mid-game.
Focus Upgrades
Due to their rarity and cost, focus on upgrading one or two core weapons that complement your build. Example strategies include:
- Faith builds: Upgrade Blasphemous Blade or Golden Order Greatsword
- Dexterity builds: Try Moonveil or Hand of Malenia
- Strength builds: Upgrade Ruins Greatsword or Dragon Slayer’s Cragblade
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Forgetting to turn in Bell Bearings at Roundtable Hold
- Spending stones on non-scaling weapons
- Neglecting rune economy and running short during upgrades
- Wasting stones on similar-tier weapons for testing rather than committing to one
Endgame Considerations
Access to Somber Stone [10]
Final upgrade stones are rare. Somber Stone [10] is often found in high-end dungeons, like near final bosses or on endgame corpses. These are not purchasable through vendors, even with bell bearings so save them wisely.
Backup Weapons
In NG+ or late-game PvP, upgrading backup weapons with Somber Stones may become necessary. Focus on versatility and countering enemy builds.
Knowing how to buy Somber Smithing Stones in Elden Ring is crucial for fully upgrading your special weapons. By locating and submitting the correct Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold, you unlock the ability to purchase stones up to level 9. With planning, exploration, and strategic investment, you’ll power up your weapons and dominate tougher challenges across the Lands Between. Be sure to manage your rune economy, explore efficiently, and commit to weapons that truly suit your build. With the right preparation, your journey toward full weapon upgrades will be smoother and far more rewarding.