Redmane Castle is one of the most iconic and mysterious locations in Elden Ring. Perched on the cliffs of Caelid, it serves as a battleground, a fortress, and a lore-rich setting teeming with danger. For many players, this castle becomes a significant landmark, not only for its challenging encounters but also for its hidden rewards. Among these rewards is the elusive Somber Smithing Stone 5, a key upgrade material that allows enhancement of special weapons. Finding the Somber 5 in Redmane Castle can be tricky, especially for players unfamiliar with the layout or progression triggers. This guide dives deep into the details of Redmane Castle and how to locate Somber Smithing Stone 5 within its dangerous walls.
Understanding Redmane Castle
Location and Importance
Redmane Castle is situated in the southeastern corner of the Caelid region. It’s a massive structure that looms over the red skies and rot-blighted land, symbolizing the chaos that infects the region. The castle plays a central role in General Radahn’s festival and becomes accessible during various phases of the game. Because of its importance to the main questline and side quests, players often pass through here more than once.
How the Castle Changes Over Time
One of the unique features of Redmane Castle is its transformation throughout the game’s progression. Initially, the castle is filled with hostile enemies, ballistae, and guarded entrances. However, after triggering Radahn’s festival, the enemies are removed, and the castle takes on a ceremonial atmosphere with NPCs gathered in anticipation of the great battle. This change in state affects what you can find and where you can go, especially when looking for items like the Somber Smithing Stone 5.
What is Somber Smithing Stone 5?
Upgrade Function
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade special weapons typically those with unique scaling, skills, or origin. Unlike standard smithing stones, which require more pieces per level, Somber Stones are used one at a time for each tier, making each stone more precious. The Somber Smithing Stone 5 is crucial for pushing your favorite special weapon to +5, significantly increasing its damage and utility in battle.
When You’ll Need It
Most players seek out Somber Smithing Stone 5 between mid-game and late-game, especially after acquiring weapons like Moonveil, Wing of Astel, or the Hand of Malenia. Enhancing these weapons early gives a significant edge against tougher bosses. Redmane Castle offers an early opportunity to acquire this upgrade material if you know where to look.
Accessing Redmane Castle
Reaching the Location
To reach Redmane Castle, players should travel through Caelid’s southern areas, preferably from the Impassable Greatbridge Site of Grace. From here, teleportation through the portal at the bridge’s end can bring you directly into the castle, bypassing the dangerous outer sections. This is particularly useful for early access before Radahn’s festival begins.
Exploring the Castle Before and After Radahn
If you enter Redmane Castle before triggering the Radahn festival, expect a fully populated fortress. Soldiers, misbegotten creatures, and traps are placed throughout. However, once you advance through Ranni’s questline or meet certain conditions, the festival activates. Most enemies disappear, and a new set of NPCs appears. This change also affects access to certain areas, which is important when trying to find the Somber 5 stone.
Finding Somber Smithing Stone 5 in Redmane Castle
Exact Location Details
The Somber Smithing Stone 5 is located in a side section of the castle that becomes more accessible once Radahn has been defeated and the castle resets to its original hostile state. After the festival ends and you return to Redmane Castle, enemies respawn in various areas. At this point, explore the side buildings and towers you may have previously ignored.
To locate the stone:
- Return to Redmane Castle after defeating Radahn.
- From the Chamber Outside the Plaza Site of Grace, head through the courtyard filled with enemies.
- Look for a small ladder or staircase leading up to a rooftop with wooden scaffolding.
- Search around the rooftop and ledges; the Somber Smithing Stone 5 is typically found inside a corpse lying on wooden beams or near a chest guarded by a strong enemy.
Be cautious while exploring, as the area contains dogs, Misbegotten, and crossbow enemies that can ambush you. Use ranged attacks or stealth tactics to clear them safely.
Alternate Method: Loot Post-Festival
If you’re exploring Redmane Castle after Radahn’s defeat, you may also find the Somber 5 in the area where the lions and other tougher enemies reappear. Search behind the castle towers and along the broken battlements. Certain enemies may also drop rare upgrade materials, making this a worthwhile location to farm.
Tips for Navigating Redmane Castle
Use of Spirit Summons
Spirit Ashes can be incredibly helpful when re-clearing the castle after Radahn. Summons like Lone Wolf, Lhutel the Headless, or Banished Knight Oleg can take aggro off you while you loot and explore. Just be sure you’re within summoning range, typically near larger open spaces or boss gate areas.
Check All Corners
Redmane Castle has verticality and hidden nooks that many players overlook. Always scan rooftops, broken staircases, and behind towers. Look for messages left by other players hinting at secret paths or jump spots.
Rest After Each Battle
The enemies here hit hard. Don’t hesitate to backtrack to a nearby Site of Grace after clearing a challenging section. Resetting your flasks and healing gives you a better chance at survival as you continue your search for upgrade materials like the Somber Smithing Stone 5.
Why This Stone Matters
Boosting Weapon Potential
Upgrading a unique weapon to +5 is a substantial leap in power. Whether you’re using a katana, colossal sword, or arcane-based dagger, this upgrade gives you an edge against mid-game bosses and PvP opponents. The difference in damage output, scaling, and skill potency becomes obvious the moment you equip the improved version.
Preparing for Late-Game Content
Once you’ve defeated Radahn and explored more of Nokron or other underground areas, the difficulty curve spikes. Enemies become tankier and more aggressive. A +5 special weapon helps even the odds and allows you to deal with threats more efficiently, especially when facing multiple enemies or engaging in boss battles where timing and burst damage are critical.
Redmane Castle holds many secrets, and one of its most valuable treasures is the Somber Smithing Stone 5. Whether you’re exploring the area before the Radahn festival or returning afterward, knowing where to look and how to navigate the castle efficiently can reward you with one of the most important upgrade materials in Elden Ring. For players looking to push their favorite special weapon to the next level, this castle offers the opportunity if you’re brave enough to face its trials. With proper preparation and a sharp eye, you can claim this reward and grow stronger for the battles that lie ahead.