Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring requires a specific type of material: the somber smithing stone. These rare and valuable items are crucial for improving unique armaments that scale differently from regular gear. Unlike standard smithing stones, which are commonly found or bought in bulk, somber smithing stones are tied to powerful weapons and limited resources. Many players turn to merchants to find a steady supply, but locating the right merchant selling somber smithing stones can be a challenge across the vast world of the Lands Between. Understanding where to buy them, how the system works, and which merchant stock is tied to progression is essential for optimizing any build focused on special gear.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
What Makes Them Different?
Somber smithing stones are used exclusively to upgrade special or unique weapons such as boss weapons, weapons with innate abilities, or those found from questlines or hidden areas. Unlike regular weapons that require multiple stones per level, these stones allow upgrades with just one per level, from Somber Smithing Stone [1] up to [10]. This means players need a diverse range of stone levels, each growing rarer and more valuable as the weapon approaches its max level.
Because of their scarcity and their importance in building powerful characters, somber smithing stones are one of the most sought-after materials in the game. Fortunately, several merchants throughout Elden Ring provide a way to acquire them either through direct purchase or via bell bearings that unlock merchant stock.
Key Merchants Selling Somber Smithing Stones
Early Game: Smithing Master Iji
One of the first merchants that players might encounter who sells somber smithing stones is Smithing Master Iji. Located in northwest Liurnia of the Lakes, near the Road to the Manor Site of Grace, Iji is a reliable and friendly giant blacksmith. He initially sells a limited quantity of Somber Smithing Stone [1] and [2], but he also upgrades special weapons and offers lore and context about the region.
- Location: Road to the Manor, Liurnia of the Lakes
- Stones sold: Somber Smithing Stone [1], [2]
- Benefits: Early access to basic somber stones, no requirement to complete any quests
Mid-Game: Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold
The Twin Maiden Husks are a central merchant found at the Roundtable Hold. While they don’t sell somber smithing stones by default, you can give them specific bell bearings to unlock a wide variety of items, including somber stones. These bell bearings are dropped by specific enemies or found in dangerous locations, but once collected, they greatly expand the selection available for purchase.
- Location: Roundtable Hold
- Unlock method: Give Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing items
- Progression: Each bell bearing unlocks a new tier of somber smithing stones
Late Game: Merchants and Bell Bearings
As players progress toward the later regions of the game, they can find additional somberstone miner’s bell bearings that grant access to higher-tier somber smithing stones. These are often guarded by powerful enemies, tucked away in dangerous caves, or held by mini-bosses in the overworld. Turning in these items to the Twin Maiden Husks allows players to purchase Somber Smithing Stones [3] through [9], and eventually even [10], depending on the bell bearing.
One of the most important milestones is acquiring the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5], which unlocks the ability to buy Somber Smithing Stone [9] necessary for pushing a weapon to +9 before hunting for the rare [10] stone. This makes bell bearings a key part of the merchant and upgrade system.
Where to Find Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings
Tiered Bell Bearings and Their Locations
Each somberstone miner’s bell bearing corresponds to a tier of stone, and finding them will determine what is available for purchase from the Twin Maiden Husks. Here’s a breakdown of where to locate each:
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Found in Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Dropped by a boss in the Sealed Tunnel near Leyndell
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Located in the Zamor Ruins in the Mountaintops of the Giants
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]: Found in the Haligtree area, one of the most challenging regions
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5]: Located in the final zones, often protected by high-tier enemies
Once obtained, return to the Roundtable Hold and give these to the Twin Maiden Husks to permanently unlock their associated somber smithing stones for purchase.
Why Use Merchants Instead of Farming?
Time vs. Consistency
While farming enemies, opening chests, or exploring optional dungeons may yield a few somber smithing stones, relying on merchants is far more efficient for players who want to control their weapon upgrades. The bell bearing system allows consistent purchasing, meaning you don’t have to rely on RNG or enemy drops.
In late-game scenarios, when players often want to test multiple weapons or shift builds, having guaranteed access to somber smithing stones is a major advantage. This consistency is especially valuable in New Game+ or challenge runs where preparation is key.
Strategies for Efficient Stone Acquisition
How to Maximize Your Progress
- Explore thoroughly to find all somberstone miner’s bell bearings early
- Prioritize quests or dungeons where bearings are known to drop
- Check each merchant’s inventory after major story progress to see if new items appear
- Keep a weapon path in mind to avoid wasting high-tier stones on experimental gear
Additionally, some NPCs will mention or hint at locations of bell bearings or somber stones. Listening to their dialogue or following their questlines may lead you to valuable merchant opportunities or rare finds hidden across the map.
Merchants that sell somber smithing stones are vital in Elden Ring for players looking to upgrade their special weapons effectively. From early sources like Smithing Master Iji to the expansive offerings of the Twin Maiden Husks via bell bearings, knowing where and how to access these materials can dramatically improve your progression. Whether you’re wielding a colossal boss weapon or a legendary blade found deep in a dungeon, upgrading with somber smithing stones ensures you stay competitive in both PvE and PvP. Make the most of every merchant, explore carefully, and take advantage of every upgrade opportunity as you journey across the Lands Between.