The Ancient Somber Smithing Stone is one of the most coveted upgrade materials in Elden Ring, allowing players to push their special weapons to the absolute limit. This rare resource can be the difference between a powerful weapon and a truly legendary one. As players progress deeper into the Lands Between, especially into late-game areas, knowing where to find this item and how to use it becomes essential for anyone seeking to maximize their build. With limited quantities available per playthrough, the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone becomes both a strategic asset and a valuable treasure for dedicated Tarnished warriors.
What Is the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone?
Overview and Purpose
The Ancient Somber Smithing Stone is a high-tier crafting item in Elden Ring used to upgrade special or unique weapons to their maximum level of +10. These are not the same as regular weapons, which use standard Smithing Stones up to +25. Instead, special weapons often gained from bosses or quest rewards require Somber Smithing Stones, culminating with the Ancient variant.
Because of their limited availability, each Ancient Somber Smithing Stone should be used with intention. Players typically reserve them for their most trusted weapons those with scaling, utility, or aesthetics that match their chosen playstyle.
Where to Find Ancient Somber Smithing Stones
Limited Locations
There are only a few Ancient Somber Smithing Stones available in a single playthrough of Elden Ring. These can often be found in hidden or high-level areas, so players should be thorough in their exploration. Below are some key locations:
- Miquella’s Haligtree: One can be found on a corpse in a secluded section of the Haligtree, one of the most dangerous areas in the game.
- Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree: This deep section of the Haligtree houses an Ancient Somber Smithing Stone hidden behind strong enemies and intricate platforming.
- Consecrated Snowfield: A reward for completing specific puzzles or defeating mini-bosses in this late-game snowy region.
- Mohgwyn Palace: After reaching this blood-soaked realm, players can acquire a stone by exploring certain remote paths or looting corpses guarded by powerful foes.
- Endgame Quests: Certain NPC quests, if completed fully, can reward an Ancient Somber Smithing Stone. These may involve characters like Millicent, Latenna, or others depending on the choices made.
Because there are so few per run, players must make difficult decisions about which weapon deserves this ultimate upgrade.
How to Use the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone
Upgrading Special Weapons
To use the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone, visit a blacksmith such as Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold. Once your somber weapon reaches +9, the Ancient stone becomes the next and final upgrade material required. You’ll notice that no runes are needed to complete the +10 upgrade; only the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone is required.
Choosing the Right Weapon
Because the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone is a one-time-use item, consider the following when deciding which weapon to upgrade:
- Does the weapon scale well with your chosen stats?
- Do you frequently use this weapon in PvP, PvE, or both?
- Is the weapon versatile enough for future builds or NG+ runs?
- Have you invested resources or Ashes of War into its moveset or synergy?
Many players choose to upgrade iconic weapons like the Blasphemous Blade, Moonveil, Rivers of Blood, or the Sacred Relic Sword depending on their playstyle and character stats.
Tips for Maximizing Value
Testing Before Committing
If you’re unsure which weapon deserves the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone, it’s a good idea to test multiple weapons at +9 before deciding. Try them out in different combat scenarios boss fights, invasions, or dungeons. You can compare their DPS, poise damage, or utility.
Planning Ahead for NG+
Since these stones are limited per playthrough, you might also plan to save one for New Game Plus. Some players prefer to collect all Ancient stones in their first playthrough and distribute them more freely in subsequent runs when they have a clearer understanding of their favorite builds.
Don’t Forget About Buffs
Upgrading a weapon to +10 is powerful, but combining it with the right talismans, buffs, and armor sets can amplify its effectiveness. When you invest your only Ancient Somber Smithing Stone, think holistically about your full loadout and how it supports the weapon’s strengths.
Notable Weapons Worthy of the Ancient Stone
Here are several fan-favorite weapons that many players find worthy of using the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone:
- Rivers of Blood: Dominates in bleed builds and has high versatility in both PvP and PvE.
- Moonveil: Perfect for Intelligence/Dexterity hybrids, with powerful ranged and melee options.
- Blasphemous Blade: Excellent for Strength/Faith builds and provides strong healing on kills.
- Eclipse Shotel: Bypasses shields and is a favorite in Faith builds focused on status effects.
- Hand of Malenia: High Dexterity scaling and stylish animations from one of the game’s toughest bosses.
Every weapon has its own identity, so use the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone to elevate a weapon that matches your character’s journey and theme.
Differences From Regular Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones
It’s easy to confuse the Ancient Somber Smithing Stone with the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. However, they are used for different weapon types:
- Ancient Somber Smithing Stone: Used to upgrade somber (unique) weapons to +10.
- Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone: Used to upgrade standard weapons to +25.
This distinction is critical when you’re deciding where to allocate your upgrade resources. Keep your inventory organized and double-check weapon types before applying your stone.
The Ancient Somber Smithing Stone is a precious item in Elden Ring, serving as the final step in empowering some of the game’s most unique and deadly weapons. Whether you’re slicing through enemies with Rivers of Blood or launching moonlight projectiles from Moonveil, upgrading to +10 ensures maximum effectiveness. With only a few stones available per run, careful planning, exploration, and commitment are key. Choose your weapon wisely, and the Lands Between will tremble before your ultimate might.