Somber Smithing Stones are essential resources in Elden Ring, allowing players to upgrade their unique and special weapons to higher levels of power. Unlike regular Smithing Stones, these are used specifically for boss weapons or unique armaments that cannot be upgraded using standard materials. Because these weapons often carry powerful effects and abilities, upgrading them to the maximum level becomes a critical part of many player builds. Finding a way to acquire unlimited Somber Smithing Stones changes the entire dynamic of weapon progression and allows for experimentation without fear of waste.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
What Makes Them Unique
Somber Smithing Stones are different from the regular stones used for most weapons. Instead of needing multiple stones for each level, players only require one Somber Smithing Stone per level of upgrade, from +1 to +10. However, they come in various tiers from Somber Smithing Stone [1] to Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone which are progressively harder to obtain.
Why Unlimited Access Matters
Without unlimited access, players must carefully choose which weapons to upgrade. In a game like Elden Ring, where experimentation is part of the fun, being locked out of upgrades due to limited materials is frustrating. Unlimited Somber Smithing Stones remove that limitation, enabling full customization of builds, trying different playstyles, and optimizing PvP or PvE performance.
How to Get Unlimited Somber Smithing Stones
Using Bell Bearings
The primary way to unlock unlimited access to certain tiers of Somber Smithing Stones is through Bell Bearings. These items can be given to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold. Once delivered, they allow you to purchase specific stones directly from the shop.
List of Important Bell Bearings
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [1]: Grants access to Somber Smithing Stones [1] and [2]. Found in Sellia Crystal Tunnel.
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]: Unlocks Somber Smithing Stones [3] and [4]. Acquired in the Altus Tunnel.
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [3]: Gives access to Stones [5] and [6]. Found in the First Church of Marika area.
- Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4]: Unlocks Stones [7] and [8]. Obtained from enemies in Haligtree or found in chests.
Unlimited Somber Smithing Stone [9] and [10]
Unfortunately, Somber Smithing Stone [9] is not technically unlimited through shops. However, it can be found in high quantities in endgame zones such as the Mountaintops of the Giants, Consecrated Snowfield, and Miquella’s Haligtree. The Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, used for the +10 upgrade, is the rarest and cannot be purchased. Still, players can obtain a limited number per playthrough through quest rewards and exploration.
Farming vs Purchasing
Efficient Routes for Stone Farming
If you haven’t unlocked Bell Bearings yet or want to save Runes, you can still farm some Somber Smithing Stones from enemies and mines. Places like Nokron Eternal City, Siofra River, and Caelid offer solid routes where higher-tier stones can be collected.
Rune Management for Purchases
Once Bell Bearings are turned in, purchasing becomes easy. However, some stones can cost thousands of Runes. Using Golden Scarabs, Rune farming areas like Mohgwyn Palace, or selling unused items can help maintain a steady supply of Runes for upgrades.
Optimizing Weapon Upgrades
Which Weapons Deserve Somber Upgrades
Some of the most powerful weapons in Elden Ring require Somber Smithing Stones. Here are a few favorites:
- Moonveil Katana: Deals both physical and magic damage with high bleed build-up.
- Blasphemous Blade: Excellent for Strength/Faith builds with life-stealing abilities.
- Dark Moon Greatsword: A classic weapon with magic scaling and frost buildup.
- Ruins Greatsword: Heavy and powerful, ideal for pure Strength users.
Because these weapons rely on Somber Stones, having an unlimited supply removes hesitation. You can try a new build without losing hours of resource farming.
Testing Multiple Builds
Unlimited Somber Smithing Stones also allow for extensive testing across different classes. You can upgrade a heavy weapon for PvP duels, a fast magical weapon for PvE exploration, and a utility weapon for boss fights without needing to commit to just one. It adds freedom and flexibility to the RPG aspect of Elden Ring.
Cheats and Mods (Optional for PC Players)
Offline Solutions
While not endorsed officially, PC players can use mods or save editors to add unlimited Somber Smithing Stones to their inventories. This is recommended only for offline use to avoid bans or server issues. Tools like Cheat Engine or modded save files can inject any quantity of upgrade materials instantly.
New Game Plus Benefits
After completing the game, starting a New Game Plus allows players to keep Bell Bearings and items. You can farm more Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones and access previously locked areas faster. With multiple playthroughs, your inventory will naturally accumulate enough stones for all future builds.
Tips for Maximizing Efficiency
Don’t Waste Somber Stones on Low-Tier Weapons
Some early-game weapons, while cool, don’t scale well into the late game. It’s better to use your Somber Smithing Stones on weapons with endgame potential. Look for weapons with high stat scaling, unique abilities, or compatibility with your build.
Use Spirit Ashes in Parallel
Upgraded weapons shine brightest when paired with strong summons. Use your unlimited stones to boost both your damage and survivability. Focus on building a full combat system that complements your main weapon’s strengths.
Unlimited Somber Smithing Stones are a game-changer in Elden Ring. They open up the opportunity to explore builds without the fear of wasting rare materials. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned Tarnished planning your fifth character, unlocking the Bell Bearings and managing Runes smartly can make this resource effectively infinite. You can push your weapons to their full potential, take on optional bosses with new strategies, and experience everything the game has to offer from multiple perspectives. In a world as rich and punishing as Elden Ring, that kind of freedom is priceless.