Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring requires more than just regular smithing stones. To enhance unique weapons, players need Somber Smithing Stones, and finding Somber Smithing Stone 3 can be crucial for pushing your favorite armament to higher levels of power. Knowing where to locate this particular tier of upgrade material can save you time and resources while ensuring your progress remains smooth. Whether you’re new to the game or simply optimizing your run, here’s a comprehensive guide to finding Somber Smithing Stone 3.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
Somber Smithing Stones are a special upgrade material used exclusively for unique or boss weapons. Unlike standard smithing stones that require multiple pieces per level, each upgrade tier for somber weapons requires just one stone per upgrade. Somber Smithing Stone 3 allows you to enhance a unique weapon to +3, significantly increasing its base stats and scaling potential.
Key Characteristics of Somber Smithing Stone 3
- Used for upgrading special or unique weapons to +3.
- Only one stone is required per upgrade level.
- Can be looted, purchased, or found in various regions across the Lands Between.
Best Locations to Farm Somber Smithing Stone 3
Siofra River
One of the earliest locations where players can find Somber Smithing Stone 3 is in the Siofra River region. After using the elevator in Mistwood, you’ll arrive at the underground zone. From here:
- Explore the cliffs and ruins to locate corpses holding loot.
- Watch out for strong enemies such as ancestral followers and electric wisps.
- A few stones can be found on bodies tucked along ledges and alcoves.
Siofra River is ideal for early to mid-game players looking to give their weapon an edge before harder zones.
Sellia Crystal Tunnel
Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid is another efficient place to farm Somber Smithing Stone 3. This area contains insectoid enemies and plenty of upgrade materials inside the mine.
- Defeat enemies that have a high drop rate for somber stones.
- Break glowing crystals found within the mine walls for potential drops.
- Be cautious of ambushes and high-damage enemies inside the tunnel.
This method is riskier due to Caelid’s difficulty spike but worth the reward if you’re confident in your combat skills.
Ainsel River
In Ainsel River, a few scattered Somber Smithing Stone 3s can be found while progressing through the area. These stones are typically found near corpse piles or near powerful foes.
- Explore every corner of the map to find hidden loot.
- Defeat certain enemies that drop the stones as loot.
- Be prepared for aggressive spirits and magic-based threats.
Ainsel River is another underground location with valuable upgrade materials, especially for magic builds.
Purchasing Somber Smithing Stone 3
Bell Bearing System
To make farming unnecessary, you can unlock the ability to buy Somber Smithing Stone 3 from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold.
To do this:
- Find and offer theSomberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2].
- This item can be located in the Sealed Tunnel in the Altus Plateau.
- Once offered, it unlocks the ability to purchase Somber Smithing Stones 3 and 4 with runes.
This is the most consistent method to acquire as many Somber Smithing Stones as needed, especially for players looking to upgrade multiple weapons without returning to farming spots.
Merchants and NPCs
While most merchants only sell lower-tier materials, some NPCs in specific regions may have one or two Somber Smithing Stones in their inventory.
- Check merchants in shaded or hidden parts of the world, especially in underground zones.
- Some may require progress in side quests to unlock their full inventory.
This is not a scalable method but can help in a pinch if you only need one stone to complete an upgrade.
Loot From Specific Areas
Nokron, Eternal City
After defeating Radahn and unlocking access to Nokron, players will gain entry into an area filled with valuable loot including Somber Smithing Stones.
- Explore rooftops, ledges, and ruins to find chests and corpses with stones.
- Some Somber Smithing Stone 3s are guarded by enemies or hidden in ruins.
Nokron is especially important because it leads to advanced weapons and upgrade resources, so make sure to fully explore this zone.
Mountaintops of the Giants
In late-game areas like the Mountaintops of the Giants, you will find more frequent occurrences of Somber Smithing Stone 3. Although other tiers are also available here, players can often backtrack and collect lower-tier stones as they go.
It’s best to use a horse or ranged abilities to navigate safely through this dangerous region.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Use Item Discovery Buffs
When farming enemies or breakable crystals for drops, increasing your item discovery stat will improve your chances.
- Equip the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost discovery temporarily.
- Wear gear like the Silver Scarab talisman.
This makes it easier to farm multiple stones in less time, especially in tunnels and mines where enemies are plentiful.
Mark Locations on Your Map
If you’re running through many areas, it’s easy to forget where you saw a corpse holding an upgrade item. Use the in-game map markers to label unexplored routes or farming locations so you can return later.
Focus on Exploration
Many Somber Smithing Stones 3 are placed deliberately off the main path to reward thorough exploration. Check behind waterfalls, climb ladders, or walk narrow ledges. If a route seems optional or risky, it often hides a valuable reward.
When to Upgrade
Using your Somber Smithing Stone 3 wisely is crucial since you may have limited supply early on. Consider holding off on upgrading until you are confident in your chosen unique weapon. Look for traits like:
- Strong scaling with your primary stats (Strength, Dex, Intelligence, etc.).
- Useful weapon skills or Ashes of War that suit your build.
- Boss weapons you intend to use for multiple boss fights or PvP.
Don’t waste Somber Smithing Stones on novelty weapons unless you already have plenty in stock or plan to respec your character later.
Somber Smithing Stone 3 plays a key role in pushing your special weaponry to new heights in Elden Ring. Whether you find it deep within tunnels like Sellia and Siofra or unlock consistent access through the Bell Bearing system, having a plan to acquire it will drastically improve your combat effectiveness. With careful exploration, smart upgrades, and resource management, you’ll be able to forge a truly powerful arsenal suited to your journey across the Lands Between.