Weapon Upgrades — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide
In Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, the ability to upgrade your weapons is paramount to overcoming the increased difficulty and formidable foes you will encounter. Just as in the base game, weapon upgrades directly influence your damage output, scaling, and overall effectiveness in combat. This guide will cover the essential materials and methods for enhancing your arsenal, ensuring you can face the challenges of the Land of Shadow with confidence. Prioritizing weapon upgrades is often more impactful than leveling up your character in the early stages of the DLC.
There are two primary types of upgrade materials in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, mirroring the system from the base game:
- Smithing Stones: Used to upgrade standard weapons (those that can be infused with Ashes of War). These come in tiers: Smithing Stone [1] through [8].
- Somber Smithing Stones: Used to upgrade unique weapons (boss weapons, special armaments). These also come in tiers: Somber Smithing Stone [1] through [9].
You will also find a new, rarer tier of upgrade material: Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones, which are used to bring unique weapons to their absolute maximum potential (+10).
Where to Find Upgrade Materials:
Upgrade materials are scattered throughout the Land of Shadow. You will find them:
- In the open world: Often found in caves, ruins, guarded by specific enemies, or in chests.
- Dropped by enemies: Some common enemies may drop lower-tier Smithing Stones.
- Purchased from merchants: Certain merchants, like the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold and potentially new merchants in the Land of Shadow, will sell upgrade materials. Their stock often expands as you progress or find specific bell bearings.
- Quest rewards: Some NPCs or questlines might reward you with upgrade materials.
The Blacksmith:
To perform weapon upgrades, you will need to visit a blacksmith. The primary blacksmith for most players will be the one at the Roundtable Hold. However, there may be new blacksmiths or anvils found within the Land of Shadow itself, offering convenience for on-the-spot upgrades.
Upgrade Tiers and Max Levels:
| Weapon Type | Upgrade Material | Max Level |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Weapons | Smithing Stones [1]-[8] | +25 (after reaching +25 with Smithing Stones, you can use a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to reach +26) |
| Unique Weapons | Somber Smithing Stones [1]-[9] | +10 (after reaching +10 with Somber Smithing Stones, you can use a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to reach +11) |
Important Considerations:
- Scadutree Fragments vs. Weapon Upgrades: While Scadutree Fragments are crucial for overall power in the DLC, don't neglect your weapon upgrades. A well-upgraded weapon can often compensate for a lower Scadutree level.
- Bell Bearings: Keep an eye out for Bell Bearings related to upgrade materials. Turning these in to the Twin Maiden Husks will allow you to purchase unlimited quantities of certain stones.
- Experimentation: Don't be afraid to upgrade a weapon you enjoy using. The ability to respec your character with Larval Tears means you can experiment with different stat distributions to optimize your chosen weapon.
Prioritizing the collection and use of Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones will significantly enhance your combat effectiveness in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, making your journey through the Land of Shadow much more manageable.