Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones — Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree Guide
Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are the rarest and most powerful upgrade materials in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, reserved for bringing unique weapons to their absolute maximum potential. These coveted stones are essential for players who have found a particular weapon they wish to fully invest in, ensuring it reaches its peak damage output and scaling. Their scarcity means that each one found should be used judiciously, as they are crucial for overcoming the game's most challenging encounters.
These stones are the equivalent of the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones from the base game, but are specifically found within the Land of Shadow. They are used exclusively on unique weapons, such as those obtained from defeating major bosses or found in special locations. Standard weapons that are upgraded with regular Smithing Stones cannot be upgraded with Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones.
Where to Find Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones:
Due to their extreme rarity, Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are typically found in very specific and often well-guarded locations. You can expect to find them:
- As rewards for defeating major bosses: Often, the final boss of a significant legacy dungeon or a particularly challenging optional boss will drop one of these stones.
- In hidden areas or secret locations: Exploration is key. They might be found in chests in obscure corners of the map, behind illusory walls, or at the end of challenging optional paths.
- As quest rewards: Completing certain intricate questlines or achieving specific milestones in the story might also yield these valuable stones.
How to Use Them:
To upgrade a unique weapon using a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, you will need to visit a blacksmith. The blacksmith at the Roundtable Hold is the primary location for this, though new anvils or blacksmiths might be present in the Land of Shadow. The upgrade process will consume one Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone per tier.
Upgrade Tiers and Max Levels:
| Weapon Type | Upgrade Material | Max Level |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Weapons | Somber Smithing Stones [1]-[9] | +10 |
| Unique Weapons (Maxed) | Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | +11 |
Strategic Considerations:
- Prioritize Your Favorite Weapon: Since these stones are so rare, it's best to save them for a unique weapon that you genuinely enjoy using and that fits your build.
- Explore Thoroughly: Don't rush through the game. Thorough exploration is the best way to ensure you don't miss any of these crucial upgrade materials.
- Boss Order: The order in which you defeat certain bosses might influence when you acquire these stones.
Collecting and strategically using Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones is a vital part of maximizing your character's power in Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, allowing your chosen unique weapon to reach its full, devastating potential.