What Are Somber Weapons and Why Upgrade Them?
You might be wondering, why bother upgrading Somber Weapons instead of the standard ones? The main appeal is that they can scale extremely well with a specific stat, such as Strength, Dexterity, or Intelligence. That means a +10 Somber Weapon can outperform a +25 regular weapon if it fits your build perfectly.
Upgrading these weapons also unlocks new moves in some cases, which can be game-changing during boss fights. Personally, I always prioritize a Somber Weapon that complements my main stat—it feels way more rewarding seeing those numbers climb quickly.
What Materials Do I Need to Upgrade Somber Weapons?
The main resource for upgrading Somber Weapons is Somber Smithing Stones. They come in different tiers, from I to VIII, each corresponding to a specific upgrade level. One thing to note: you’ll need regular Smithing Stones for normal weapons, so don’t confuse the two.
Here’s a small tip from experience: early on, focus on upgrading one or two key Somber Weapons instead of spreading your resources too thin. It’s tempting to buff everything, but prioritizing your favorite weapon will save time and runes.
Speaking of runes, if you ever find yourself short and want to save the grind, some players look for ways to buy Elden Ring runes. Having that extra boost can make reaching higher upgrade tiers much faster, especially when your usual farming spots feel a bit tedious.
Where Can I Farm Somber Smithing Stones Efficiently?
Farm spots can vary depending on your progression. Some early locations in Limgrave or Caelid yield lower-tier stones, while mid- to late-game areas like Leyndell or Miquella’s Haligtree drop higher-tier ones. My personal favorite is farming in regions with multiple tough enemies that also drop decent amounts of runes—it’s like getting two bonuses at once.
If you’re in a hurry and don’t have the patience for farming, there are services where you can buy Elden Ring runes instantly delivered. It’s a more controversial method among the community, but for players who want to focus purely on upgrading weapons without the grind, it’s a legit option.
Should I Upgrade All Somber Weapons Equally?
Short answer: no. Upgrading every weapon equally can be a waste. Somber Weapons scale so well with a single stat that focusing your resources on the ones that match your build is more efficient.
A little trick I use is labeling the weapons I really enjoy with the “primary” tag in my mental inventory. That way, when I get new Somber Smithing Stones, I know exactly where they go. For hybrid builds, prioritize weapons that allow multiple stats to shine, but keep in mind you’ll need more stones to hit higher levels.
Is There a Shortcut to Maximizing Upgrades?
Some players stick to traditional farming and gradually upgrade their gear, but there are ways to speed things up. Besides buying runes, using NPC services like the ones from U4GM can help you skip repetitive tasks and focus on exploring or boss fights. While not everyone agrees with shortcutting, it’s an option if your goal is efficiency rather than the pure grind.
Another tip: always check your inventory before hitting the forge. Sometimes you have stones lying around that can push a weapon to the next tier instantly. I’ve wasted so many runs before realizing I already had the materials I needed!
Upgrading Somber Weapons in Elden Ring doesn’t have to be a grind if you plan wisely. Focus on weapons that suit your build, farm or acquire the stones efficiently, and don’t be afraid to use optional shortcuts like rune purchases if it suits your playstyle.
The feeling of swinging a fully upgraded Somber Weapon against a boss after hours of preparation? Totally worth it. With these strategies, your weapons will be ready to scale with you, making every encounter in the Lands Between that much smoother.