Elden Ring: Weapon Upgrade Guide

Embark on your epic journey in the Lands Between with the definitive "Elden Ring: Weapon Upgrade Guide"! Uncover the secrets to turning your humble blade into a legendary weapon, ready to conquer the toughest foes. Delve into key subtopics including Finding Upgrade Materials, Weapon Enhancement Basics, different Upgrade Paths, unique Special Weapons and Upgrades, and tips for Maintaining Weapon Durability. Prepare to elevate your combat prowess and become an unstoppable force in Elden Ring! Read on to unlock the full potential of your arsenal.

Finding Upgrade Materials

Upgrading your weapons in Elden Ring is essential for surviving the dangerous world of The Lands Between. To power up your gear, you’ll need to find various upgrade materials scattered throughout the game. Here's how you can get your hands on the precious loot.

Smithing Stones

Smithing Stones are your bread and butter for weapon upgrades. You can use them at any anvil or blacksmith.

• Smithing Stone (1)-(4): These are common in early game areas. Look for shiny spots on walls in tunnels and mines. Some merchants also sell them, so keep an eye out.
• Smithing Stone (5)-(8): Found in mid to late-game areas. You’ll need to venture into tougher mines or defeat stronger enemies to find these.

Tip: Loot every cave and tunnel you find. Some stones are hidden or guarded by tough enemies, so explore thoroughly!

Somber Smithing Stones

For those unique weapons, you need Somber Smithing Stones. These work just like regular smithing stones but are used on special weaponry.

• Somber Smithing Stone (1)-(4): Start your hunt in tunnels and caves. These stones are often protected by mini-bosses.
• Somber Smithing Stone (5)-(9): Higher-tier stones are in late-game areas and harder to find. Check dungeons and keep an eye on rare drops from powerful foes.

Tip: Don’t forget to revisit cleared areas. Sometimes, new items appear after significant in-game events or boss fights.

Gloveworts

Gloveworts are crucial for upgrading your spirit summons. They come in two varieties, Grave and Ghost Gloveworts.

• Grave Gloveworts: Found mostly in tombs and catacombs. These are used for standard spirit summons.
• Ghost Gloveworts: Used for rarer and more powerful spirit summons. These are found in hidden or well-guarded areas.

Tip: Don’t ignore spirit summons. Having a strong summon can make a huge difference in boss fights.

Bell Bears and Special Areas

Certain special items, called Bell Bearings, let you buy Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, easing the grind.

• Bell Bearing 1: Available after defeating specific enemies in early zones.
• Bell Bearing 2: Found deeper into the game, usually after conquering tougher dungeons.
• Bell Bearing 3: Keep an eye for late-game or rare enemy drops.

Tip: Always check defeated bosses and unique enemy drops. They often hold Bell Bearings.

Magical Fortunes: Farming Methods

Sometimes it's all about farming. If you run out of materials:

• Revisit Mined Areas: Mines and tunnels often respawn lower-level Smithing Stones.
• Merchant Restocks: Some NPCs might restock their inventory as you progress.
• Enemy Drops: Certain enemies drop upgrade materials--know your farm spots and route efficiently.

Tip: Approach farming with patience. Don’t spend too much time farming early on; the game’s progression will naturally give you better materials.

Trading and Exchanges

Occasionally, you’ll come across NPCs who want to trade. These trades can help you get upgrade materials without too much grinding.

• Exploring Ruins: Sometimes ruins have hidden corners where NPCs will trade.
• Side Quests: Engage with NPCs on side quests. Occasionally the reward is upgrade-related.

Tip: Be kind to NPCs. Helping them out often results in rewards that make your journey smoother.

Miscellaneous Tips

• Explore Everything: Hidden sections, detours, and obscure nooks often hold the upgrade materials you need.
• Keep Notes: If an area looks sparkly or you find rare materials there, note it down. Revisits can be beneficial.
• Maintenance: Occasionally check back with merchants and NPCs for new items.

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Finding and collecting upgrade materials in Elden Ring can be a thrilling treasure hunt or a strategic challenge. Keep your eyes sharp, explore deeply, and don't hesitate to take on tough fights for those precious stones. Happy hunting, Tarnished!

Elden Ring: Weapon Enhancement Basics

Upgrading your weapons in Elden Ring isn't just a good idea; it's essential for your survival. Stronger weapons mean more damage, and more damage means taking down those pesky bosses and enemies quicker. Here’s everything you need to know about weapon enhancements.

Smithing Stones: Your New Best Friends

To enhance your weapons, you’ll need Smithing Stones. These are scattered all over the Lands Between, and there are different types depending on how strong you want your weapon to get:

• Smithing Stone (1, 2, 3, etc.): These stones are used for upgrading regular weapons. The higher the number, the more powerful the upgrade it grants.
• Somber Smithing Stone (1, 2, 3, etc.): These are used for special weapons, usually ones you get from bosses or unique quests.

You can find Smithing Stones in various locations, like caves, mines, and sometimes in chests. Enemies, especially the miners in tunnels, often drop them, too.

Finding a Smith

Before you can start upgrading, you need to find someone who knows what they’re doing--like a blacksmith. Early in the game, you’ll come across an NPC named Smithing Master Hewg, located at Roundtable Hold. He’ll be your go-to guy for most of your upgrading needs.

How to Upgrade

Here's a step-by-step on how to actually upgrade your weapon:

1. Gather Materials: Make sure you have the required Smithing Stones and some runes.
2. Visit the Smith: Once you’re stocked up, find a blacksmith or an anvil. Smithing Master Hewg is a reliable choice.
3. Choose Your Weapon: Select the weapon you want to upgrade. The game will show you how much each upgrade will cost in both runes and stones.
4. Upgrade: Press the button to enhance your weapon. Boom! You’re now one step closer to becoming an unstoppable force.

Upgrade Paths

Each weapon has a specific upgrade path, mostly up to +25 for regular weapons and +10 for special ones:

• Normal Smithing: Upgrading with regular Smithing Stones will take your weapon up to +25.
• Special Smithing: Upgrading with Somber Smithing Stones will get your weapon to +10.

Each upgrade path has its pros and cons. Regular upgrades are plentiful and easier to come by, but special upgrades usually provide unique bonuses or effects tied to that unique weapon.

Can’t Find What You Need? Melt Down Bell Bearings

Sometimes, finding specific Smithing Stones is harder than you’d like. That’s where Bell Bearings come in handy.

1. Get a Bell Bearing: These items allow you to buy Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold.
2. Give to Twin Maiden Husks: Hand over the Bell Bearings to them, and voila! You can now purchase the stones you need.

Upgrade Wisely

While upgrading instantly boosts your weapon performance, note that resources are finite early on. Focus on one or two weapons you really like rather than spreading your resources thin. Once you progress further in the game, resources become more abundant, and then you can play around with multiple weapons.

Final Tips

• Plan Ahead: Think about the weapon's scaling and move set to match your playstyle.
• Balance is Key: Upgrading your weapon is crucial, but don’t forget to level up your character stats to wield that weapon effectively.
• Explore Thoroughly: Keep an eye out for hidden Smithing Stones. They’re essential for hitting those high upgrade levels.

That’s the basics of weapon enhancements in Elden Ring. Now get out there, strengthen your gear, and show those enemies who’s boss!

Upgrade Paths

If you want to survive in Elden Ring, upgrading your weapons is a must. The upgrade system in Elden Ring can be a bit confusing at first, but with our guide, you'll get the hang of it in no time!

Basic Upgrades

First up, every weapon starts with basic upgrades. You’ll need Smithing Stones for this. Smithing Stones come in different levels, from 1 to 8, and each level will allow you to upgrade your weapon further. Here's how it breaks down:

• Smithing Stone [1]: Upgrades your weapon from +1 to +3.
• Smithing Stone [2]: Upgrades from +4 to +6.
• Smithing Stone [3]: Upgrades from +7 to +9.
• And so on...

Higher-level Smithing Stones are harder to find but they'll get your weapon to top-tier levels. To actually do the upgrades, you’ll need to visit a blacksmith. Early on, you can use the anvil at the Church of Elleh, but eventually, you'll move on to the actual blacksmiths in the game like Master Hewg at the Roundtable Hold.

Special Upgrades

Some weapons need different materials called Somber Smithing Stones for their upgrades. These are typically unique or “special” weapons, such as those you get from defeating bosses. The levels work similarly:

• Somber Smithing Stone [1]: Upgrades special weapons to +1.
• Somber Smithing Stone [2]: Upgrades to +2.
• And so on up to Somber Smithing Stone [9].

It’s worth noting that special weapons don’t go as high in number (only to +10), but their power increases significantly with each upgrade.

Ashes of War

Upgrading isn’t just about raw stats; it’s also about customization. Ashes of War allow you to change the skills and elemental affinities of your weapons. You can find Ashes of War scattered throughout the world, dropped by enemies, or purchased from merchants.

Once you get an Ash of War, you can apply it to compatible weapons at any Site of Grace. You’ll also need Whetstones to change the affinity of the weapon (e.g., making it scale better with Dexterity or adding a fire attack).

Prioritizing Upgrades

Upgrades can get expensive, so prioritize. If you’re in love with a particular weapon, focus on upgrading that one first. Some weapons might serve you well early in the game but fall off in effectiveness later on. It doesn’t hurt to invest in multiple weapons, but try not to spread your resources too thin.

Farming Materials

You’ll need a lot of Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones, so knowing where to find them is key. They can be found in lootable objects throughout the world, dropped by specific enemies, or even purchased from certain vendors.

For regular Smithing Stones, consider revisiting areas you've cleared, as some enemies have a good chance of dropping these. As for Somber Smithing Stones, look for hidden caves and bosses, since that’s where they are most often stashed away.

Final Tips

• Plan Ahead: Decide which weapons you really want to invest in.
• Explore Thoroughly: Hidden areas often hold rare upgrade materials.
• Manage Resources: Don’t spend all your runes on upgrades; you need them for other things too.
• Keep Backup Weapons: Always have a few upgraded weapons of different types to handle varying enemy resistances.

Upgrading your weapons properly can be the difference between life and death in Elden Ring. Take your time, plan your path, and your weapons will be cleaving through enemies in no time.

Special Weapons and Upgrades

Discovering Special Weapons

In Elden Ring, special weapons can turn the tide of battle, giving you an edge over fierce enemies and towering bosses. These weapons are scattered throughout the world, hidden in ancient ruins, dropped by legendary foes, or even given as rewards for completing complex quests. Getting your hands on them is key for any serious Tarnished.

Here are some ways to find special weapons:

• Boss Drops: Many bosses drop unique weapons upon defeat. For example, Margit the Fell Omen drops the Fell Omen Sword, a powerful blade with bleeding damage.
• Treasure Chests: Keep an eye out for chests in dungeons and hidden areas. They often contain rare and powerful weapons.
• Quests: Completing certain NPC quests can reward you with special weapons. Always talk to characters and follow their storylines!
• Merchants: Some wandering merchants sell special weapons. They are usually well-hidden, so explore thoroughly.

Upgrading Your Special Weapons

Just like regular weapons, special weapons can be upgraded to make them even more formidable. However, they require rare materials and often need you to follow specific upgrade paths.

Upgrade Materials

The following are some critical upgrade materials you’ll need:

• Smithing Stones: These come in various levels (Smithing Stone [1], Smithing Stone [2], etc.) and are used for early-stage weapon upgrades.
• Somber Smithing Stones: These are even rarer and are needed for upgrading special weapons.
• Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone: The rarest material, used for the final upgrade stages of legendary weapons.

Upgrading at the Smith

To upgrade your weapons, visit any blacksmith in the game. The process is straightforward:

1. Locate a Blacksmith: The most well-known smith is found at the Roundtable Hold. Others are scattered around the world.
2. Select the Weapon: Choose the special weapon you want to upgrade from your inventory.
3. Use the Materials: Spend the needed Smithing Stones and Runes to upgrade your weapon’s stats.

Remember, each upgrade path can differ based on the weapon type and rarity. Some paths enhance raw power, while others might add elemental effects or buffs.

Recommended Special Weapons to Upgrade

Here are some of the standout weapons that will serve you well in your journey through the Lands Between:

• The Bloodborne Blade: A great early-game sword with significant bleeding effect. Perfect for taking down tough enemies quickly.
• Ragecaller Axe: This axe scales with strength and dexterity, making it versatile for various builds. It also has a skill that turns enemy rage against them.
• Sorcerer’s Staff of Elden: Essential for magic users, this staff boosts spell power significantly when upgraded.

Tips for Efficient Weapon Upgrading

• Prioritize: Focus on upgrading one weapon at a time. Spreading rare resources thinly means you won’t see much benefit.
• Save Rare Materials: Use your precious Somber and Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones wisely. Save them for weapons you plan to stick with.
• Explore Thoroughly: Many hidden caves and hard-to-reach areas house rare Smithing Stones. Every stone counts!

Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring is a satisfying way to boost your power and customize your playstyle. With the right materials and a bit of exploration, you’ll turn your character into an unstoppable force. Good luck, Tarnished, and may your blade never dull!

Maintaining Weapon Durability in Elden Ring

In Elden Ring, keeping your weapons in top shape is crucial for surviving the game's many challenges. Here's a comprehensive guide to maintaining weapon durability, ensuring you're always ready for the next battle.

Understanding Durability Basics

Each weapon in Elden Ring has a durability stat, which decreases every time you use the weapon. If the durability hits zero, the weapon breaks and becomes unusable until repaired. Regular upkeep can prevent this from happening in critical moments.

Checking Durability

Keep an eye on your weapon's durability meter, located in the equipment menu. You can find this by:

1. Opening the Equipment Menu: Press the Options/Menu button and navigate to the Equipment tab.
2. Hovering Over Your Weapon: The durability will be displayed as a fraction, for example, 50/50.

Repairing Weapons

If your weapon's durability is low, you have a few options to restore it:

At Blacksmiths

Blacksmiths are located in various hub areas and certain camps throughout Elden Ring. To repair your weapon at a blacksmith:

1. Find a Blacksmith: Travel to a known blacksmith location, like the one in the Roundtable Hold.
2. Select "Repair": Choose the "Repair" option in the blacksmith's menu.
3. Pay the Cost: You’ll need Runes, so make sure you have enough currency to cover the repair fee.

Using Repair Powder

Repair Powder is a consumable item that can restore some weapon durability on the go. To use Repair Powder:

1. Equip the Repair Powder: Place it in your quick item slot.
2. Use the Item: Activate it from the quick item menu while playing.

You can find Repair Powder in various places:

• Merchants: Certain merchants sell Repair Powder.
• Loot: Find it as loot in dungeons, chests, or dropped by defeated enemies.

Avoiding Unnecessary Wear

To extend your weapon's durability, consider these strategies:

• Switch Weapons: Regularly swap out your primary weapon for a backup to spread out the wear.
• Parry and Block: Use your shield or parry instead of constantly attacking. This reduces the times you strike with your weapon.
• Upgrade Wisely: Focus on upgrading the durability stat when enhancing your weapon. Upgrades often improve both damage output and durability.

Utilizing Skills and Magic

Certain skills and magic spells can help you avoid damage to your weapon:

• Weapon Buffs: Some spells or items can buff your weapon, potentially reducing the durability cost per hit.
• Summons and Allies: Use Spirit Ashes or summon friends to tackle tougher enemies, reducing the number of hits you need to land.

When to Repair

Knowing when to repair is just as important as knowing how. Look for these signs:

• Frequent Damage Drops: If you notice your weapon’s performance dropping more often, it’s time for repair.
• Regular Checks: Make a habit of checking your weapon’s durability after major fights or dungeon crawls.

In Elden Ring, a well-maintained weapon can mean the difference between life and death. Monitor your durability, use resources wisely, and tackle the game’s challenges prepared. Happy adventuring, Tarnished!