Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring requires Somber Smithing Stones, and finding enough of them especially Somber Smithing Stone [3] can be a challenge if you don’t know where to look. These upgrade materials are essential for enhancing unique weapons, typically those obtained from boss souls or important NPCs. Whether you’re going for a specific weapon build or just want to power up your gear, knowing the best farming locations for Somber Smithing Stone 3 can make a huge difference in your progression and gameplay efficiency.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stone 3
Purpose and Importance
Somber Smithing Stones are used to upgrade special armaments from +2 to +9, with each level requiring a specific tier of stone. Somber Smithing Stone 3 is used to upgrade these weapons from +2 to +3. Unlike regular smithing stones, you only need one of each tier per upgrade level, making them rarer but easier to manage in terms of inventory.
Weapons That Use Somber Stones
Special weapons like the Moonveil Katana, Dark Moon Greatsword, and Blasphemous Blade all rely on Somber Smithing Stones for upgrades. These weapons often have unique movesets or scaling that make them ideal for specific builds, and upgrading them is essential for maximizing their potential.
Best Farming Locations for Somber Smithing Stone 3
Siofra River – Accessible Early
One of the earliest areas where you can farm Somber Smithing Stone 3 is the Siofra River. Accessible from the Mistwood region via the lift near the Siofra River Well, this area is packed with upgrade materials and hidden secrets. Look for the corpse on a ledge near the Hallowhorn Grounds, which often has a Somber Smithing Stone 3. Also, explore every nook and cranny of the ruins some enemies drop upgrade materials upon defeat.
Sellia Crystal Tunnel
Located in Caelid, this mine is a hotspot for farming upgrade materials, including Somber Smithing Stone 3. Be warned, though this area can be brutal if you’re underleveled. Inside the mine, break the crystals and check glowing spots on the walls to find upgrade stones. The insect-like enemies here also have a chance to drop smithing stones, making repeated clears worthwhile.
Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel
North of the Academy of Raya Lucaria in Liurnia of the Lakes lies another great mining tunnel. The Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel is filled with mining enemies and veins that often contain Somber Smithing Stones. Carefully exploring the area and defeating the miners can reward you with multiple Smithing Stone 3s and higher-tier materials as well.
Noxtella, Eternal City
Later in the game, Noxtella offers excellent opportunities to farm Somber Smithing Stones. This area is filled with powerful enemies and dangerous terrain, but it also houses multiple Somber Smithing Stone 3s hidden throughout the ruins and corpses. It’s a great late-game location if you missed earlier farming opportunities or want to upgrade multiple weapons.
Merchant and Bell Bearing Options
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing
If you want a permanent solution to farming, your goal should be acquiring Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings. These can be offered to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold, allowing you to purchase specific tiers of Somber Smithing Stones indefinitely.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]
To unlock the ability to buy Somber Smithing Stone 3, you’ll need to find Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]. This is located in the Sealed Tunnel near the Leyndell Royal Capital. Inside the tunnel, explore carefully to find the bell bearing in a chest. Once returned to the Twin Maiden Husks, you’ll gain access to Somber Smithing Stone 3 and 4 in the shop menu.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Use Item Discovery Boost
Increase your chances of finding upgrade materials by equipping gear that boosts Item Discovery. The Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot is a consumable item that temporarily boosts discovery, and the Silver Scarab talisman can offer a permanent bonus when worn.
Quick Travel Between Sites
Once you’ve identified the locations where Somber Smithing Stone 3 can drop or be looted, create a farming route. Use Sites of Grace to fast travel between tunnels like Sellia and Raya Lucaria, and reset the enemies to collect more resources with each run.
Focus on Specific Enemies
Mining enemies inside tunnels are more likely to drop smithing stones. These slow-moving foes are easy to defeat if you’re careful, and they often guard crystal outcrops with hidden loot. Prioritize these enemies when making a farming run.
When to Start Farming Somber Smithing Stone 3
Ideal Character Level
While you can access some areas with Somber Smithing Stone 3 early in the game, it’s best to begin farming when your character is at least level 40-50. This ensures you have the survivability and damage output needed to efficiently clear tough enemies in tunnels like Sellia and Noxtella.
After Unlocking Key Locations
Many of the best farming spots become accessible after major story progression points. For example, unlocking the lift to Altus Plateau or progressing through the Liurnia region will give you access to tunnels and enemies that drop mid-tier upgrade materials more reliably.
Alternative Sources for Somber Smithing Stone 3
Hidden Areas and Chests
Sometimes Somber Smithing Stone 3 can be found in hidden treasure chests or guarded by tough enemies in dungeons. It’s worth thoroughly exploring any area that seems suspicious, particularly around ruins and underground catacombs.
Quests and Side Content
Certain NPC quests may reward you with smithing stones of various tiers. For instance, completing parts of Ranni’s questline grants access to areas like Nokron and Noxtella, which contain multiple Somber Smithing Stone 3 locations. Keeping up with side quests is a passive way to accumulate these valuable items.
What to Do After Collecting Enough
Upgrade Your Weapon
Once you have enough Somber Smithing Stone 3, head to a blacksmith like Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold. Upgrade your special weapon to +3 and prepare to take on stronger foes. You’ll need the next tier Somber Smithing Stone 4 to continue, so keep an eye out as you progress.
Plan Future Upgrades
Knowing that each upgrade tier only requires one stone, it’s wise to keep one of each on hand if you’re testing out multiple weapons. This way, you can quickly raise a new special weapon to your current level without having to refarm older zones.
Farming Somber Smithing Stone 3 in Elden Ring is a critical step in enhancing your special weapons and progressing through tougher parts of the game. Whether you explore mining tunnels like Sellia and Raya Lucaria or unlock bell bearings to buy them directly, there are many efficient ways to gather this upgrade material. With patience, smart route planning, and a bit of item discovery luck, you’ll have everything you need to take your favorite boss weapons to the next level. Keep exploring and upgrading, because in the Lands Between, every bit of power makes a difference.