Upgrading special weapons in Elden Ring requires a unique resource called Somber Smithing Stone. To enhance these rare weapons beyond their base stats, players must collect progressively higher-tiered stones. Somber Smithing Stone [3] is particularly important, as it allows special weapons to reach +3 upgrade level. Knowing where to find this upgrade material can greatly improve your character’s power early in the game. There are several reliable locations to farm or acquire Somber Smithing Stone 3, and with proper guidance, you can secure enough to strengthen multiple armaments.
What is Somber Smithing Stone 3?
Somber Smithing Stone [3] is part of the upgrade path for unique and legendary weapons. Unlike standard smithing stones, somber stones are used for single-step upgrades per tier, making them a more linear system. Each somber stone allows a +1 increase up to +10, with Somber Smithing Stone 3 enabling +3 upgrades.
These stones are often found in dangerous areas or guarded by powerful enemies. However, several early and mid-game zones offer them with relative accessibility, especially if you know where to look. Some can also be purchased after unlocking specific Bell Bearings.
Key Locations to Find Somber Smithing Stone 3
There are multiple areas where Somber Smithing Stone 3 appears either as loot, from enemies, or within mines. Below are the most efficient and reliable locations categorized by region. This guide assumes you’ve unlocked access to Liurnia of the Lakes and Caelid, as both areas offer some of the best farming opportunities for this tier of somber stones.
Siofra River
- Near Worshippers’ Woods Site of Grace: Head east toward the structures; a corpse there holds one Somber Smithing Stone [3].
- Above Hallowhorn Grounds: Climb the rock formations to loot another stone from a body lying on the upper walkway.
Siofra River contains multiple somber stones in hidden and vertical locations. Keep an eye out for ruins, bodies on ledges, and spectral enemies who often drop crafting materials or rare loot.
Liurnia of the Lakes
- Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel: This mine is one of the best early-game areas to farm Somber Smithing Stones. Several deposits inside drop tier 3 somber stones after defeating the miners.
- Behind the Church of Vows: A corpse resting by the cliffs contains one Somber Smithing Stone [3]. It’s reachable by hugging the cliffs south of the church.
- Ainsel River Access: Traveling deeper into the underground from Liurnia opens access to additional hidden stones scattered across corpses and chests.
Liurnia is also where you’ll gain access to NPCs and merchants who may offer somber stones after completing specific events.
Caelid
- Sellia Crystal Tunnel: This high-risk area rewards you with multiple Somber Smithing Stone 3 nodes. Fight or avoid the insectoid miners and grab the glowing loot clusters.
- Gael Tunnel: Located on the border between Limgrave and Caelid, this tunnel has a few deposits and a boss that drops useful crafting items. Some enemies inside may also drop Somber Smithing Stones.
Caelid is dangerous but full of valuable upgrade materials. Players prepared to brave the rot and powerful enemies will find it a rewarding area for early upgrades.
Altus Plateau
- Sealed Tunnel: Hidden behind an illusory wall near the Minor Erdtree. This location contains multiple somber stone pickups scattered through chests and walls.
- North of Erdtree-Gazing Hill: A body near the ruins contains Somber Smithing Stone [3], guarded by a few demi-human enemies.
By the time you reach Altus Plateau, tier 3 and higher upgrade materials become more common, but gathering them in earlier zones can help you reach this area with stronger gear.
Purchasing Somber Smithing Stone 3
Eventually, you can purchase Somber Smithing Stones through the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold, but this requires offering the right Bell Bearing.
Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [2]
- Location: Found in the Sealed Tunnel in Altus Plateau after defeating the Cleanrot Knight mini-boss. Offering this item to the Twin Maiden Husks unlocks Somber Smithing Stones [3] and [4] in the shop.
Purchasing somber stones is the most consistent way to upgrade your entire arsenal, but until then, farming is necessary. Make the Sealed Tunnel a priority if you’re planning to upgrade multiple unique weapons efficiently.
Tips for Efficient Farming
Gathering Somber Smithing Stones doesn’t need to be a grind. With the right approach, you can collect several stones in a short session. Here are tips for maximizing your efficiency:
- Use a Light Source: Caves and tunnels are dark and easy to get lost in. A torch or lantern helps you spot lootable corpses and hidden corners.
- Watch for Illusory Walls: Many mines and tunnels hide bonus areas behind false walls, which often contain upgrade materials.
- Use Spirit Summons in Tunnels: Enemies in these areas can be tough in groups. Spirit Ashes help distract and reduce risk while looting.
- Don’t Forget Pickups: Some stones are found on bodies that blend into the environment. Use your lock-on camera to find them more easily.
Weapons That Use Somber Smithing Stone 3
Somber Smithing Stones are used exclusively on special weapons those labeled with unique upgrade paths. These include boss weapons, legendary drops, and some weapons from quests or chests. By the time you’re ready to apply Somber Smithing Stone 3, you may already be using powerful weapons such as:
- Moonveil Katana
- Blasphemous Blade
- Wing of Astel
- Ruin Greatsword
These weapons often outperform standard gear when upgraded, making early access to Somber Stones highly valuable for builds focused on power scaling.
Somber Smithing Stone 3 plays a critical role in upgrading special weapons during the early and mid-game phases of Elden Ring. While the material is less common than its standard counterparts, dedicated exploration of areas like Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel, Sellia Crystal Tunnel, and the Sealed Tunnel will reward players with the stones needed to empower their gear. Unlocking the ability to purchase these stones through Bell Bearings makes future upgrades even easier. Whether you’re running a strength-focused build or using magical boss weapons, securing a supply of Somber Smithing Stone 3 will keep your armaments sharp and ready for every challenge the Lands Between has to offer.