Finding high-tier upgrade materials inElden Ringis a key part of progressing through the game, especially for players who rely on unique weapons. The Somber Smithing Stone 8 is one of the more rare and valuable items, required to bring special weapons to near-max power. One particularly useful location to obtain this upgrade material is Dragonbarrow, a dangerous but rewarding area located in Caelid. Understanding exactly where to find the Somber Smithing Stone 8 in Dragonbarrow and how to get to it safely can significantly improve your gameplay, especially if you’re preparing for late-game bosses.
Understanding Somber Smithing Stones
What Are Somber Smithing Stones?
Somber Smithing Stones are a special kind of upgrade material used exclusively for upgrading unique weapons in Elden Ring. Unlike regular smithing stones, which require multiple stones per level, somber stones upgrade weapons in single steps from +1 all the way to +10. Somber Smithing Stone 8 is used to upgrade a special weapon from +7 to +8, making it essential for players who depend on legendary or boss-related weapons.
Why the Somber 8 Is So Valuable
At the +8 level, weapons gain a massive power increase, often unlocking their full potential in terms of scaling, damage, or special effects. For example, using this upgrade on weapons like the Moonveil, Rivers of Blood, or Wing of Astel can turn them into powerful tools for both PvE and PvP encounters. Since these stones are not easy to come by, knowing exact locations like Dragonbarrow becomes important for efficient progression.
Where Is Dragonbarrow?
Reaching the Dragonbarrow Region
Dragonbarrow is located in the northern section of Caelid and is one of the higher-level zones in the game. Players can reach this area through several methods:
- Using the Sending Gate behind the Third Church of Marika to teleport near Bestial Sanctum.
- Traveling on foot or horseback northeast from central Caelid, avoiding high-level enemies.
- Progressing naturally through the story and unlocking the Bestial Sanctum Site of Grace.
Once you’ve arrived in Dragonbarrow, be prepared. The area features powerful enemies like black blade assassins, giant dragons, and flying deathbirds. Having Torrent and quick reflexes is almost essential to navigate safely.
Finding Somber Smithing Stone 8 in Dragonbarrow
Exact Location Near Bestial Sanctum
One of the easiest and earliest places to find a Somber Smithing Stone 8 is just south of the Bestial Sanctum. From the sanctum’s Site of Grace, head south along the cliffside edge. As you ride down the narrow path, keep an eye out for ledges that jut out from the cliff face.
- Look for a corpse lying on a narrow ledge overlooking the cliffs.
- The item can be looted directly from the corpse and is guarded only by minimal environmental hazards.
- Be careful not to fall off while navigating the ledge take your time and walk carefully.
This Somber Smithing Stone 8 is a free pickup and doesn’t require combat, making it one of the most accessible sources for this high-tier material in the game.
Additional Locations Within Dragonbarrow
Aside from the cliffside corpse near Bestial Sanctum, there are other sources of Somber Smithing Stone 8 in Dragonbarrow:
- Farum Greatbridge: Explore both ends of the bridge. Sometimes valuable loot, including upgrade materials, can be found on ledges or guarded by beasts.
- Minor Erdtree East Dragonbarrow: In the vicinity of this location, hidden chests and corpses may contain high-level smithing stones.
- Evergaol Reward: Completing certain Evergaols in the region can drop Somber Smithing Stones or lead to chests containing them.
These locations require varying levels of enemy engagement and platforming. Some are guarded by dragons or flying creatures, so always come prepared with healing flasks, magic defense, and ranged options if needed.
Tips for Farming or Acquiring Safely
Avoiding Enemies in Dragonbarrow
Dragonbarrow is filled with late-game enemies, many of which can one-shot unprepared players. If you’re only visiting to grab the Somber Smithing Stone 8, you don’t need to fight:
- Use Torrent for quick escapes and to navigate tight spaces fast.
- Visit during the day to avoid Night Bosses like Deathbirds or Night’s Cavalry.
- Mark dangerous enemy locations on your map and plan a clear path to your destination.
Stock Up on Map Fragments
Exploring Dragonbarrow is much easier when you’ve unlocked the map. The Dragonbarrow Map Fragment can be found east of the Greatbridge, near a tall stone obelisk. This helps you see exact topography and makes it easier to locate key landmarks like the cliffside corpse holding the Somber Smithing Stone 8.
Other Ways to Obtain Somber Smithing Stone 8
Purchasing from Twin Maiden Husks
Once you’ve obtained the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4], you can give it to the Twin Maiden Husks at Roundtable Hold. This unlocks the ability to buy Somber Smithing Stone 8 with runes. The bell bearing is found in late-game areas like Crumbling Farum Azula or Consecrated Snowfield.
This method is great for players who want multiple Somber 8s without hunting for each one. However, the cost in runes is high, so be sure to farm efficiently before purchasing.
Enemy Drops and Dungeon Rewards
In the later sections of the game, some powerful enemies and dungeon bosses drop Somber Smithing Stones as part of their loot. While not specific to Dragonbarrow, completing these dungeons supplements your stone supply and lets you upgrade multiple weapons at once.
Best Weapons to Upgrade with Somber Smithing Stone 8
Top Unique Weapons Worth Upgrading
- Moonveil Katana: A powerful Int-based weapon with magic scaling and a deadly weapon art.
- Rivers of Blood: Known for its devastating bleed effect and usefulness in both PvE and PvP.
- Blasphemous Blade: Excellent for Faith builds, this sword offers great healing effects and wide area attacks.
- Dark Moon Greatsword: An iconic weapon for Intelligence builds, especially effective with full upgrades.
Using your Somber Smithing Stone 8 on one of these weapons can push its effectiveness to the next level, ensuring you’re ready for some of the hardest encounters in the game.
Dragonbarrow offers a strategic and efficient way to obtain a Somber Smithing Stone 8 early in your journey throughElden Ring. With careful exploration, a good understanding of the area, and a cautious approach to its dangerous enemies, you can collect this valuable upgrade material without too much difficulty. Whether you’re focusing on a specific weapon build or aiming for overall power, securing this stone from Dragonbarrow is a smart step toward mastering the game’s toughest challenges. Don’t forget to revisit the area for other loot, and always keep your eyes open for ledges and hidden corpses they often hide the most precious treasures.