Upgrading your weapons in Elden Ring isn’t just about doing more damage—it’s about surviving the Lands Between. Whether you’re fending off swarms of demi-humans or standing toe-to-toe with legendary bosses, your gear can make or break your journey. This guide focuses on the best Elden Ring items that help unlock the full potential of your weapons, based on experience from hundreds of in-game hours and community-proven methods.
Why Weapon Upgrades Matter
Every player, from new Tarnished to seasoned veterans, quickly learns that basic weapons just won’t cut it against tougher enemies. Upgraded weapons scale better with your stats, gain new abilities, and often drastically improve your chances of success in PvP and PvE scenarios.
To upgrade effectively, you’ll need specific items—some easy to find, others hidden deep within dangerous territories.
Must-Have Elden Ring Items for Weapon Upgrades
Below is a breakdown of the most essential Elden Ring items for upgrading all types of weapons, from standard swords to unique legendary gear.
1. Smithing Stones
Smithing Stones are the backbone of weapon upgrades. They come in tiers from Smithing Stone [1] to Smithing Stone [8], and they allow you to enhance standard weapons up to +25.
- Where to find: Mining tunnels, enemy drops, and sometimes as merchant stock after giving Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks.
- Pro tip: Farm them in the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel or purchase them once you’ve found the respective Bell Bearings.
2. Somber Smithing Stones
Used for upgrading unique weapons, like boss weapons or named weapons with special skills. These only go up to +10 but have higher scaling and unique effects.
- Where to find: Rare drops from specific enemies, found in treasure chests, and inside the bodies of powerful enemies in late-game zones.
- Tip: Somber Smithing Stone [5] and up become more common after you progress to the Mountaintops of the Giants.
3. Bell Bearings
These are key items that unlock the ability to buy Smithing Stones from the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold.
- Why it matters: No more farming when you can buy the upgrades you need.
- Where to find: Often dropped by NPCs, found in dungeons, or rewarded for completing specific questlines.
4. Gloveworts (Ghost and Grave)
While mainly used for Spirit Ashes, Gloveworts become essential when you build a support strategy around summons. Fully upgraded Spirit Ashes can draw aggro, allowing you to focus on offense.
- Where to find: Catacombs and Evergaols, especially in mid-to-late-game areas.
- Recommended: Focus on Ghost Gloveworts for legendary Spirit Ashes like Mimic Tear.
How to Buy Elden Ring Items for Upgrades
While exploration is a core part of Elden Ring, not every player has the time to comb through every ruin and cave. Here’s a reliable overview of how to buy Elden Ring items for weapon upgrades:
- In-game vendors: Once you collect Bell Bearings, give them to the Twin Maiden Husks to access a growing inventory of upgrade materials.
- Online marketplaces: Some players use community-trusted sites to buy Elden Ring items through player trades. If you go this route, make sure to follow platform guidelines and avoid anything that looks suspicious.
- Co-op trading: Join a community Discord or Reddit group where players trade legit items in-game. Always use multiplayer passwords to keep things secure.
Mastering the use of weapon upgrade items can be the turning point in your Elden Ring journey. From finding early-game Smithing Stones to seeking out rare Somber variants, each upgrade brings you closer to becoming Elden Lord. Whether you’re scavenging the Lands Between or looking into how to buy Elden Ring items safely and efficiently, the right strategy will empower your gameplay and elevate your experience.
Be persistent, be prepared, and let your blade—and your build—shine.