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In the expansive world of Elden Ring, weapon upgrades are crucial for your survival against the game’s challenging enemies and tough bosses. With an array of weapons to choose from, and various upgrade paths available, it can be a little overwhelming to figure out where to start. Whether you’re a veteran or new to the game, knowing how to upgrade your weapons effectively can make a significant difference in your performance. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best ways to upgrade your weapons in Elden Ring, so you can sharpen your skills and carve your way through the Lands Between.

1. Understanding the Basics of Weapon Upgrades

In Elden Ring, weapons are upgraded using Smithing Stones, which can be found throughout the world or bought from NPCs. There are two types: Smithing Stones (for normal upgrades) and Somber Smithing Stones (for special weapons, like those you find through quests or hidden in secret locations). These stones are the key to enhancing your weapon's power.

You’ll need to visit Smithing Tables or Blacksmiths to upgrade your weapons. The most famous blacksmith is Iji, who resides near the Three Sisters area in Liurnia of the Lakes. He offers both normal and somber stone upgrades, but the more advanced upgrades will require rarer stones, so be prepared to venture into more dangerous areas of the map.

2. Farming Smithing Stones Efficiently

As you progress through the game, it’s easy to run low on Smithing Stones, especially if you’re working on upgrading multiple weapons. To stock up, make sure to farm areas where these stones are abundant. Certain dungeons and caves have higher drop rates for Smithing Stones, particularly earlier in the game. For example, you can often find them in the mines scattered across Limgrave or the Siofra River. Additionally, some enemies drop them, so it’s worth farming tougher enemies when you have the time.

If you're not interested in grinding for hours, you can always consider buying Elden Ring items, including Smithing Stones, from other players. Online marketplaces often feature Elden Ring items deals that let you purchase these upgrade materials to speed up your progression. While this may not be for everyone, it’s a convenient option if you're looking to get those upgrades fast.

3. Choosing the Right Weapon for Upgrades

Weapon upgrades in Elden Ring aren’t just about raw damage output. Certain weapons scale better with different attributes, so you’ll want to pick weapons that match your character’s build. For example, strength-based builds generally benefit from upgrading large weapons like Colossal Greatswords or Ultra Greatswords, while dexterity builds may want to focus on faster weapons like Katanas or Curved Swords.

Before you commit to upgrading a weapon, make sure it’s one you plan on using for the long haul. There’s no point in pouring Smithing Stones into a weapon you’ll eventually drop for something else. If you're unsure which weapon suits your playstyle, test them out in the early game to see what feels right.

4. Upgrading Special Weapons

Some of the most powerful weapons in Elden Ring are those that are obtained through questlines or from bosses. These include the Rivers of Blood Katana, Dark Moon Greatsword, and Blasphemous Blade. Upgrading these weapons often requires Somber Smithing Stones, a rarer material that can be harder to find. These weapons often have unique abilities, and their upgrades are crucial for making them truly formidable.

One tip when upgrading special weapons is to focus on getting them to at least +6 or +9. That’s typically when these weapons start to show their full potential. Because they scale differently than regular weapons, it’s important to prioritize them early, especially if they complement your build.

5. Maximizing Upgrade Efficiency

To save time and resources, aim for weapons that align with your character’s primary attribute scaling. For example, if you’re focused on a strength build, prioritize upgrading weapons that scale with strength to get the most damage output from your upgrades. Similarly, if you’re running a faith-based build, look for weapons that enhance your faith or have inherent elemental scaling.

As for the upgrade process itself, always check your materials before upgrading a weapon. Sometimes it’s more beneficial to save your Smithing Stones for higher-level upgrades instead of making multiple small improvements. Aim to gather enough resources so you can upgrade your weapon to +3 or +6 in one go, which will make a much bigger difference in battle than upgrading in smaller increments.

6. What to Do When You Run Out of Materials

If you find yourself running out of Smithing Stones and don’t want to go hunting for them, consider using the Golden Runes scattered around the world. These runes can be exchanged for various useful items, including Smithing Stones. Additionally, the Siofra Aqueducts and Deeproot Depths are good areas to farm for rare stones, so don’t forget to explore thoroughly.

Of course, if you’re not interested in scouring every corner of the map for materials, there’s always the option to buy Elden Ring items like Smithing Stones and upgrade materials from other players. Just keep an eye on Elden Ring items deals in the community, as the prices can fluctuate depending on demand and availability.



Weapon upgrades in Elden Ring are essential to taking on the game’s most challenging foes. By understanding the upgrade system, choosing the right weapons for your build, and farming the necessary materials, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a true Elden Lord. Remember, Elden Ring is all about exploring and experimenting, so don't hesitate to try different upgrade paths and weapons as you progress through the game. And if you need to speed up your upgrades, keep an eye out for Elden Ring items deals or trade with fellow players to enhance your arsenal.