Elden Ring is a vast and complex game, and if you’ve been diving into its world, you know that one of the most important aspects of character progression is upgrading your weapons. From the early game to the late stages of the Lands Between, your weapon choices will define your playstyle, and knowing how to upgrade them properly can make all the difference. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the weapon upgrade progression in Elden Ring, helping you understand the paths and materials required to maximize your weapons' potential.

Understanding Weapon Upgrades in Elden Ring

Upgrading weapons in Elden Ring is essential to ensure you’re dealing sufficient damage as you face increasingly difficult enemies. Unlike other games, where weapons are upgraded directly through a simple level-up system, Elden Ring introduces a tiered upgrade path where different upgrade materials are required at each stage.

Here’s how the weapon upgrade system works:

1. Smithing Stones: These are the primary upgrade material for weapons, and you'll need different types depending on the upgrade tier.

2. Somber Smithing Stones: A special type of smithing stone used for unique and special weapons.

3. Ashes of War: In addition to upgrading weapons, you can also apply Ashes of War to your weapon to modify its scaling, damage type, and special effects.

The upgrade process involves visiting a blacksmith, such as Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold, where you can enhance your weapons. The upgrade tiers are split into normal and somber categories, with somber stones used for rare or boss weapons that cannot be upgraded with regular smithing stones.

The Weapon Upgrade Progression

The weapon upgrade progression is split into several distinct stages. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the materials and the upgrade paths for each tier:

1. Normal Weapon Upgrades (Smithing Stones)

• +0 to +3: These early upgrades are relatively easy to complete and require Smithing Stones [1] and [2].

  • Smithing Stone [1]: Found in early game areas like Limgrave and Mistwood Ruins.

  • Smithing Stone [2]: Acquired a bit later as you explore the more dangerous parts of the game, such as the Weeping Peninsula.

• +4 to +6: Now you're getting into tougher materials like Smithing Stones [3] and [4], which require you to explore deeper into dungeons or defeat stronger enemies.

  • Smithing Stone [3]: Usually found in the mid-game areas like Liurnia of the Lakes.

  • Smithing Stone [4]: Obtainable as you progress to more advanced locations, like the Altus Plateau.

• +7 to +9: At this point, you'll need Smithing Stones [5], [6], and [7].

  • Smithing Stone [5]: Can be found in mid to late-game zones like the Siofra River or the Forbidden Lands.

  • Smithing Stone [6]: Required for upgrades around the late stages of the game, such as the Capital Outskirts.

  • Smithing Stone [7]: For weapons nearing the end of their potential, found in endgame areas like the Consecrated Snowfield.

• +10: The final tier requires Smithing Stone [8] and sometimes Smithing Stone [9], typically found in late-game and post-game areas like Miquella's Haligtree and the Crumbling Farum Azula.

2. Somber Weapon Upgrades (Somber Smithing Stones)

Some of Elden Ring’s most unique and powerful weapons, like those dropped by bosses or found in hidden areas, are upgraded with Somber Smithing Stones. These materials can’t be used for regular weapons, and their upgrade path is somewhat separate from the normal upgrades.

• Somber Smithing Stone [1]: Upgrades unique weapons to +1. Found relatively early in the game.

• Somber Smithing Stone [2]: Upgrade a weapon to +2, and often found in places like the Siofra River or Nokron, Eternal City.

• Somber Smithing Stone [3]: Upgrade a weapon to +3, typically obtained in more dangerous zones.

• Somber Smithing Stone [4] to [7]: These stones are required for +4 to +7 upgrades, and they drop from tougher enemies or hidden chests in late-game locations like the Consecrated Snowfield or the final regions of the game.

• Somber Smithing Stone [8] and [9]: These are used to max out the unique weapons to their full potential, with the latter stones being among the rarest in the game.

3. Ashes of War: A Complement to Weapon Upgrades

While upgrading your weapon increases its base damage, Ashes of War are just as important for customizing your weapon. Ashes of War alter a weapon’s scaling, elemental damage, and provide a range of special effects. They can be swapped on many weapons, allowing you to experiment with different playstyles, whether you want to focus on raw physical damage, elemental attacks, or magic-infused strikes.

Some Ashes of War are easier to come by and can be applied to almost any weapon, while others are locked behind specific enemies, quests, or dungeons. They don’t require smithing stones but do add an additional layer of complexity to your weapon progression.

Tips for Efficient Weapon Progression

1. Prioritize the Right Weapons: Upgrading early on can be a bit of a gamble, especially since you won’t always know which weapons you’ll stick with. While you can change weapons later, it's a good idea to focus on a weapon type that suits your playstyle. If you’re planning on using a special or unique weapon, it’s wise to keep an eye out for Somber Smithing Stones and related upgrades.

2. Explore Thoroughly: Materials like Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones are scattered across the world of Elden Ring. Always keep an eye out for hidden areas, as many upgrade materials are tucked away in dungeons or behind bosses.

3. Consider Buying Elden Ring Runes: If you’re struggling to collect enough upgrade materials or need to speed up your progression, you might find it helpful to buy Elden Ring runes. You can find cheap Elden Ring runes for sale from reliable sources, which will allow you to upgrade weapons more quickly and focus on exploring rather than grinding for materials.

4. Patience is Key: The best weapons in the game require significant investment to upgrade. You might find that some of the most powerful weapons require late-game materials, so it's crucial to pace yourself. Don't rush the process — the rewards for reaching high upgrade levels are definitely worth the effort.

Elden Ring’s weapon upgrade system is a deep and rewarding mechanic that enhances your gameplay experience. By understanding the different upgrade paths for both normal and unique weapons, you’ll be able to make informed decisions on where to spend your Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. Whether you’re focusing on regular weapons or unique boss gear, knowing how to upgrade your weapons properly will set you up for success as you continue your journey through the Lands Between.