In Elden Ring, upgrading weapons and crafting powerful gear is essential to progress through the challenging world. One of the key resources players need for enhancing their smithing abilities is the Somber Stone Bell Bearing. This item allows players to unlock special smithing options at the blacksmith, enabling the crafting and upgrading of somber smithing stones used for legendary and unique weapons. Understanding how to obtain the Somber Stone Bell Bearing, where to find it, and how to use it effectively is vital for any player aiming to fully upgrade their arsenal and take on the toughest challenges Elden Ring offers.
What is the Smithing Somber Stone Bell Bearing?
The Somber Stone Bell Bearing is a unique item in Elden Ring that players can give to the blacksmith, allowing them to purchase new smithing materials, specifically somber smithing stones. These stones are necessary for upgrading special and legendary weapons beyond the regular smithing stone tiers. Unlike regular smithing stones, somber smithing stones are rarer and required for weapons that have unique skills and higher scaling potentials.
Why is the Somber Stone Bell Bearing Important?
Without the Somber Stone Bell Bearing, players cannot access the purchase of somber smithing stones at the blacksmith, limiting their ability to upgrade powerful and unique weapons. Upgrading weapons with somber stones is crucial for maximizing damage output and maintaining effectiveness in late-game content, including boss fights and PvP.
Where to Find the Somber Stone Bell Bearing
There are several Somber Stone Bell Bearings scattered throughout Elden Ring’s world. These bell bearings are typically found in dungeons, caves, or towers and often require defeating mini-bosses or exploring hidden areas.
Notable Locations for Somber Stone Bell Bearings
- Stonegrave Ruins: Defeating the mini-bosses here can reward a Somber Stone Bell Bearing.
- Astel, Naturalborn of the Void Boss Fight: One of the tougher bosses who drops a valuable bell bearing upon defeat.
- Deep Ainsel Well: Exploring this dungeon and overcoming its challenges yields a Somber Stone Bell Bearing.
- Other Hidden Catacombs and Caves: Bell Bearings can be found as rewards for exploration and clearing mini-dungeons.
How to Use the Somber Stone Bell Bearing
Once obtained, players must take the Somber Stone Bell Bearing to the blacksmith, usually the one located in the Roundtable Hold. Handing over the bell bearing unlocks the ability to buy somber smithing stones, which can be used to upgrade special weapons.
Steps to Unlock Somber Smithing Stones
- Visit the blacksmith in Roundtable Hold.
- Give the Somber Stone Bell Bearing to the blacksmith.
- Browse the new inventory options, including various somber smithing stones.
- Purchase the desired smithing stones for weapon upgrades.
Types of Somber Smithing Stones Available
After unlocking the somber smithing stones, players will find different tiers depending on the upgrade level:
- Somber Smithing Stone [17]: Used for upgrading special weapons from +1 to +7.
- Somber Smithing Stone [812]: Higher tier stones required for upgrades beyond +7.
Each tier corresponds to a specific upgrade level, and having the right stones is essential for maximizing weapon potential.
Best Strategies for Collecting Somber Stone Bell Bearings
Since these items are rare and tied to difficult challenges, players should approach collection strategically.
Prepare for Boss Fights and Dungeon Exploration
Many bell bearings are rewards for defeating mini-bosses or exploring dangerous dungeons. Equipping the right gear and leveling up appropriately will make these encounters manageable.
Use Maps and Guides
Consulting maps or in-game hints helps locate hidden dungeons or ruins where bell bearings might be found, ensuring efficient exploration.
Return to Previously Visited Areas
Some bell bearings become accessible only after progressing certain quests or defeating bosses elsewhere, so revisiting areas with new abilities or knowledge can reveal them.
Benefits of Upgrading with Somber Smithing Stones
Using somber smithing stones to upgrade weapons has several advantages:
- Enhanced Damage: Weapons reach higher upgrade levels, significantly boosting attack power.
- Unlock Unique Weapon Skills: Some special weapons have abilities that scale with upgrades.
- Better Scaling: Improved stats allow for more efficient damage output with player stats.
- Increased Weapon Durability: Upgraded weapons tend to be more durable during prolonged fights.
Common Questions About Somber Stone Bell Bearings
Can Somber Stone Bell Bearings be Sold?
While technically possible, it is generally not recommended to sell bell bearings since their utility in unlocking somber smithing stones is invaluable.
Do I Need Multiple Bell Bearings?
Yes, multiple bell bearings unlock different tiers of somber smithing stones, so collecting several is necessary to fully upgrade a wide range of weapons.
Can I Upgrade Any Weapon with Somber Stones?
Somber smithing stones are specifically for special and unique weapons. Regular weapons use standard smithing stones.
The Smithing Somber Stone Bell Bearing is a crucial item in Elden Ring, unlocking the ability to purchase somber smithing stones necessary for upgrading special and legendary weapons. Finding these bell bearings requires exploration, defeating bosses, and uncovering hidden dungeons. Using the bell bearings wisely allows players to enhance their weaponry to its fullest potential, providing the power needed to face Elden Ring’s toughest challenges. Understanding where to find these bell bearings and how to use them efficiently is essential for any player aiming to master the game’s smithing system and dominate its formidable foes.