In the hauntingly powerful world of Elden Ring, weapon upgrades play a critical role in a player’s survival and combat effectiveness. Among the most sought-after materials is the Somber Smithing Stone 9, especially for players focusing on unique or legendary weapons. Located deep within the deadly region of Dragonbarrow, this upgrade stone is a rare treasure that players often pursue late in the game. Understanding how to find the Dragonbarrow Somber Smithing Stone 9, and how best to use it, is essential for optimizing any end-game build and preparing for the toughest battles ahead.
Understanding the Somber Smithing Stone 9
What Is a Somber Smithing Stone?
Somber Smithing Stones are a special upgrade material in Elden Ring, used exclusively for upgrading special or unique weapons. Unlike standard smithing stones, which upgrade regular weapons through multiple levels, Somber Smithing Stones upgrade unique weapons one level at a time, from +1 to +10.
Somber Smithing Stone 9, being near the top of this upgrade tier, is used to upgrade a unique weapon from +8 to +9. This is an essential step toward maxing out a powerful armament and is often pursued by players running boss weapons, special katanas, colossal weapons, or legendary armaments.
Why Dragonbarrow Matters
Dragonbarrow, located in the northern part of Caelid, is known for its high-level enemies, dangerous dragons, and valuable upgrade materials. The area is one of the few open-world regions where players can find Somber Smithing Stones of high tiers, including the rare Somber Smithing Stone 9. With its tough foes and toxic environment, Dragonbarrow offers risk and reward in equal measure.
Where to Find Somber Smithing Stone 9 in Dragonbarrow
Exploration and Navigation
To locate the Somber Smithing Stone 9 in Dragonbarrow, players should prepare themselves for a journey through corrupted lands, swarming with dangerous beasts and imposing dragons. The area is unforgiving, and most enemies can deal massive damage if not approached carefully. Make sure your mount, Torrent, is ready for agile navigation and swift escapes.
Key Locations in Dragonbarrow
- Bestial Sanctum: One of the easiest early-game ways to reach Dragonbarrow is by using the portal near the Third Church of Marika, which teleports you to the Bestial Sanctum. From there, you can begin exploring Dragonbarrow’s deadly terrain.
- Farum Greatbridge: Close to this area, players can find valuable loot and high-tier stones. Look for cliffs and hidden ledges items are often tucked away behind breakable walls or near skeletal enemies.
- Minor Erdtree in Dragonbarrow: Near the tree, you’ll find stronger enemies but also better rewards. Some somber stones may be found in the ruins nearby or dropped by elite foes in the area.
- Dragonbarrow Cave: Hidden within this cave are powerful enemies and potential upgrade items. Although it may not guarantee a Somber Smithing Stone 9, it’s part of the overall farming and exploration process.
Guaranteed Drop or Loot Spots
There is at least one known Somber Smithing Stone 9 located in Dragonbarrow in a fixed location, though its exact placement can vary depending on updates or game patches. Usually, it is placed near a corpse on a ledge or hidden behind a heavily guarded enemy.
Be on the lookout for:
- Dead bodies hanging off ledges or cliffs loot them carefully.
- Giant dragons or minibosses defeating them may yield upgrade stones.
- Ruins and towers chests often contain valuable stones hidden within these structures.
Farming Tips for Dragonbarrow
Preparation and Gear
Before attempting to farm or search for Somber Smithing Stone 9 in Dragonbarrow, players should be at least level 70 or higher. Equip gear that increases survivability, such as armor with high poison or scarlet rot resistance. Also, consider talismans that enhance stamina or reduce fall damage, since exploration involves risky jumps and cliffside paths.
Use of Torrent and Spirit Ashes
Torrent is essential for navigating the wide terrain and avoiding powerful dragons that roam Dragonbarrow. Spirit Ashes can help distract enemies during exploration or boss fights near valuable loot areas.
Crafting and Buffs
Bring plenty of Preserving Boluses or craft them before venturing into scarlet rot zones. Buff your weapon with fire or holy damage if you encounter undead enemies, and keep ranged weapons ready to snipe from afar.
Upgrading with Somber Smithing Stone 9
Where to Upgrade
Once you’ve acquired a Somber Smithing Stone 9, return to a blacksmith to apply the upgrade. The main blacksmith, Smithing Master Hewg, located at the Roundtable Hold, can perform the upgrade if you have the right materials.
Best Weapons to Upgrade
Some of the most popular unique weapons that benefit greatly from a +9 upgrade using Somber Smithing Stone 9 include:
- Moonveil Katana– A powerful magic katana known for its swift attacks and ranged special ability.
- Blasphemous Blade– A strength/faith weapon with excellent life-steal capabilities.
- Rivers of Blood– Infamous for its bleed damage and rapid strikes.
- Dark Moon Greatsword– Ideal for intelligence builds looking for heavy magic damage output.
Alternative Sources for Somber Smithing Stone 9
Purchasing and Bell Bearings
After progressing through the game and collecting Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearings, players can give them to Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold. This allows for the purchase of Somber Smithing Stones up to a certain tier. For Stone 9, players need the Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [5], which is found later in the game, often in Mountaintops of the Giants or Consecrated Snowfield.
Late-Game Areas
If you miss the stone in Dragonbarrow, don’t worry. Other areas like Crumbling Farum Azula and Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree also offer Somber Smithing Stone 9, sometimes in larger supply. However, Dragonbarrow gives you earlier access with enough courage and skill.
The Value of Upgrading in Elden Ring
Somber Smithing Stone 9 represents a turning point in a character’s progression. Taking a weapon to +9 significantly boosts damage and unlocks the full potential of its special skill. In the brutal world of Elden Ring, every advantage counts. Upgrading not only helps in PvE but also makes a noticeable difference in PvP encounters.
With the right weapon and strategic upgrades, even the most formidable enemies can be brought down. Whether you’re facing Malenia, Rykard, or any of the game’s late bosses, a weapon at +9 supported by a strong build can shift the tide of battle.
Finding the Dragonbarrow Somber Smithing Stone 9 is a thrilling and challenging part of the Elden Ring experience. It rewards exploration, perseverance, and risk-taking, key themes throughout the game. From traversing the deadly swamps of Caelid to battling through Dragonbarrow’s dragon-infested plains, the journey to this rare upgrade material is as rewarding as the power it grants. Whether you’re fine-tuning your weapon for the final battles or optimizing your PvP strategy, acquiring this elusive stone is a crucial milestone on the road to becoming Elden Lord.