11-06-2025, 10:13 PM
Upgrading your gear in Elden Ring isn’t just a side task—it’s a core part of becoming stronger and surviving the tougher challenges ahead. Whether you're focusing on weapons, shields, or Spirit Ashes, getting them to max level can dramatically change your gameplay. Here’s a practical, step-by-step guide for how to upgrade your Elden Ring items to their highest potential.
1. Unlock the Smithing System
The first step is unlocking a blacksmith who can help you upgrade gear. Early on, head to the Church of Elleh and meet Kalé, but for higher upgrades, you’ll need to visit Smithing Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold. He becomes your go-to NPC for weapon and Spirit Ash upgrades.
2. Collect Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones
Regular weapons require Smithing Stones, while unique or special weapons use Somber Smithing Stones. These stones are scattered across the Lands Between in mines, dropped by enemies, and sold by merchants once you offer specific Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks.
3. Know Your Upgrade Paths
Knowing this difference helps you prioritize which stones to farm or purchase.
4. Offer Bell Bearings for Easier Access
Bell Bearings are key to purchasing Smithing Stones without hunting them manually. You can find them in mines, by defeating certain NPCs, or exploring late-game areas. Offer these to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold to unlock a shop inventory that includes various levels of stones.
5. Farm or Buy Runes
Upgrading gear costs more than just materials—it requires runes, and plenty of them. Farming early-game bosses or late-game enemies can help, but if you’re short on time, many players turn to the best place to buy Elden Ring runes. U4GM is often mentioned in the community for reliable service when farming just doesn’t cut it.
6. Prioritize High-Impact Gear
Not every item needs to hit max level. Focus your resources on weapons and gear that define your build. If you're using the Moonveil Katana, for example, upgrading it to +10 with Somber Stones will unlock its full potential much faster than spreading your materials thin.
7. Max Out Spirit Ashes
Don't forget about Spirit Ashes—they can be upgraded at Roundtable Hold by speaking to Roderika, once you've advanced her quest. Like weapons, they use their own upgrade items (Grave Gloveworts for standard summons, Ghost Gloveworts for elite ones), which you can farm or buy after offering appropriate Bell Bearings.
8. Seek Out the Final Upgrade Stones
The final step for max-level upgrades requires Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones or Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. These are rare and typically found in late-game areas like Crumbling Farum Azula or hidden corners of the Haligtree. Use them wisely—they’re limited.
Reaching max level on your favorite gear feels like a major milestone in Elden Ring. While you can grind materials and runes in-game, many players mention the best site to buy Elden Ring items as a time-saving option—especially when prepping for New Game Plus or PvP. Sites like U4GM are often brought up in community discussions as helpful for staying focused on gameplay instead of resource farming.
Upgrading isn’t just about numbers—it’s about bringing your build to life. Whether you're using a giant greathammer or nimble dual katanas, following these steps will make sure you're ready for anything the Lands Between throws your way.
1. Unlock the Smithing System
The first step is unlocking a blacksmith who can help you upgrade gear. Early on, head to the Church of Elleh and meet Kalé, but for higher upgrades, you’ll need to visit Smithing Master Hewg in Roundtable Hold. He becomes your go-to NPC for weapon and Spirit Ash upgrades.
2. Collect Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones
Regular weapons require Smithing Stones, while unique or special weapons use Somber Smithing Stones. These stones are scattered across the Lands Between in mines, dropped by enemies, and sold by merchants once you offer specific Bell Bearings to the Twin Maiden Husks.
3. Know Your Upgrade Paths
Standard Weapons: Use Smithing Stones (1 through 8) to upgrade to +24, then use an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to hit +25.
Special Weapons: Use Somber Smithing Stones (1 through 9) to upgrade to +9, and a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone to reach +10.
Knowing this difference helps you prioritize which stones to farm or purchase.
4. Offer Bell Bearings for Easier Access
Bell Bearings are key to purchasing Smithing Stones without hunting them manually. You can find them in mines, by defeating certain NPCs, or exploring late-game areas. Offer these to the Twin Maiden Husks in Roundtable Hold to unlock a shop inventory that includes various levels of stones.
5. Farm or Buy Runes
Upgrading gear costs more than just materials—it requires runes, and plenty of them. Farming early-game bosses or late-game enemies can help, but if you’re short on time, many players turn to the best place to buy Elden Ring runes. U4GM is often mentioned in the community for reliable service when farming just doesn’t cut it.
6. Prioritize High-Impact Gear
Not every item needs to hit max level. Focus your resources on weapons and gear that define your build. If you're using the Moonveil Katana, for example, upgrading it to +10 with Somber Stones will unlock its full potential much faster than spreading your materials thin.
7. Max Out Spirit Ashes
Don't forget about Spirit Ashes—they can be upgraded at Roundtable Hold by speaking to Roderika, once you've advanced her quest. Like weapons, they use their own upgrade items (Grave Gloveworts for standard summons, Ghost Gloveworts for elite ones), which you can farm or buy after offering appropriate Bell Bearings.
8. Seek Out the Final Upgrade Stones
The final step for max-level upgrades requires Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones or Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones. These are rare and typically found in late-game areas like Crumbling Farum Azula or hidden corners of the Haligtree. Use them wisely—they’re limited.
Reaching max level on your favorite gear feels like a major milestone in Elden Ring. While you can grind materials and runes in-game, many players mention the best site to buy Elden Ring items as a time-saving option—especially when prepping for New Game Plus or PvP. Sites like U4GM are often brought up in community discussions as helpful for staying focused on gameplay instead of resource farming.
Upgrading isn’t just about numbers—it’s about bringing your build to life. Whether you're using a giant greathammer or nimble dual katanas, following these steps will make sure you're ready for anything the Lands Between throws your way.