Elden Ring Smithing Stone Farming: All Tier Locations

The Ultimate Elden Ring Smithing Stone Farming Guide: Every Tier Location and Upgrade Path Explained

So, you've found a glorious new weapon in the Lands Between, one that perfectly fits your playstyle. You can already feel the victories it will bring. There's just one small, stony roadblock: you're out of Smithing Stones. We've all been there. The upgrade system in Elden Ring is the single most important factor in your damage output, and finding the right stones can feel like a cryptic, endless hunt.

Fear not, Tarnished. This comprehensive guide is designed to be your one-stop resource for all things Smithing Stone and Somber Smithing Stone related. We're not just going to list locations; we're going to build a complete understanding of the upgrade paths, farming methods, and the crucial late-game items that turn scarcity into abundance. Let's dive in and get that armory fully upgraded.

Understanding the Upgrade Paths: Smithing Stones vs. Somber Smithing Stones

First, a crucial distinction. Elden Ring features two parallel upgrade systems:

Standard Weapons: These are the majority of weapons you'll find. They require Smithing Stones and go from +1 to +25. They need multiple stones per level, especially at higher tiers.
Special Weapons: These are often unique weapons with fancy skills and names (like Starscourge Greatsword or Moonveil). They require Somber Smithing Stones and go from +1 to +10. They only need one stone per level.

This guide will cover farming for both, as well as the all-important Smithing Stone Bell Bearings, which are the true end-game solution for all your upgrade needs.

Part 1: Farming Smithing Stones (For Standard Weapons +1 to +25)

Smithing Stones are categorized into tiers 1 through 8, with each tier corresponding to specific upgrade levels. For example, Smithing Stone [1] is for +1 and +2, while Smithing Stone [8] is for +24 and +25.

Early Game Farming (Tiers 1-4: Upgrades to +12)

Your journey begins in Limgrave and Liurnia. Don't just rely on random drops; target specific areas.

Limgrave Tunnels: This is your first major mine. Located in western Limgrave, it's packed with Smithing Stone [1] and [2]. The crystal-bearing miners are your primary targets here.
Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel: In Liurnia, this mine is rich with Smithing Stone [3] and [4]. Be warned, the boss here is tough for a low-level character, but you can run past him to grab the loot.
Best Early Rune Farm for Buying Stones: Unlock the Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [1]. This is a game-changer. To get it, you must defeat the Crystalian boss at the end of the Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel. Once you give this bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, you can purchase an unlimited number of Smithing Stone [1] and [2]. For [3] and [4], you need the Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [2], found in the Sealed Tunnel in the Altus Plateau. This tunnel is hidden behind an illusory wall at the end of the main cavern.

Mid-Game Farming (Tiers 5-6: Upgrades to +18)

As you venture into Caelid and Altus Plateau, the stone requirements get steeper.

Altus Tunnel: Located in the Altus Plateau, this mine is your primary source for Smithing Stone [5] and [6]. It's relatively straightforward to clear.
Zamor Ruins: In the Mountaintops of the Giants, the soldiers here have a decent chance to drop Smithing Stone [6]. It's a good spot if you need a few extras.
The Bell Bearing Solution: The Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [2] (from the Sealed Tunnel) covers stones [3] and [4], which you'll still need. For [5] and [6], you need the Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [3]. This is found in the Zamor Ruins in the Mountaintops of the Giants. Look for a chest in the ruins' underground area.

Late-Game Farming (Tiers 7-8: Upgrades to +25)

This is where the grind can feel real, but we have targeted solutions.

Yelough Anix Tunnel: Located in the Consecrated Snowfield, this is the premier location for farming Smithing Stone [7] and [8]. The miners inside are your best bet for direct drops.
Crumbling Farum Azula: This legacy dungeon is the final stretch. You can find many Smithing Stone [8] and even an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone in the world here. The beastmen enemies can also drop Smithing Stone [7] and [8], albeit rarely.
The Ultimate Bell Bearing: To completely solve your Smithing Stone [7] and [8] needs, you must find the Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing [4]. It is located in Crumbling Farum Azula. From the "Temple" Site of Grace, head outside and down the crumbling architecture until you find a room with a corpse surrounded by beastmen. The bearing is on that corpse. With this, you can buy an unlimited number of all standard Smithing Stones, making future upgrades a matter of runes, not exploration.

Part 2: Farming Somber Smithing Stones (For Special Weapons +1 to +10)

The path for special weapons is less grindy in terms of quantity but requires knowing the specific locations for each tier.

Early Game (+1 to +4): Limgrave Tunnels has Somber Stone [1]. Sellia Crystal Tunnel in Caelid has several, including [2] and [3]. The Raya Lucaria Academy rooftop also has a key Somber Stone [4].
Mid-Game (+5 to +7): The Altus Tunnel holds a Somber Stone [5]. A Somber Stone [6] can be found in the Volcano Manor legacy dungeon. For [7], the First Church of Marika in the Mountaintops of the Giants is a guaranteed find.
Late-Game (+8 to +10): Somber Stone [8] is in the Ainsel River Main underground, past the Dragonkin Soldier. Somber Stone [9] is in the Yelough Anix Tunnel in the Consecrated Snowfield. The final Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone for the +10 upgrade is a limited resource per playthrough, with one found in Crumbling Farum Azula.

The Somber Bell Bearing Hunt:

Just like with standard stones, you can find bell bearings to buy Somber stones.

Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [1]: (Stones [1] & [2]) - Dropped by the Fallingstar Beast in the Sellia Crystal Tunnel.
Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [2]: (Stones [3] & [4]) - Found in the Altus Tunnel.
Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [3]: (Stones [5] & [6]) - Found on a corpse in the First Church of Marika in the Mountaintops.
Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [4]: (Stones [7] & [8]) - Found in the Yelough Anix Tunnel in the Consecrated Snowfield.
Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [5]: (Stone [9]) - This is the big one. It's dropped by the Godskin Duo boss in Crumbling Farum Azula. Defeating them allows you to buy an unlimited number of Somber Smithing Stone [9], making the final step to +10 much more accessible.

Optimizing Your Farm: Tips and Tricks

Item Discovery is Key: Always equip the Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot to boost your item discovery for better drop rates from enemies. The Silver Scarab talisman, found in the hidden Catacombs in Caelid, is a permanent (while equipped) boost to item discovery.
Focus on Bell Bearings: As you've seen, the bell bearings are the true prize. Prioritize the dungeons that hold them. Once you have them, farming is no longer necessary—you just need runes.
Don't Negate the Mines: The tunnels marked on your map with a black and orange rock symbol are always mines filled with Smithing Stones. Always explore these thoroughly.
Rune Farming for Stone Buying: Once you have the bell bearings, the problem shifts from finding stones to affording them. Efficient rune farming spots like the "Palace Approach Ledge-Road" in Mohgwyn Dynasty are perfect for generating the tens of thousands of runes needed to buy stones in bulk.

With this guide, you are now equipped not just with a list of locations, but with a full strategy. You understand the two upgrade paths, the importance of targeted farming in mines, and the overarching goal of collecting every Smithing Stone Bell Bearing to liberate yourself from the grind. Now go forth, Tarnished. Gather those stones, and forge the legendary armament that will see you become the Elden Lord.