Of all the formidable challenges that the Lands Between presents, from the demigod shardbearers to the relentless invaders, few are as universally frustrating for the dedicated Tarnished as the scarcity of Smithing Stones in the late game. You’ve bested Morgott, navigated the nightmare of the Mountaintops of the Giants, and perhaps even glimpsed the crumbling facade of Farum Azula. Your armory is filled with unique and powerful weapons, each begging to be tested at its full potential. Yet, you find yourself staring at a +17 Serpent-Hunter or a +19 Bloodhound’s Fang, your pockets empty of the crucial Somber Smithing Stone [7] and [8] needed to cross that final threshold. This guide is dedicated to ending that struggle, providing the most efficient and comprehensive strategies for farming the elusive Tiers 7 and 8 of both regular and Somber Smithing Stones.
Understanding the Scarcity: Why It’s So Hard
First, it’s important to understand why these particular tiers feel so scarce. Unlike lower-tier stones, which can be purchased infinitely from the Twin Maiden Husks after delivering the appropriate Bell Bearings, the Bell Bearings for Smithing Stone [7] and [8] and their Somber equivalents are found exceptionally late in the game. This design forces players to make difficult choices about which weapons to upgrade until they have virtually completed their journey. Our goal is to find these Bell Bearings and identify reliable farming routes to bypass this bottleneck before that point.
The Ultimate Prize: The Bell Bearings
The most permanent solution to the Smithing Stone shortage is to acquire the relevant Bell Bearings, allowing you to purchase an unlimited number for runes.
For Regular Smithing Stones [7] and [8]: The Smithing-Stone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] is the key. It is found in the most treacherous late-game area: Crumbling Farum Azula. From the "Tempest-Facing Balcony" Site of Grace, proceed through the level until you descend a staircase into a large, open area with a sleeping dragon and several Beastmen. Instead of engaging them, immediately turn right into a ruined chapel-like structure. Work your way down the crumbling floors inside this building. The Bell Bearing is located on a corpse at the very bottom, guarded by a formidable Beastman of Farum Azula. This Bell Bearing unlocks both Smithing Stone [7] and [8] for purchase at the Roundtable Hold.
For Somber Smithing Stones [7] and [8]: The Somberstone Miner’s Bell Bearing [4] is located in the dreaded Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree. This is an endgame secret area, accessible only after solving the puzzle of the Haligtree Secret Medallion. From the "Prayer Room" Site of Grace, proceed downstairs and outside onto the branches. Navigate this perilous pathway until you can drop down onto a rooftop. Continue downwards through the area, fighting or avoiding the powerful enemies, until you find a graveyard section with a lone, non-aggressive Cleanrot Knight staring at a large flower. The Bell Bearing is on a corpse in this graveyard. This allows for the unlimited purchase of Somber Smithing Stone [7] and [8].
Farming Routes: Before the Bell Bearings
If you haven’t yet reached these areas or defeated the necessary bosses to access them, you will need to farm. Here are the most effective pre-Bell Bearing routes.
1. Zamor Ruins (Mountaintops of the Giants) - For Regular Smithing Stone [7] This is arguably the best early spot for Smithing Stone [7]. The Zamor Ruins are filled with skeletal miners who have a high chance of dropping these stones.
- Location: Mountaintops of the Giants, the Zamor Ruins Site of Grace.
- Method: Simply rest at the grace and methodically eliminate all the miners in the ruins. Their respawn rate is fixed, making it a reliable, if somewhat slow, loop. Using item discovery gear like the Silver Scarab talisman and Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot is highly recommended.
2. Giants' Mountaintop Catacombs - For Somber Smithing Stone [7] & [8] This dungeon is a treasure trove for Somber Stones.
- Location: Mountaintops of the Giants, west of the Grand Lift of Rold.
- Method: Clear the dungeon normally to find a Somberstone [7] on a corpse. However, for farming, the real prize is the Battlemage Hugues spirit summon encounter. In the room just before this boss fog, a Vulgar Militiaman patrols the hallway. This specific enemy has a chance to drop both Somber Smithing Stone [7] and [8]. He is easily backstabbed, and the nearby Site of Grace allows for quick resets. This is one of the few early-game sources for Somber [8].
3. Crumbling Farum Azula - The Comprehensive Run Once you have access to Farum Azula, it becomes the best overall farming location for both regular and somber stones, even before you get the Bell Bearing.
- Location: Start at the "Crumbling Beast Grave" Site of Grace.
- Method: This run requires combat but yields immense rewards. From the grace, head outside and turn left to find a staircase leading down. Defeat the Beastman here for a chance at Somber [7] and [8]. Continue down the path to a large open area with a lightning storm. Here, you will find multiple Beastmen and smaller humanoid enemies that have a good chance to drop regular Smithing Stone [7] and [8]. This area is dense with enemies that drop the desired stones, making it a high-risk, high-reward farming circuit.
4. Elphael, Brace of the Haligtree - The Endgame Farm Elphael is overflowing with upgrade materials.
- Location: Start at the "Prayer Room" Site of Grace.
- Method: The soldiers and knights throughout Elphael have a chance to drop both regular and somber stones of high tiers. A particularly good loop is to head downstairs from the Prayer Room and work your way through the halls and courtyards, defeating the cleanrot knights and spectral soldiers. While not as focused as other farms, the sheer density of elite enemies here means you will accumulate a variety of high-level upgrade materials while also earning significant runes.
Maximizing Efficiency: Tools of the Trade
No farming guide is complete without mentioning the tools to maximize your yield.
- Silver Scarab Talisman: This talisman drastically boosts item discovery. It is found in the hidden path to the Haligtree, in a cave behind an illusory wall after the dual chariot section.
- Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot: Consumable that temporarily boosts item discovery. Craft them using the Missionary's Cookbook [4] found in the Siofra River.
- High Arcane Stat: Leveling Arcane increases your item discovery rate. If you are desperate, respecing at Rennala to temporarily boost Arcane can be a worthwhile investment for a dedicated farming session.
Conclusion: From Scarcity to Abundance
The late-game upgrade material grind in Elden Ring can feel like a final boss in itself, a test of patience and perseverance. However, by strategically targeting the areas outlined above—first focusing on the Zamor Ruins and Giants' Mountaintop Catacombs, then graduating to the rich pickings of Crumbling Farum Azula and Elphael—you can efficiently break through the wall. The ultimate victory, of course, is securing the coveted Bell Bearings, transforming your journey from one of desperate scarcity to one of empowered abundance. With these methods, you will no longer have to choose a favorite weapon; you can forge an entire arsenal worthy of a true Elden Lord.
