Elden Ring weapon upgrades: where smithing stones fit your build

Start with equipment you use confidently

Weapon upgrades improve the equipment you actually fight with. Before spending materials, test a weapon’s range, speed and attack behavior on enemies you can handle safely. A familiar upgraded weapon can be more reliable than an unfamiliar weapon chosen only for its reputation.

Bandai Namco documents early smithing opportunities at the Church of Elleh and with the smith at Roundtable Hold, and points players toward mines for additional stones. This gives you a concrete progression route.

Check the material requirements

Inspect the enhancement menu to identify the required stones and rune cost. Different upgrade families can use different resources, so one stone found in a mine may not work on every weapon you own.

Avoid grinding for a named stone solely because an online build guide suggests a late-game weapon. Confirm which upgrade material your present equipment requires before exploring difficult regions.

1. 01Choose a weapon you already use well.
2. 02Check its current upgrade level and required materials.
3. 03Visit an available smithing location and verify the result.

When to upgrade versus level

Character attributes and weapon upgrades address related but different issues. If your attacks feel weak, review equipment and its requirements before investing all runes in one damage stat.

If survival is the immediate obstacle, improving health and learning defense may have a higher practical payoff. There is no one weapon or upgrade path that suits every beginner or every damage type.