Elden Ring weapon upgrades: why Smithing Stones matter

Upgrading is a separate progression path

Smithing Stones are used to strengthen weapons and can be found while exploring, including mines and caves. That creates a useful path for a player who feels underpowered without needing to defeat the next story boss immediately.

This page does not give an exhaustive stone-drop chart because exact availability and special weapon requirements need their own carefully reviewed references.

Commit to a weapon you actually use

Spend a few minutes testing reach, speed, stamina cost and moveset before putting rare upgrade materials into a weapon. A familiar, upgraded weapon can be more valuable than a new high-level weapon you cannot handle well.

Compare equipment requirements with your attributes first. A weapon you cannot wield effectively may not deliver the benefit you expect.

Treat early mines as resource destinations

The official beginner tips point to early mines in Limgrave as places to find Smithing Stones. Visit cautiously and bring enough healing to return safely.

When a route becomes too dangerous, mark it and come back with more levels or equipment instead of risking a large stack of runes.

1. 01Test your preferred weapon moveset.
2. 02Check its upgrade resource requirements.
3. 03Explore accessible mining locations for stones.
4. 04Upgrade only after deciding the weapon fits your build.

Separate damage problems from survival problems

If you die before making meaningful attacks, explore stamina management, defense and encounter knowledge. If you survive but fights take too long, weapon upgrades may help.

Avoid assuming one stat or item solves every encounter. Improvement works best when you identify the actual constraint.