Elden Ring offers a vast array of weapons, each with its own unique upgrade paths and special requirements. While many players focus on leveling their stats and grinding for runes, there’s an often overlooked but crucial element to fully maximizing your arsenal: specific upgrade materials. Without these items, certain powerful weapons simply can’t reach their full potential, no matter how many runes you pour into them.
In this article, I’m breaking down 20 weapons that require special items to hit their maximum upgrade level. Whether you’re playing on PC or PS4, knowing where to find these materials can save you hours of frustration and help you optimize your build effectively.
Most weapons in Elden Ring can be upgraded by using Smithing Stones, which are fairly common. However, some unique or legendary weapons demand rare upgrade materials—like Somber Smithing Stones or even boss-specific items. Without these, your weapon’s upgrade path stops prematurely, limiting your damage output and overall effectiveness.
If you’re someone who doesn’t have the time to farm endlessly, you might consider options like Buy Elden Ring items PC or Buy elden ring runes ps4 from reliable sources to speed up your progression. But keep in mind that knowing what you need and how to acquire it in-game is essential to making the most out of your investment.
Here are some of the notable weapons and the specific items you’ll need to maximize them:
Rivers of Blood – Requires Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade beyond standard levels. This katana is fantastic for bleed builds, but you’ll need those rare stones to fully unlock its potential.
Moonveil – Another katana that depends on Somber Smithing Stones, especially to enhance its unique weapon skill damage.
Blasphemous Blade – Upgrading beyond the basics requires unique boss materials from the fire giant.
Godrick’s Greatsword – Needs special Smithing Stones, often tied to late-game bosses.
Dragon Slayer’s Greatsword – Demands specific materials dropped from dragon bosses.
Morgott’s Cursed Sword – Requires unique smithing materials found only in the Leyndell area.
Hand of Malenia – Upgrading this weapon calls for Somber Smithing Stones, alongside other rare items.
Nagakiba – Requires rare smithing stones to maximize.
Serpent-Hunter – You’ll need special upgrade materials that aren’t available early on.
Reduvia – Somber Smithing Stones are again essential here.
Greatsword – Requires unique materials from late-game bosses.
Dark Moon Greatsword – This iconic weapon needs special smithing stones and boss drops.
Sacred Relic Sword – Also demands rare upgrade items.
Prelate’s Inferno Crozier – Requires unique materials from specific bosses.
Ruins Greatsword – Demands unique upgrade stones.
Dragon Slayer’s Crescent Axe – Needs special smithing stones.
Bolt of Gransax – Requires unique materials linked to bosses.
Mace of the Insolent – Demands special upgrade items.
Great Club – Requires rare smithing stones.
Bloodhound’s Fang – Somber Smithing Stones and boss materials are a must.
Most of these special smithing stones are found in late-game regions or dropped by powerful bosses. Exploration and defeating specific enemies is the usual way to obtain them. For example, Somber Smithing Stones can often be found in places like the Abandoned Cave or dropped by certain mini-bosses.
If farming isn’t your style, some players choose to buy Elden Ring items PC or buy elden ring runes ps4 to bypass the grind, but be cautious and always ensure you’re sourcing from legitimate platforms to avoid any issues.
Upgrading weapons fully in Elden Ring isn’t just about dumping runes and leveling up; it’s also about knowing the right materials to seek out. Without these special upgrade items, your weapon may never reach its full potential, no matter how many levels you grind.
Keep an eye out for those rare stones and boss drops, and don’t hesitate to share your own tips on where to find these elusive items. And if you’re playing on PS4 or PC and want to speed things up, remember that options exist to buy Elden Ring items PC or runes on PS4 — but always balance convenience with the satisfaction of exploring the world and earning your upgrades the classic way.