In Elden Ring: Nightreign, upgrading weapons is one of the most important aspects to surviving the tough fights. To upgrade, you need Smithing Stones, just like in the original Elden Ring. But here, finding and using them works a little differently. This guide will explain how to find Smithing Stones, how to upgrade your weapons, and what to focus on for the best results.
What Are Smithing Stones?
Smithing Stones are materials used to improve your weapons. There are two main types in Nightreign:
- Smithing Stone 1: For basic weapons, like your starting armament.
- Smithing Stone 2: For stronger weapons with better rarity and power.
There is no upgrade stone higher than Smithing Stone 2 in Nightreign, but you need plenty of them to fully upgrade your gear.
Where to Find Smithing Stone 1
Smithing Stones 1 are the easiest to get. You can find them by:
- Killing enemies (chance to drop)
- Opening chests
- Buying from merchants for 6 000 Runes each
Merchants are found near castles, camps, churches, and towns. Look for the hooded person icon on your map to find them.
Basic stones only work for weapons with a grey name background (common/basic weapons). Don’t buy too many unless you need them, as they are only useful for these basic weapons.
Where to Find Smithing Stone 2
Smithing Stones 2 are much harder to get. You mostly find them through:
- Defeating minor bosses in mines and tunnels, like:
- Cave Trolls near inner platforms
- Redmane Knights
- Pumpkin-headed monsters
- Tough enemies on the field (extremely rare drop, however)
These bosses drop an item that lets you choose between Smithing Stone 2, a weapon, or a passive buff. Usually, take the Smithing Stone 2 unless the weapon fits your build perfectly.
How Many Stones to Upgrade?
The amount of stones you need will depend on your weapon rarity, and the level you upgrade it to:
- To upgrade a weapon from common (white border) to uncommon (blue border): you need one Smithing Stone 1
- From uncommon to rare (purple border): you need one Smithing Stone 2
- To go from rare to legendary (gold border): you need to use a special smithing table found only in the Shifting Earth: The Crater event, and 2 more Smithing Stone 2 to reach legendary
Usually, you can fully upgrade only one weapon to legendary per run. It’s often better to upgrade multiple weapons to +1 or +2 for more options in fights.
How to Upgrade Weapons
- Find a merchant on your map.
- Near each merchant, there is a smithing anvil you can use for free.
- Bring your weapon and the correct Smithing Stones to the anvil.
- Upgrade your weapon step-by-step by using the stones.
Most starting weapons can only be upgraded to +2 (rare). Legendary upgrades require the special smithing table.
Tips for Upgrading in Nightreign
- Use the map’s overview to find merchants and tunnels quickly.
- Plan upgrades based on your favorite weapons and build.
- Upgrade one weapon fully or spread stones among a few for more flexibility.
- Remember to upgrade before the Night Lord boss fight for the best chance to survive.
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