How to Upgrade Weapons in Elden Ring

Key Takeaways

• Standard weapons normally use Smithing Stones and reach +25; special weapons use Somber Smithing Stones and reach +10.
• The material named in the reinforcement menu identifies the path. A weapon that accepts Somber stones is not “behind” because its number is lower.
• A standard tier covers three reinforcement levels: Stone [1] reaches +3, [2] reaches +6, through [8] reaching +24. An Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone completes +25.
• Each Somber rank uses one stone of the matching number; a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone completes +10.
• Final Ancient Dragon stones are limited per playthrough, so preview the result before committing one.

Upgrade locations

Place	Capability
Smithing table at Church of Elleh	Standard armaments up to +3
Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold	Standard and Somber armaments through their final ranks
Smithing Master Iji in Liurnia	Useful access to weapon strengthening and early Somber stock

Step-by-step

1. Open the armament's details and note whether the reinforcement menu requests Smithing or Somber Smithing Stones.
2. Confirm you meet its attribute requirements; upgrading does not remove a red requirement penalty.
3. At Hewg, choose “Strengthen armament” and inspect attack power, guard values, material, and rune cost.
4. Upgrade one dependable weapon first. Split materials only when a second weapon covers a real damage-type, range, or moveset need.
5. For standard weapons, choose an Ash of War and affinity that support the build. Reinforcement raises base values and scaling; affinity controls how scaling is distributed.
6. Reserve the final Ancient Dragon material until the weapon has proven useful in late-game encounters.

Normal versus Somber

Standard weapons offer more Ash of War and affinity flexibility but require multiple stones at each tier. Somber weapons usually have a fixed unique skill and require only one matching stone per rank. Neither path is inherently stronger; moveset, skill, scaling, reach, damage type, and upgrade availability decide the better choice.

Common Mistakes

• Comparing +10 Somber and +10 standard as equal completion.
• Spending stones across five experiments before one main weapon is ready.
• Assuming an Ash of War automatically gives the desired affinity without the needed whetblade.
• Forgetting that shields, bows, seals, and staffs can also be reinforced.
• Using the final stone because the menu allows it, without checking that it is nonrenewable.

Troubleshooting

Why is my weapon missing from the menu?

It may already be at that smith's limit, lack the next material, be equipped in a restricted situation, or be a non-upgradable item such as a sacred seal-like tool exception. Check the armament details and try Hewg.

Why did scaling letters change?

Reinforcement and affinity can improve or redistribute scaling. Letters are broad bands; compare the total displayed attack power rather than reading the letter alone.

FAQ

Can I undo an upgrade?

No. You can remove or change many Ashes of War without losing them, but spent reinforcement materials and runes are not refunded.

Do upgraded weapons affect matchmaking?

Weapon reinforcement is one of the factors used by online matchmaking. Moving a character to a high reinforcement tier can affect who that character matches with.

Should I upgrade a staff or seal?

Yes when spell scaling on that catalyst increases and it remains the right catalyst for the spells and attributes used.

Version Scope

Verified for Elden Ring through Patch 1.17; exact attack gains remain equipment-specific.

Sources

• Bandai Namco early-game tips
• Elden Ring Wiki reinforcement reference

Next, follow the standard stone progression or Somber stone guide.