Exploring the Somber Bell Bearing: A Comprehensive Guide

In the vast and treacherous realm of Elden Ring, the Somber Bell Bearing holds immense significance. This enigmatic item bestows upon its bearer the ability to purchase unique and powerful Somber Smithing Stones from specific merchants, enabling the enhancement of somber weapons to their full potential.

Understanding the Somber Bell Bearing

The Somber Bell Bearing (1) can be acquired by defeating Tibia Mariner in Limgrave Tunnels. This formidable boss wields a massive bone club and summons spectral skeletons to his aid. Once vanquished, Tibia Mariner will drop the coveted Somber Bell Bearing (1), which allows for the purchase of Somber Smithing Stones 1 and 2.

Locating Somber Smithing Stone Merchants

To utilize the Somber Bell Bearing, players must locate the following merchants:

• Iji (Twin Maiden Husks): Roundtable Hold
• Enia (Finger Reader Crones): Roundtable Hold (after killing Rennala, Queen of the Full Moon)
• Hewg, Master Smith: Roundtable Hold (after obtaining at least two Great Runes)

Purchasing Somber Smithing Stones

Using the Somber Bell Bearing, players can purchase the following Somber Smithing Stones from the aforementioned merchants:

Effective Strategies for Obtaining Somber Smithing Stones

• Explore Thoroughly: Many areas in Elden Ring contain hidden caches of Somber Smithing Stones. Carefully explore dungeons, catacombs, and caves to uncover these valuable resources.
• Defeat Mini-Bosses: Certain mini-bosses, such as Black Knife Assassins, drop Somber Smithing Stones upon defeat. Seek out these encounters to increase your stockpile.
• Mine Somber Stones: In areas like the Nokstella, Eternal City, players can find Somber Stones that can be mined to obtain Somber Smithing Stones. Use a Pickaxe to extract these resources.

Tips and Tricks

• Prioritize Upgrading Somber Weapons: Somber weapons have unique abilities and can be significantly enhanced with Somber Smithing Stones. Focus on upgrading these weapons first for maximum effectiveness.
• Conserve Your Runes: Somber Smithing Stones can be expensive. Conserve your runes by exploring for hidden caches or farming mini-bosses for drops.
• Buy in Bulk: When possible, purchase multiple Somber Smithing Stones at once to save time and effort in the long run.

Step-by-Step Approach to Using the Somber Bell Bearing

1. Defeat Tibia Mariner in Limgrave Tunnels to obtain the Somber Bell Bearing (1).
2. Visit one of the merchants listed in the Locating Somber Smithing Stone Merchants section.
3. Select the Purchase option from the merchant's menu.
4. Scroll down to the Somber Smithing Stones section.
5. Use the Somber Bell Bearing to purchase the desired Somber Smithing Stones.

Pros and Cons of Upgrading Somber Weapons

Pros:

• Increased Damage: Somber Smithing Stones enhance the damage output of somber weapons significantly.
• Unique Abilities: Somber weapons often possess unique abilities that can be further improved with upgrades.
• Improved Scaling: Upgrading somber weapons improves their scaling with attributes, making them more potent as the player levels up.

Cons:

• Limited Availability: Somber Smithing Stones are relatively rare compared to regular Smithing Stones.
• Higher Upgrade Cost: Upgrading somber weapons requires more runes than regular weapons.
• Compatibility Issues: Somber weapons cannot be used with regular Smithing Stones, limiting their upgrade options.

Call to Action

The Somber Bell Bearing is an invaluable resource for players seeking to enhance their somber weapons in Elden Ring. By understanding its location, merchants, and effective strategies, players can maximize their potential and conquer the formidable challenges that lie ahead.