Bell Bearings for Smithing Stones: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

In the vast realms of the Elden Ring, bell bearings play a pivotal role in acquiring smithing stones, essential for enhancing weaponry and armor. These unassuming items grant access to specific merchant inventories, ensuring a steady supply of these precious resources. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of bell bearings, empowering you to forge powerful arsenal and conquer the treacherous journey that lies ahead.

Understanding Bell Bearings

Bell bearings are small, intricately crafted objects that represent a merchant's loyalty. When presented to Twin Maiden Husks, the enigmatic merchants residing in Roundtable Hold, these bearings unlock access to the merchant's services and inventory. There are numerous bell bearings scattered throughout the Lands Between, each linked to a different merchant. Some merchants specialize in specific types of smithing stones, while others offer a broader selection of weapons and materials.

Types of Bell Bearings

Bell bearings are classified into three main categories:

1. Regular Bell Bearings: These are the most common type and grant access to the inventory of a standard merchant.
2. Ancient Bell Bearings: These rarer bearings unlock the inventories of merchants who offer a wider range of smithing stones, including higher-level stones.
3. Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearings: These specialized bearings grant access to merchants who sell somber smithing stones, used for enhancing unique weapons.

Acquiring Bell Bearings

Bell bearings are acquired through various methods:

• Exploration: Many bell bearings are hidden within dungeons, castles, and other points of interest throughout the Lands Between.
• Boss Defeats: Some bell bearings are rewards for defeating specific bosses or mini-bosses.
• NPC Quests: Completing certain NPC questlines may also lead to the acquisition of bell bearings.

Bell Bearings for Smithing Stones

The table below lists the most significant bell bearings for acquiring smithing stones:

Effective Strategies

To maximize the benefits of bell bearings, consider implementing these effective strategies:

• Prioritize Exploration: Diligently explore every nook and cranny of the Lands Between to uncover hidden bell bearings.
• Seek Boss Defeats: Challenge bosses and mini-bosses to acquire bell bearings as rewards.
• Complete NPC Quests: Engage in NPC questlines to earn bell bearings as gratitude for your assistance.
• Maximize Merchant Inventories: Upgrade Twin Maiden Husks to purchase a wider variety of smithing stones.
• Utilize Multiple Characters: Create multiple characters to acquire additional bell bearings and access to merchant inventories.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid these common mistakes to ensure optimal utilization of bell bearings:

• Neglecting Exploration: Assuming that bell bearings are only available through boss defeats can lead to missed opportunities.
• Overlooking NPC Quests: Ignoring NPC questlines deprives you of valuable bell bearings and other rewards.
• Overlooking Merchant Upgrades: Upgrading Twin Maiden Husks provides access to higher-level smithing stones, but this step is often overlooked.
• Duplicating Bell Bearings: Acquiring multiple copies of the same bell bearing does not increase the merchant's inventory.

Pros and Cons of Bell Bearings

Pros:

• Access to Essential Resources: Bell bearings grant access to a consistent supply of smithing stones, crucial for upgrading weapons and armor.
• Merchant Specialization: Merchants offer specialized inventories, ensuring access to specific types of smithing stones.
• Enhanced Weaponry: Upgrading weapons with smithing stones increases their attack power, damage types, and special abilities.
• Improved Armor: Enhanced armor provides increased protection and resistance to various types of damage.

Cons:

• Limited Merchant Inventories: Merchant inventories are finite and may not always have the desired quantity or quality of smithing stones.
• Exploration Required: Acquiring bell bearings requires extensive exploration, which can be time-consuming.