In Elden Ring, smithing stones can matter more than one poorly spent level. A properly upgraded weapon shortens early fights, makes Limgrave safer, and gives you a real chance before Margit. The goal is to pick one main weapon, upgrade it early, search the right mines, and stop scattering materials across every shiny weapon in your inventory.
Key points
- The Church of Elleh smithing table lets players begin upgrading weapons early in Elden Ring.
- Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold handles further weapon upgrades.
- Bandai Namco says smithing stones can be found in many mines and caves, including early Limgrave areas.
- Elden Ring is available on PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.
This path is designed for the first hours on PC, PlayStation and Xbox. It focuses on practical choices you can make while playing: where to upgrade, when to spend runes, which weapon to commit to, and when to stop investing.
Key Takeaways
- Pick one main weapon early instead of upgrading every weapon you find.
- Use the Church of Elleh smithing table first, then move to Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold.
- Smithing stones are found in mines and caves, including early locations in Limgrave.
- Upgrade level, moveset and stat requirements matter more than raw damage on a new weapon.
- Level Vigor for survival, but weapon upgrades often give the clearest early damage boost.
Pick One Main Weapon Before Spending Smithing Stones
The first trap is upgrading every sword, axe or spear you loot. Elden Ring gives you many options, but early smithing stones are valuable enough to demand a decision. Choose a weapon you can wield without heavy load, whose requirements match your current stats, and whose moveset feels comfortable against basic Limgrave soldiers.
The best early weapon is not always the one with the biggest number. A straight sword, the Samurai’s Uchigatana, a spear or a simple heavy weapon can carry you if you understand its range, recovery time and jump attack. Test the weapon before upgrading it. If the animation constantly gets you hit, change now instead of after spending three upgrade levels.
| Player style | Early weapon type | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Careful beginner | Straight sword and shield | Fast attacks, simple guard, low commitment. |
| Aggressive player | Katana or bleed weapon | Good pressure, solid reach, strong early damage rhythm. |
| Strength posture damage | Manageable great weapon | Strong jump attacks and good stance pressure. |
| Magic user | Staff plus light backup weapon | Keeps runes available for Intelligence, Mind and survival. |
Upgrade at the Church of Elleh, Then Visit Hewg
Weapon upgrading starts very early. Bandai Namco’s official early tips confirm that you can use the smithing table in the Church of Elleh or visit Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold. If you are lost, return to the Church of Elleh first: it is safe, central, and close to useful early routes.
- Open your inventory and choose one weapon you expect to keep for several hours.
- Check whether you can wield it properly one-handed or two-handed.
- Use the Church of Elleh smithing table for the first upgrades.
- Once Roundtable Hold is available, talk to Hewg for further upgrades.
- Keep enough runes available, because upgrades cost runes as well as stones.
You do not need a perfect build before Margit. A reinforced weapon, decent Vigor and cleaner dodges do more for progression than comparing ten weapons you barely understand. Elden Ring smithing stones pay off when they reduce the number of hits needed to clear common enemies.
Find Your First Smithing Stones in Limgrave
Bandai Namco states that smithing stones needed for weapon strengthening can be found in many mines and caves, including early areas in Limgrave. That is your main rule: when you lack upgrade materials, look for a mine entrance instead of clearing random camps. Glowing deposits and corpses inside mines often provide the next stones you need.
Open the map, study cliffs and terrain, then search for tunnel entrances. Do not enter with a huge pile of unspent runes if you are new. Miners can resist certain weapons, and narrow corridors punish wide attacks. Pull enemies one by one, collect glowing deposits, then return to upgrade as soon as you have enough stones.
Balance Runes, Levels and Weapon Upgrades
A strong start does not require a perfect build. It requires a priority order. Invest in survival first, meet weapon requirements second, and chase offensive scaling once your weapon is already upgraded. Many new players put too many early points into Strength or Dexterity while their Vigor stays too low.
- If you die in one or two hits, level Vigor before chasing more damage.
- If your weapon requires a stat you lack, meet only the requirement first.
- If your weapon is behind, spend stones before buying optional items.
- If a boss blocks you, explore a mine or cave, then return stronger.
- If you are choosing between two weapons, do not upgrade both equally yet.
Avoid the Mistakes That Waste Materials
The biggest mistake is assuming a newly found weapon automatically beats your current one. In Elden Ring, a simple upgraded weapon often outperforms an exciting weapon you just picked up. Before switching, compare upgrade level, attack speed, requirements and your actual comfort in combat.
The second mistake is spending scarce materials on a weapon you only like visually. Save serious investment for the weapon you use against bosses. The third mistake is forgetting rune pressure: entering a mine with too many unspent runes adds risk for no reason. Level up, upgrade, or buy essentials before exploring dangerous tunnels.
When to Stop Upgrading an Early Weapon
Stop pushing a weapon if it no longer fits your build, if the moveset fails against mobile bosses, or if you find a special weapon you genuinely want to build around. Do not switch only because an unupgraded weapon shows an attractive damage number. Test it against common enemies, a mounted patrol and a mini-boss before committing.
Bandai Namco’s official material also highlights that Elden Ring lets you define your playstyle through many weapons, skills and approaches. Experiment before spending, then stay disciplined once you choose. For official game information, use the Elden Ring official page and the official Steam page.
Frequently Asked Questions
What weapon should I upgrade first in Elden Ring?Upgrade a weapon you can wield comfortably, whose requirements you already meet, and that you plan to keep through several early areas.
Search mines and caves in Limgrave. Bandai Namco confirms that smithing stones appear in these early locations.
No. Upgrade one main weapon first, then experiment later when you have more materials available.
It is enough to start. For further upgrades, use Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold.
Meet the weapon requirement, then upgrade the weapon. Early upgrade levels usually feel more impactful than a few extra offensive stats.
Farm when normal enemies take too long to kill or when your weapon is still barely upgraded after exploring several Sites of Grace.
It is not fatal, but it slows the early game. Keep early spending focused on one main weapon.
Yes. A staff or backup weapon still benefits from investment, but magic builds must also protect runes for Mind, Intelligence and Vigor.
Switch only after testing the moveset, requirements and real combat comfort. Do not judge only by the raw damage number.
Use the official Bandai Namco page and the Steam page for official platform and update information.
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