Elden Ring Weapon Upgrade Guide: Smithing Stones, Hewg & Upgrade Priorities

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Elden Ring Weapon Upgrade Guide: Smithing Stones, Hewg & Upgrade Priorities

Elden Ring character strength comes from more than leveling attributes. Bandai Namco's official early-game guidance specifically tells players that weapons can be enhanced and identifies Smithing Stones as the materials used for weapon strengthening.

Weapon Upgrades Matter

A weapon that fits your build but remains under-upgraded can fall behind even if your character level continues increasing.

Use the Church of Elleh Smithing Table

Bandai Namco's official early-game guide identifies the smithing table at the Church of Elleh as an early weapon-upgrade option.

Smithing Master Hewg

The same official guide also directs players to Smithing Master Hewg at Roundtable Hold for weapon enhancement.

Smithing Stones

Smithing Stones are used to strengthen compatible weapons.

Look in Mines and Caves

Bandai Namco specifically notes that Smithing Stones can be found in mines and caves, including early locations in Limgrave.

Exploration Supports Upgrades

If weapon progression is stalled, searching mining areas can be more productive than repeatedly fighting the same enemy.

Do Not Upgrade Every Weapon Immediately

Upgrade materials are most useful when spent on equipment you actually intend to use.

Test the Weapon First

Before committing many materials, check:

• Moveset.
• Range.
• Attack speed.
• Attribute requirements.
• Whether the weapon fits your preferred combat style.

Attribute Requirements

Bandai Namco's official beginner guidance explains that attributes influence which weapons and spells a character can effectively use.

Do Not Spend Upgrade Materials on a Weapon You Cannot Properly Use

Check the weapon's requirements first.

Build Around a Small Core

Early progression is easier when you focus on one main weapon or a small group rather than trying to keep the entire inventory upgraded equally.

Keep a Backup Option

A second weapon with a different range or damage style can still be useful, but it does not need to receive the same investment as your primary weapon immediately.

Weapon Skills

Elden Ring includes weapon skills and Ashes of War as part of its combat system.

Weapon choice should account for how the full toolset feels rather than damage numbers alone.

Do Not Choose Only by Base Damage

A weapon can be useful because of:

• Reach.
• Speed.
• Moveset.
• Skill compatibility.
• How well it matches your attributes.

Upgrade Before Assuming the Build Is Weak

If combat damage feels too low, check:

• Weapon upgrade level.
• Character attributes.
• Weapon requirements.
• Whether the weapon fits the enemy or situation.

Explore Instead of Farming One Enemy Forever

Bandai Namco's official game structure encourages exploration.

Mines, caves and other locations can provide resources while also advancing discovery.

Use Map Markers

If you find a mining area before you need its resources, mark it for later.

Roundtable Hold

Once Roundtable Hold is available, Hewg becomes an important weapon-upgrade resource.

Weapon Upgrade Routine

1. Choose a weapon that fits your attributes and playstyle.
2. Test the moveset before spending heavily.
3. Collect Smithing Stones through exploration.
4. Use the Church of Elleh smithing table early.
5. Use Hewg at Roundtable Hold as progression opens up.
6. Keep most materials focused on the weapons you actually use.

Common Upgrade Mistakes

• Upgrading every new weapon once.
• Ignoring attribute requirements.
• Assuming character level replaces weapon upgrades.
• Ignoring mines and caves.
• Choosing weapons only by the largest displayed damage number.

Bottom Line

Elden Ring weapon progression depends heavily on Smithing Stones and deliberate investment. Test weapons before committing materials, use the Church of Elleh table and Smithing Master Hewg, and explore mines and caves when you need more strengthening materials.