Whether you’re new to Elden Ring or knee-deep into New Game Plus, one thing remains constant: upgrading your gear is essential. Whether it’s leveling up your favorite katana or pushing your shield’s strength to the max, gathering upgrade materials can significantly impact your survival and damage output across the Lands Between.
As a fellow Tarnished, I’ve combed every corner of the map and tested countless farming routes. Here are my top 10 locations to find upgrade materials efficiently—especially if you’re trying to maximize your weapons early without having to rely on buying cheap Elden Ring Items from third-party sources. Let’s dive in.
1. Limgrave Tunnels
One of the first areas you can access, and a reliable source of Smithing Stones [1]. You’ll find this location near the Agheel Lake area. The enemies here are manageable even for lower-level players, and the abundance of early-game Smithing Stones makes it a perfect first stop.
2. Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel
Located in Liurnia of the Lakes, this tunnel is full of Smithing Stones [3] and [4], which are key for mid-game upgrades. If you’re leveling a backup weapon or switching builds, this area is a goldmine. Just be ready for some tough crystal miners.
3. Sealed Tunnel
This hidden tunnel near the Leyndell Royal Capital is packed with higher-tier Smithing Stones and even a Somber Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone if you explore thoroughly. Great for those looking to push their weapons past +9 without needing to browse elden ring runes for sale online.
4. Gael Tunnel
Bordering Caelid and Limgrave, Gael Tunnel offers both regular and Somber Smithing Stones. If you’re dual-wielding or running a hybrid build, this is a great place to restock materials for multiple upgrades.
5. Sellia Crystal Tunnel
Caelid isn’t the most welcoming place, but the loot here makes the danger worth it. Sellia Crystal Tunnel contains high-tier Smithing Stones [4] to [6], which are perfect for bringing a mid-game weapon to life. It’s also a great place to farm if you’re short on runes, especially before considering elden ring runes for sale.
6. Zamor Ruins
Located in the Mountaintops of the Giants, the Zamor Ruins are a late-game area rich in upgrade materials and runes. Enemies are tough, but the loot—especially Somber Stones—is worth the risk.
7. Yelough Anix Tunnel
An endgame zone that many players overlook, Yelough Anix Tunnel is in the Consecrated Snowfield. You’ll find a mix of both Smithing and Somber Stones here, including some of the highest-tier ones. A perfect stop before your final boss prep.
8. Rotview Balcony & Minor Erdtree (Caelid)
Not an official dungeon, but this open-world area is riddled with wandering scarabs and enemies dropping useful materials. It’s also a solid farming route if you’re saving up instead of going straight for cheap Elden Ring Items.
9. Volcano Manor
The tunnels beneath Volcano Manor hide a wealth of upgrade items, especially if you go through the optional routes. You can even find several Somber Smithing Stones [6] and above. Pair this with the questline here, and you’ll make great progress in both loot and lore.
10. Mohgwyn Palace
Arguably the best rune farming spot in the game, this late-game zone also hides plenty of upgrade materials if you’re willing to dig. Even if you came here mainly to grind, don’t ignore the hidden tunnels and cliffs—some rare materials are stashed away.
Whether you’re hunting for early-game Smithing Stones or final-tier Somber upgrades, the Lands Between offers countless ways to prepare for the next challenge. And while you could always buy cheap Elden Ring Items or look for elden ring runes for sale, half the fun is discovering these places on your own.
That said, if you’re short on time and want a more convenient route, many players turn to trusted sources like U4GM for quick boosts. Just remember: no amount of runes can replace the thrill of finding that elusive upgrade stone tucked away in a forgotten cave.
