Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone Locations And How To Find Them
Upgrading standard armaments to their maximum potential in Elden Ring requires a rare upgrade material known as the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Because these stones are limited per playthrough, knowing where to find them and how to secure them is crucial for endgame builds. This guide breaks down key locations in both the Lands Between and the Shadow Realm to help you maximize your arsenal efficiently.
Finding Stones Through NPC Questlines
Several Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are tied directly to character questlines throughout the game. Completing Nepheli Loux's storyline unlocks one stone as a direct reward from her in Stormveil Castle's throne room. Additionally, Gatekeeper Gostoc will offer a second stone for purchase in the same throne room once Nepheli's quest concludes.
Another stone can be obtained by aiding Witch-Hunter Jerren at the conclusion of Sorceress Sellen's questline near the Raya Lucaria Grand Library. Alternatively, players who deliver nine Deathroots to Gurranq in the Bestial Sanctum will receive a stone as his final gift.
Exploring Late Game Regions in the Lands Between
Late game areas contain multiple stones resting on corpses or dropped by formidable foes. In Crumbling Farum Azula, a stone drops from the lightning-summoning dragon stationary near the plaza southeast of the Dragon Temple Rooftop. Nearby floating ruins and curved platforms also host additional stones guarded by tough enemies.
The Consecrated Snowfield offers several opportunities, including a drop from two Night's Cavalry guarding a night carriage. You can also loot one from a corpse inside Yelough Anix Tunnel or on a ledge near Great Wyrm Theodorix. Meanwhile, exploring Miquella's Haligtree rewards diligent explorers with stones tucked in chests and under guarded statues.
Uncovering Smithing Stones in the Realm of Shadow
The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion adds several new Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones across its rugged landscape. Dungeons such as the Ruined Forge Lava Intake and Taylew's Ruined Forge feature altars and balconies where these materials can be retrieved. Defeating boss encounters like the Magma Wyrm inside the Dragon's Pit also yields a stone.
Venturing into the treacherous Jagged Peak region rewards players with stones dropped by Ancient Dragon Senessax or looted near Skeletal Slimes. Another stone rests atop the Suppressing Pillar inside a chest located in Gravesite Plain. Tracking down these locations ensures your favorite non-somber weapons reach maximum weapon scaling.