Upgrading standard weapons to their maximum potential is essential for defeating the late-game bosses in Elden Ring. To reach the highest tier of level 25, players must obtain an Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone, one of the rarest crafting materials in the Lands Between. Because these items are finite in a single playthrough, knowing where to discover them can save players valuable time.
Completing NPC Questlines for Stones
Several Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones are locked behind character side quests across various regions. Completing Nepheli Loux's questline allows players to purchase or receive stones in Stormveil Castle. Additionally, delivering nine Deathroots to Gurranq in the Bestial Sanctum awards another stone for your efforts.
Exploring Late-Game Open World Areas
Looting specific regions like the Consecrated Snowfield and Mountaintops of the Giants yields multiple stones. Players can locate one stone inside a massive skull south of the Church of Repose. Another stone is dropped by defeating the two Night's Cavalry bosses guarding a night caravan in the snowfield.
Navigating Crumbling Farum Azula
Crumbling Farum Azula contains several stones hidden throughout its floating ruins. Players can defeat the stationary dragon raining red lightning down from above to secure a drop. Another stone rests on a corpse sitting on a platform just past the Godskin Duo arena.
Searching Inside Dungeon Altars
Underground tunnels and dangerous dungeons also contain these high-tier upgrade materials. In the Yelough Anix Tunnel, brave explorers can navigate down icy pathways to loot a stone off a corpse. Reaching the end of secret expansion forges yields even more opportunities to upgrade your favorite armaments.
