In the sprawling, unforgiving lands of the Lands Between, a Tarnished's journey is defined by their steel. The legacy of Elden Ring, a masterpiece born from the minds of Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R. R. Martin, lives on in 2026, its challenges as potent as ever. As adventurers push deeper into the Mountaintops of the Giants and the crumbling ruins of the capital, their foes grow tougher, their armor feels thinner, and their weapons begin to feel like mere toothpicks against demigods. This is the universal struggle, the classic 'git gud' moment every player faces. The solution? Upgrading one's arsenal, a quest that often hinges on two of the most sought-after resources in the mid to late game: Somber Smithing Stones 5 and 6.

🔍 What in the Lands Between Are Somber Smithing Stones?

Scattered across the realm, from the murky depths of Siofra River to the windswept peaks, are various tiers of upgrade materials. While regular Smithing Stones work for most armaments, special, often legendary weapons demand something more: Somber Smithing Stones. Think of them as the premium, top-shelf upgrade path. Each stone is numbered, and as you reinforce a weapon at a blacksmith like the venerable Master Hewg, the required stone number climbs. A weapon that started with Somber Stone [1] will eventually hunger for [5] and [6]. It's a progression system that ensures your trusty Bloodhound's Fang or Moonveil katana grows with you, but boy, does it ask for a hefty toll. Finding these stones in the wild can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack the size of Caelid.

🛒 The Merchant's Secret: Buying Your Way to Power

So, you've hit the wall. Your damage output is starting to feel a bit 'meh,' and those Stone Imps in Leyndell are laughing at your efforts. Fear not, for there is a path to reliable power. While you can scavenge for Somber Stones [5] and [6] in the usual ways—looting chests, defeating specific mini-bosses, or hunting Teardrop Scarabs—there's a more sustainable method. You can simply buy them. That's right, infinite supply, no more farming! The key is the enigmatic Twin Maiden Husks, the silent merchants residing in the safety of the Roundtable Hold.

But they won't just have these precious stones on their shelf from the get-go. Oh no, that would be too easy! You need to bring them a specific offering: the Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [3]. Hand this over, and their inventory expands permanently, letting you purchase Somber Smithing Stone [5] and [6] for Runes whenever you wish. It's a game-changer, turning a scarce resource into a manageable economic challenge. Suddenly, those Rune farming spots have a glorious new purpose!

🧭 The Treasure Hunt: Locating the Bell Bearing

Now, for the main event—the hunt for the Bell Bearing itself. This isn't an early-game errand. You'll need to be pretty far along in your journey, having braved the capital and acquired the Rold Medallion to access the frigid Mountaintops of the Giants. It's a late-game area for a reason; the enemies here don't play around.

Your destination is the First Church of Marika. Don't expect a grand cathedral; it's more of a lonely, ruined chapel in the snow.

Here's your step-by-step guide to securing your infinite upgrade source:

1. Reach the Mountaintops: This means defeating Morgott, the Omen King, in Leyndell and using the Grand Lift of Rold.

2. Navigate to the Church: Traverse the snowy fields. The church is a recognizable landmark, a small stone structure offering a brief respite with a Site of Grace inside.

3. Claim Your Prize: Do not rest for too long. Exit the church through its main archway. Directly ahead, lying forlornly in the snow, you will find a corpse. Loot it. That's it. No boss fight, no puzzle. The coveted Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing [3] is yours.

4. Return to Base: Fast travel back to the Roundtable Hold, a true 'home sweet home' moment.

5. Unlock the Shop: Present the Bell Bearing to the Twin Maiden Husks. Their dialogue will update, and their stock will expand forever.

💎 Why This Matters: The Late-Game Grind, Solved

Securing this Bell Bearing is more than just a checklist item; it's a strategic pivot point in your campaign. Here’s why every Tarnished should make this trek:

Benefit	Impact
Consistency	No more praying to the RNG gods. Need 5 stones for an upgrade? You can buy them, no sweat.
Experimentation	Want to try out that cool Somber weapon you just found? You can upgrade it to a competitive level immediately.
Resource Management	You can spend your time on more engaging activities than farming the same enemy over and over. That's a major quality-of-life improvement!
Co-op & PvP Readiness	Getting your build optimized for helping others or for competitive duels becomes drastically faster.

In the end, the quest for Somber Smithing Stones 5 and 6 encapsulates the Elden Ring experience: a daunting challenge with a profoundly rewarding solution. It pushes you to explore a dangerous, late-game region, rewards your exploration with a simple but priceless item, and finally allows you to relax a little on the upgrade treadmill. So gear up, brave Tarnished. The Mountaintops are calling, and your +10 legendary weapon awaits. Just remember the old adage: Don't go hollow out there in the snow. Your forge-fire of ambition is just a Bell Bearing away from burning brighter than ever.