Elden Ring is a game full of challenges, secrets, and, most importantly, powerful items that can enhance your character's abilities. One of the most crucial aspects of improving your character is upgrading your gear, which often requires rare materials that aren't easily found. In this guide, we’ll go over the best methods to farm rare upgrade materials in Elden Ring, making your journey through the Lands Between just a little bit easier.

Understanding Elden Ring Items and Upgrade Materials

Upgrade materials in Elden Ring are essential for improving your weapons, armor, and talismans. These items can be used at blacksmiths or upgrade stations to enhance your gear's performance. However, not all materials are created equal. Some are rarer and more difficult to obtain than others, and these materials often require dedicated farming to collect in large quantities.

There are several categories of upgrade materials in Elden Ring, including Smithing Stones, Somber Smithing Stones, and various types of Glintstone or Dragon Scales. Each item serves a different purpose and is used for specific upgrades, so understanding which materials you need is key to progressing in the game.

Best Locations for Farming Rare Upgrade Materials

1. Siofra River
   The Siofra River is one of the best places to farm for Smithing Stones. Specifically, you’ll want to focus on the locations near the elevator leading down to this underground area. Enemies here drop valuable materials, including rare upgrade items like Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. The area is known for its challenging but rewarding enemies, making it a great spot for those looking to stockpile resources.

2. Ainsel River
   This is another underground area where you can farm rare upgrade materials. The Ainsel River is rich in rare Elden Ring items, including Smithing Stones. While the enemies here are tougher, they drop higher quantities of materials. Be sure to bring a strong build or a co-op partner for efficient farming.

3. Forbidden Lands
   The Forbidden Lands is home to some of the most difficult enemies in Elden Ring, but it also boasts some of the rarest upgrade materials in the game. In this area, you can find a variety of Elden Ring items like the more rare Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones. As you traverse the Forbidden Lands, make sure to defeat any bosses or mini-bosses, as they drop significant upgrade materials.

4. Consecrated Snowfield
   The Consecrated Snowfield is a must-visit location for those looking to farm the highest-grade upgrade materials in Elden Ring. This area contains an abundance of Somber Smithing Stones, which are used to upgrade special weapons. The enemies are challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Take your time to explore this area thoroughly, and you’ll be able to gather rare materials needed for your ultimate weapons.

5. Cave Dungeons and Hidden Locations
   Throughout the Lands Between, you’ll find numerous cave dungeons and hidden locations that can be a goldmine for rare upgrade materials. These dungeons often contain enemies that drop specific upgrade materials, including Smithing Stones and Glintstone, which are essential for upgrading certain types of weapons or armor. Some of these caves are quite tricky to find, so exploring every nook and cranny will yield valuable rewards.

How to Efficiently Farm

1. Use Farming Builds
   Farming for rare items can be made much easier with the right build. Focus on mobility and damage output to kill enemies quickly and efficiently. A build that focuses on AoE (Area of Effect) damage can help clear areas full of enemies, ensuring you collect upgrade materials faster.

2. Use Gold Scarab Talisman
   The Gold Scarab is an important item for farming rare upgrade materials. This talisman increases the number of runes dropped by defeated enemies, which can help you buy materials from merchants or upgrade your gear faster. Equip it when farming, and you’ll notice a significant increase in rewards.

3. Co-op Farming
   Sometimes, farming rare upgrade materials can be challenging due to the tough enemies in Elden Ring. Joining forces with other players in co-op can make the process much easier. Not only will you have backup to take on tougher foes, but you can also farm more efficiently by taking on bigger groups of enemies.

4. Repeat Boss Fights
   Many Elden Ring bosses drop rare upgrade materials upon being defeated. You can farm these bosses repeatedly, either solo or in co-op, to maximize your materials. These rare drops can be essential for upgrading powerful weapons, so don’t skip out on boss fights if you want to enhance your gear.

Farming rare upgrade materials in Elden Ring requires both patience and skill. By targeting the right locations and using efficient farming techniques, you can gather the resources needed to upgrade your weapons and armor, making your adventure through the Lands Between even more rewarding. Whether you're farming Smithing Stones in the Siofra River or chasing after Somber Smithing Stones in the Forbidden Lands, each step you take brings you closer to crafting the perfect gear for your character.