How To Get Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone And Where To Find One
Upgrading standard armaments to their maximum potential in Elden Ring requires a very specific and rare resource known as the Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone. Unlike basic upgrade materials that can eventually be purchased infinitely, these ancient stones are strictly limited per playthrough. Knowing where to locate them and completing the necessary steps to secure them is essential for players looking to optimize their character builds for late-game challenges.
Main Story Locations in Crumbling Farum Azula
One of the earliest guaranteed areas to locate these upgrade items during late-game progression is Crumbling Farum Azula. Players can obtain a stone by defeating the white lightning dragon that attacks along the main curved pathway. Another stone rests nearby on a floating platform located north of the Dragon Temple area, guarded by a solitary Beastman.
Additionally, heading southeast toward the plaza behind the Dragon Temple Rooftop reveals another stationary dragon continuously summoning red lightning. Defeating this ancient beast drops another stone for your arsenal. Securing these locations allows players to enhance standard weapons up to level +25 before facing the final bosses.
Exploring Optional Regions and Secret Areas
Players willing to venture off the beaten path can discover additional stones in optional late-game regions. In the Mountaintops of the Giants, a stone is hidden inside the mouth of a massive skull located southeast of the Church of Repose. Further north in the Consecrated Snowfield, defeating the two Night's Cavalry bosses guarding a night caravan yields another stone.
For those exploring Miquella's Haligtree, a stone sits at the base of a statue guarded by a dangerous enemy near the main path. You can also claim one inside a chest located past the elevator after defeating Loretta, Knight of the Haligtree. Taking the time to explore these remote dungeons guarantees you do not miss these limited items.
NPC Questlines and Merchant Rewards
Certain non-player characters offer Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones as ultimate rewards for completing their narrative arcs. Completing Nepheli Loux's questline allows you to receive one directly from her in Stormveil Castle's throne room. If Gatekeeper Gostoc remains alive at the end of her quest, he will also sell an extra stone for 20,000 Runes.
Another valuable opportunity involves Gurranq, the Beast Clergyman residing in Caelid's Bestial Sanctum. Feeding him nine Deathroot items rewards you with a stone, or you can obtain it by defeating him directly. Managing NPC interactions carefully throughout your adventure ensures you collect every available upgrade material.
Expansion Content in Shadow of the Erdtree
For players exploring the Realm of Shadow DLC, several new stones are hidden across forge dungeons and mountain peaks. You can collect one from the top of the Suppressing Pillar or by examining the main furnace inside the Ruined Forge Lava Intake. Defeating the Magma Wyrm inside Dragon's Pit or taking down Ancient Dragon Senessax at Jagged Peak also awards these coveted materials.
Reaching the end of Taylew's Ruined Forge or the Ruined Forge of Starfall Past provides further opportunities to claim stones from final altar chests. With multiple stones scattered across both the base world and expansion areas, careful exploration rewards dedicated players with maxed-out weaponry.