When it comes to upgrading your armor in Elden Ring, the process isn't just about enhancing your defenses—it's about adapting your playstyle and maximizing your survivability in the game's brutal world. While you might find a range of armor sets and upgrades, the true key to becoming a formidable force lies in gathering the right Elden Ring items. Here’s a look at the top 5 essential items that will help you in your quest to improve your armor in Elden Ring.
1. Smithing Stones
Arguably the most important items in Elden Ring for armor upgrades are Smithing Stones. These stones are used at the blacksmith to upgrade your armor sets, enhancing their defensive properties. Smithing Stones come in different tiers, and higher-tier stones allow you to make more significant upgrades to your armor. Collecting these stones is essential to ensure your equipment is always ready to face tougher enemies and challenging bosses.
You can find Smithing Stones scattered throughout the world, often hidden in hard-to-reach areas or dropped by specific enemies. Keep an eye out for these as you explore Elden Ring's vast landscapes. To maximize your upgrade potential, make sure to stockpile a variety of Smithing Stones for each armor upgrade.
2. Somber Smithing Stones
In addition to regular Smithing Stones, you'll need Somber Smithing Stones to upgrade special armor sets or unique pieces. These items are rarer than the standard Smithing Stones and are required for upgrading rare or magical armor sets that provide distinct abilities. Somber Smithing Stones are crucial for those who seek the benefits of high-tier armor that offer both high defense and special effects.
The locations of Somber Smithing Stones can often be more challenging to locate, so patience is key when hunting for them. These stones play an important role in unlocking the full potential of some of the game’s most powerful armor.
3. Golden Runes
Another important resource in your armor upgrading journey is Golden Runes. These runes act as a form of currency that can be used to level up your character’s strength and improve your overall stats. While not directly involved in the upgrade of armor, leveling up your character will indirectly benefit your armor’s effectiveness in combat. Higher stats can allow you to wear heavier armor without sacrificing mobility, so it's important to find and collect these runes as you explore the world of Elden Ring.
Golden Runes can be found in numerous locations throughout the game world and are often dropped by enemies or hidden in treasure chests. These runes can significantly improve your character’s survivability, which in turn enhances the benefits of your upgraded armor.
4. Ghost Gloveworts
Ghost Gloveworts are used to enhance the abilities of certain special armors or armor sets that come with unique features. These items allow for upgrades that go beyond just defense and can improve your overall survivability or provide unique buffs. Ghost Gloveworts are highly sought after for their ability to elevate your armor's capabilities, especially when you're working with armor that has magical or otherworldly properties.
These Gloveworts are generally more difficult to find than regular Smithing Stones, and their use is specific to certain types of armor. If you're aiming to upgrade special armor pieces that come with magical properties or unique buffs, Ghost Gloveworts are essential.
5. Rune Arcs
Last but certainly not least, Rune Arcs play an important role in enhancing your character's overall power, which directly impacts your armor’s effectiveness. Rune Arcs provide buffs when consumed, boosting various stats and making your armor even more potent in combat. They are particularly useful in tough battles where every advantage counts, and using them can make a significant difference in how your armor holds up during intense encounters.
Rune Arcs are found throughout Elden Ring and can be used strategically to gain temporary boosts. While not directly tied to armor upgrades, they can provide a much-needed edge when facing difficult challenges.
Upgrading your armor in Elden Ring is a multifaceted process that requires not only the right Elden Ring items but also a deep understanding of how each item works with your character and their playstyle. From the ever-important Smithing Stones to the rare Ghost Gloveworts and Rune Arcs, every item serves a unique purpose in helping you build a character that can withstand the trials of Elden Ring.
As you explore the vast world of Elden Ring, keep these essential items in mind, and make sure you’re always prepared to enhance your armor. Whether you're battling bosses or braving hostile environments, the right armor upgrades can be the difference between life and death in this challenging world.