Upgrading weapons in Elden Ring is one of the most satisfying aspects of the game. Whether you're facing off against a punishing boss or exploring a new, dangerous region, the right upgrades can make all the difference. As someone who has sunk over 200 hours into Elden Ring, I’ve learned firsthand how crucial upgrade materials are—not just for damage, but for tailoring your playstyle. In this article, I’ll explore 7 ways these Elden Ring items weapons can elevate your gear and give you an edge across the Lands Between.
1. Boost Damage Output Dramatically
The most obvious benefit of weapon upgrades is increased damage. Using Smithing Stones and Somber Smithing Stones, I’ve turned humble early-game weapons into endgame powerhouses. A +10 weapon isn’t just a number increase—it means fewer hits to kill enemies and a smoother overall experience. If you're using a boss weapon or a unique armament, Somber Stones are essential. I once struggled against Morgott until I upgraded my weapon fully; suddenly, the same fight felt entirely manageable.
2. Tailor Weapons to Your Build
Some Elden Ring items like Ashes of War are part of the upgrade and customization process. Combining the right Ash of War with a properly upgraded weapon allowed me to fully commit to my Dex/Arcane bleed build. I specifically remember pairing the Bloodhound’s Fang with Bloody Slash and upgrading it to the max—it turned out to be one of the most reliable combos I’ve used.

3. Make Lower-Tier Weapons Viable Long-Term
Not every weapon needs to be legendary to be powerful. One of the most underrated aspects of the game is how viable standard weapons become when fully upgraded. I ran a full playthrough using just the Claymore, a common drop, and with upgrades and scaling, it kept pace with even the rarest armaments. This flexibility is one of the things that makes Elden Ring’s weapon system so satisfying.
4. Open Up PvP Opportunities
PvP is a different beast altogether, and without upgraded weapons, you’ll be outclassed. I once entered PvP with an unoptimized weapon and was shredded. After upgrading and choosing a synergistic Ash of War, my win rate jumped dramatically. Weapon upgrades aren't just about stats—they're about competitiveness.
5. Gain Access to Weapon Skills More Frequently
Upgraded weapons regenerate stamina faster and cost less to use for some skills. This was something I didn’t realize until late-game, but once I had a maxed weapon with the Lion’s Claw Ash of War, I could spam it more effectively. It made crowd control in areas like Farum Azula much easier. It’s a subtle benefit but one worth noting.
6. Maximize Resource Efficiency
Using the right upgrade materials means you're not wasting runes or items on suboptimal choices. I recommend keeping a stock of materials by farming or using a trusted source. Personally, I use the best Elden Ring items site, U4GM, to top off my Smithing Stones when I’m running short. It’s fast, secure, and saves me hours of farming when I’d rather be exploring or experimenting with builds.
7. Help You Experiment Without Commitment
Thanks to the abundance of upgrade materials (especially if you stock up through a vendor or best Elden Ring items site like U4GM), you’re free to experiment. I’ve tested dozens of weapons just to find the right one for specific bosses. Being able to try out different +10 weapons without worrying about grinding endlessly has expanded my understanding and enjoyment of the game.
Elden Ring’s weapon upgrade materials are far more than just optional resources—they’re fundamental to your journey through the game. Whether you’re playing for the first time or diving into New Game Plus, taking full advantage of these Elden Ring items transforms how you play. For anyone looking to streamline their build or try something new without hours of farming, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting a reliable source like U4GM—the best Elden Ring items site I’ve personally used.
Full Breakdown: Elden Ring Rune Optimization Guide for Patch 1.10+: 5 Updates to Maximize Efficiency