Upgrading unique armaments in Elden Ring requires specialized materials that can be difficult to accumulate in large quantities during your journey. The Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing 3 is a highly coveted key item that allows players to purchase an unlimited supply of mid-tier upgrade stones. Acquring this item dramatically alters your gameplay progression by removing the need to farm individual nodes across the Lands Between.
Journey to the Mountaintops of the Giants
Before you can track down this valuable item, you must progress significantly through the main story arc to unlock the frozen northern region. Accessing the Mountaintops of the Giants requires defeating Morgott the Omen King in Leyndell and securing the Rold Medallion. Once you ride the Grand Lift of Rold upward, you will find yourself in a harsh winter environment filled with high-level threats.
From the initial entry point of the region, navigate your way toward the massive frozen body of water known as the Freezing Lake. This zone is notoriously dangerous due to a powerful freezing dragon that guards the snowy landscape. Fortunately, players looking to secure their prize quickly can choose to ride directly past this boss without engaging in combat.
Locating the First Church of Marika
To find the exact destination, push forward toward the southern shoreline of the expansive frozen lake. You will eventually spot the dilapidated stone architecture belonging to the First Church of Marika sitting amidst the snowstorms. Approach the entrance carefully, as a powerful enemy occasionally patrols the immediate perimeter outside the ruin.
The key item is not hidden inside a chest or locked behind a puzzle within the structure itself. Instead, look closely at the snowy ground just outside the front entrance to spot a lone, slumped-over corpse. Interacting with this body will reward you with the item, though the pale white glow can sometimes be difficult to distinguish against the bright snowpack.
Unlocking Infinite Upgrade Materials
Once the item is securely inside your inventory, fast travel back to the safety of the Roundtable Hold. Locate the Twin Maiden Husks sitting in the dimly lit side chamber and choose the option to offer the newly acquired bearing to them. This action permanently expands their shop inventory for the remainder of your current playthrough.
With the shop successfully updated, you can now spend your gathered runes to buy unlimited quantities of Somber Smithing Stone 5 and Somber Smithing Stone 6. This ensures your special weapons can be raised to higher tiers instantly, allowing you to test out diverse builds and character configurations against late-game bosses. These unlocked purchasing privileges will also carry over into your subsequent New Game Plus runs.
