How to Upgrade Weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign

If you’re diving into the brutal world of Nightreign, you’ve probably noticed that your starting gear won’t cut it for long. The game’s streamlined upgrade system is your ticket to survival, and knowing how to upgrade weapons in Elden Ring Nightreign can mean the difference between victory and watching your squad get demolished by a Nightlord.

The weapon upgrade system has been completely overhauled from the original Elden Ring, trading complexity for speed – perfect for the roguelike format. Instead of juggling dozens of smithing stone types, you’re working with just two materials and four rarity tiers. It’s elegant, efficient, and honestly? Way less of a headache than the original’s system.

The rarity system that actually makes sense

Nightreign’s 4-tier weapon rarity system uses color-coding that any gamer will recognize instantly. Common weapons show up in white, Uncommon in blue, Rare in purple, and Legendary in gold. Each tier dramatically increases your weapon’s base stats and unlocks stronger passive abilities.

Here’s the kicker: unlike the original Elden Ring, there are no stat requirements. Your Duchess can swing the heaviest colossal weapon, and your Raider can cast spells with the best staves. This freedom completely changes how you approach builds and makes experimentation actually fun rather than punishing.

The upgrade path is refreshingly simple. Smithing Stone (1) bumps Common to Uncommon, while Smithing Stone (2) takes Uncommon to Rare. But here’s where it gets interesting – there’s a special method to skip straight to Legendary that most players are sleeping on.

The legendary weapons worth your time

Let’s talk about the heavy hitters. The Blasphemous Blade is an absolute monster that steals life with every kill and launches devastating fire waves. It’s perfect for aggressive players who want to stay in the fight without constantly chugging flasks.

The Dark Moon Greatsword brings incredible team utility, reducing enemy magic resistance for your entire squad. If you’re running with spell-heavy teammates, this weapon turns your group into a magical wrecking crew.

For versatility, the Sword of Night and Flame remains a powerhouse. Its weapon skill lets you choose between a Comet Azur-style magic beam or a flame wave, adapting to whatever the situation demands. The Axe of Godric provides massive damage buffs, while Mohgwyn’s Sacred Spear excels at crowd control with its blood-soaked area attacks.

Marika’s Hammer rounds out the top tier with solid damage and faith scaling, though it’s notably slower than the other options. Your choice should align with your character’s strengths and the weaknesses of your target Nightlord.

Finding smithing stones without the grind

Smithing Stone (1) costs 6,500 runes from any merchant, making early upgrades accessible if you explore efficiently. The real challenge is Smithing Stone (2), which requires more strategic hunting.

Your best bet? Hit the tunnels marked with mine symbols on your map. These locations guarantee Smithing Stone (2) drops from defeating minibosses like Stonedigger Trolls and Pumpkin Heads. Township merchants also sell them for 18,000 runes, which is expensive but reliable.

Pro tip: those glowing cracked statues scattered around Limveld contain upgrade materials, but you’ll need to lure enemies into breaking them or use certain Ultimate Arts. Just remember that Duchess and Revenant can’t break them with their abilities.

The crater event game-changer

Here’s the secret sauce most players miss: the Crater Shifting Earth event. This volcanic hellscape in the north contains a Special Smithing Table that instantly upgrades any weapon to Legendary status – no materials required.

Navigating the Crater requires defeating the Magma Wyrm boss, but the payoff is massive. You can only use this table once per expedition, so choose wisely. The upgraded weapon also loses all level requirements, making it immediately usable regardless of your current level.

Character-specific upgrade strategies

Different Nightfarers shine with different weapon types. Wylder excels with greatswords and versatile melee weapons, while Executor dominates with bleed-focused katanas and curved swords. The Recluse obviously wants staves, but don’t overlook hybrid weapons like the Sword of Night and Flame for magical versatility.

Timing matters more than you think. Visit merchants on Day 1 to grab Smithing Stone (1) immediately. Day 2 should focus on clearing tunnels for guaranteed Smithing Stone (2) drops. Day 3 offers your last upgrade chance at the Spirit Shelter before facing the Nightlord.

Strategic upgrade priorities

Always check your target Nightlord’s elemental weakness before upgrading. There’s no point maxing out a fire weapon if you’re hunting a boss resistant to flames. Coordinate with your team to ensure someone covers the boss’s weakness.

Don’t forget about passive effects – weapons provide benefits even when sitting in your inventory. You can equip up to six weapons for passive stacking, turning your character into a walking arsenal of bonuses.

Also Read: Elden Ring Nightreign Gameplay Mechanics Guide

Conclusion

Mastering weapon upgrades in Nightreign isn’t just about making numbers go up – it’s about strategic resource management and team coordination. The simplified system rewards smart planning over endless grinding, making every upgrade decision feel meaningful. Focus on legendary weapons that match your playstyle, hunt those tunnel bosses for guaranteed materials, and never sleep on the Crater event when it appears. Your future self will thank you when you’re carving through Nightlords instead of getting carved up by them.