Somber Smithing Stones (Upgrade Special Weapons)
Purpose: Somber Smithing Stones are used to Elden Ring Items upgrade unique weapons and special tools (like Greatswords, Colossal Weapons, etc.). These stones upgrade weapons that typically have unique scaling or properties, unlike standard weapons that use regular Smithing Stones.

How to Collect: Somber Smithing Stones are harder to come by than regular Smithing Stones and are often dropped by bosses, mini-bosses, or found in special dungeons.

Efficiency Tip: Focus on upgrading your most powerful unique weapons first, especially if you have a weapon that significantly fits your build. You can find Somber Smithing Stones in late-game areas, such as Caelid or Mountaintops of the Giants, where tougher enemies guard valuable loot.

5. Runes (Currency for Leveling and Purchasing)
Purpose: Runes are the primary currency in Elden Ring. You use them to level up, purchase items from merchants, and improve your gear. Runes are required for almost everything in the game, from acquiring consumables to upgrading your flasks.

How to Collect: Runes are primarily obtained by defeating enemies, bosses, and mini-bosses. Additionally, you can find Rune Fragments or special items that provide a significant amount of runes.

Efficiency Tip: Farm bosses and mini-bosses that yield high rune drops, and try to clear areas with dense enemy populations. Caelid and Liurnia are excellent spots for farming early and mid-game, while Endings in higher-level areas can reward you with large amounts of runes.

6. Crafting Materials (Consumables, Status Effects, and Ammo)
Purpose: Crafting materials are used to create consumables, such as healing items, status effect cures, and ammunition (e.g., arrows, bolts, bombs). These materials help you deal with environmental hazards and enemies with status effects (poison, bleed, etc.).

How to Collect: Crafting materials are found by foraging around the world, defeating enemies, or searching treasure chests. Resources like Herb, Root Resin, and Pale Stones are commonly gathered.

Efficiency Tip: Keep a balanced stock of crafting materials for healing (Herb and Lotus) and for damage (Explosive Bolts, Firebombs, etc.). Farm the wilds and caves in the early game to create consumables for cheap Elden Ring Items exploration and combat.