Quick Answer
Weapon upgrades usually improve your damage faster than extra damage stats in the early game. Pick one main weapon first, then decide whether it uses regular Smithing Stones or Somber Smithing Stones. Upgrading three different weapons at once is the fastest way to run out of materials.
Regular or Somber
| Route | Best For | Strength | Watch Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Smithing Stones | Flexible standard weapons | Ash of War and affinity freedom | Needs more upgrade tiers |
| Somber Smithing Stones | Unique weapons | Clearer upgrade path, strong jumps | Locked weapon art and scaling direction |
| Mixed route | Players who know their build | Covers more matchups | Expensive early |
If you are still experimenting, upgrade one comfortable standard weapon enough for the current region and save rarer materials for the weapon you expect to keep.
Early Upgrade Rhythm
| Stage | Goal | Good Sign |
|---|---|---|
| Limgrave | Bring the main weapon online | Regular enemies stop feeling spongy |
| Weeping Peninsula or pre-Stormveil | Add flask, ash, and weapon levels | Elite enemies do not take forever |
| Before Liurnia | Commit to regular or somber main path | You stop swapping main weapons constantly |
| Before major bosses | Check whether weapon level is behind | Boss health moves at a reasonable pace |
Mine-style dungeons are often worth checking when damage falls behind. A short material run can save much more time than forcing a boss with an underleveled weapon.
Material Rules
| Rule | Why |
|---|---|
| Upgrade the weapon before chasing damage stats | The early return is usually clearer |
| Spend high-tier stones on the main weapon only | Late material gaps feel punishing |
| Keep backup weapons one tier behind at most | Gives matchup coverage without draining stock |
| Do not swap only for bigger sheet damage | Move set comfort is real damage |