Lords of the Fallen is a punishing action RPG similar to the Dark Souls series. In this brutal world, player characters will need every advantage they can get to survive the dangers that lurk around every corner. Weapon upgrades are a key part of character progression in Lords of the Fallen, allowing players to boost their damage output and take on even stronger foes. This guide will explain exactly how to upgrade weapons and maximise their power to help you conquer the challenges ahead.
Meeting the Blacksmith Gerlinde
The first step is finding Gerlinde, the blacksmith who can upgrade weapons. After defeating the first true boss Pieta, return to the hub area of Skyrest Bridge. From here, travel to Pilgrim’s Perch and make your way to the Vestige of Blind Agatha. Take the nearby elevator down and defeat the enemies guarding a cage below. Inside the cage is Gerlinde, who needs rescuing. To free her, defeat the Pureblade enemy nearby who drops the Prison Cell Key.
Using the key will unlock Gerlinde from her cell. Once rescued, she can be found at the Skyrest Bridge smithy hub. Talk to her there to learn she is able to upgrade weapons, shields and catalysts in exchange for upgrade materials.
Collecting Deralium Materials
Deralium is the essential material needed for weapon upgrades, so it is one of the most sought-after Lords of the Fallen items in the game. It is found throughout the game world in different forms providing varying upgrade levels:
- Small Fragments – Allows upgrades up to +3.
- Regular Nuggets – Allows upgrades up to +5.
- Large Shards – Allows upgrades up to +9.
- Chunks – Max upgrade level of +10.
Deralium can be obtained from defeating enemies, looting chests, completing quests and other sources. It’s worth extensively exploring areas and exhausting all interactive objects to gather as much as possible. Stockpiling upgrade materials makes strengthening weapons much easier.
The Upgrade Process
Once Gerlinde has been rescued and materials collected, players can begin upgrading weapons. Select the ‘Upgrade Equipment’ option when talking to Gerlinde. Choose the weapon to upgrade, then pay the required Vigor and Deralium amounts. Higher upgrades cost more with each level.
Weapons can only be strengthened to a maximum of +5 using regular Deralium. To push beyond this, Gerlinde must be given special Rune Tablets found around the game world. These allow her to fit magical runes into weapon slots for boosted stats.
Additional Upgrade Tips
While upgrading weapons is the primary focus, shields can also be improved defensively by visiting Gerlinde. Armor cannot be upgraded directly but switching to better quality sets is important as well.
Weapons have unique Upgrade Paths, so consult the Smithing Menu to see each weapon’s full upgrade potential. Some may gain new abilities or damage types at higher levels.
It’s worth fully upgrading your main weapon before focusing too much on others. Your best gear makes the biggest difference in Lords of the Fallen’s challenges.
By freeing Gerlinde early, regularly gathering materials and intelligently spending upgrade resources, players can maximize their character’s growth and fighting prowess through stronger and stronger weapons. Mastering upgrades opens the way to victory against even the fiercest foes Lords of the Fallen throws your way.
