Exploring the Lands Between in Elden Ring becomes significantly more manageable when you understand the importance of Bell Bearings. These special key items have transformed how players approach resource management since the game's release, and with the Shadow of the Erdtree expansion now fully integrated into the experience, collecting Bell Bearings has become an essential part of any Tarnished's journey.

What Are Bell Bearings in Elden Ring?

Bell Bearings are special Key Items that, when given to the Twin Maiden Husks at the Roundtable Hold, permanently expand their shop inventory with new items. Though often collected after the death of NPCs or merchants, these bearings are also dropped by certain bosses or found throughout the vast landscapes of the Lands Between.

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One crucial detail that veterans appreciate: only certain Bell Bearings are kept when transitioning to New Game+. These typically include bearings that add crafting or upgrade materials but exclude those from NPCs or Merchants. As of 2025, there are 62 Bell Bearings in total, with 26 being carried over to NG+.

Most Valuable Bell Bearings

Smithing Stone Bell Bearings

Perhaps the most sought-after Bell Bearings are those that unlock unlimited purchase of Smithing Stones. These allow you to upgrade your weapons without endless farming.

  • Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing (1): Defeat the Crystalian boss in Raya Lucaria Crystal Tunnel to unlock Smithing Stones (1) and (2).

  • Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing (2): Found in a chest in the Sealed Tunnel, unlocking Smithing Stones (3) and (4).

  • Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing (3): Located in a chest in Zamor Ruins, east of the Grand Lift of Rold, providing access to Smithing Stones (5) and (6).

  • Smithing Stone Miner's Bell Bearing (4): Reward for defeating the challenging Godskin Duo in Crumbling Farum Azula, granting Smithing Stones (7) and (8).

Somberstone Bell Bearings

For those specializing in unique weapons that require Somber Smithing Stones:

  • Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing (1): Dropped by the Fallingstar Beast in Sellia Crystal Tunnel.

  • Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing (2): Defeat the dual Crystalians in Altus Tunnel.

  • Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing (3): Found on a corpse outside the First Church of Marika.

  • Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing (4): Located on a body north of the Tempest-Facing Balcony in Farum Azula.

  • Somberstone Miner's Bell Bearing (5): In the abandoned temple in northern Farum Azula, unlocking Somber Smithing Stone (9).

Shadow of the Erdtree Bell Bearings

The Shadow of the Erdtree expansion introduced several new Bell Bearings that have become essential for players exploring the Land of Shadow:

  • Moore's Bell Bearing: Obtained by progressing Thiollier's questline and completing Moore's side quest.

  • Ymir's Bell Bearing: Found after defeating Count Ymir in the Cathedral of Manus Metyr.

  • Mushroom-Seller's Bell Bearing (2): Located in a jar hanging off a cliff-side waterfall south of the Ellac River Downstream Grace. You'll need to shoot it down and retrieve it from the waterfall's base.

  • Spellmachinist's Bell Bearing: Found near Rabbath's Rise. From Shaman Village, head southeast and follow the path to the lower peak, carefully jumping down ledges until you overlook Rabbath's Rise.

Spirit Summon Upgrade Materials

For those who rely heavily on Spirit Ash summons, these Bell Bearings are invaluable:

  • Ghost-Glovewort Picker's Bell Bearings: Three different bearings found throughout Nokron, Nokstella, and the Haligtree that unlock various Ghost Glovewort tiers.

  • Glovewort Picker's Bell Bearings: Three bearings obtained from boss fights and exploration that provide access to Grave Glovewort for upgrading regular Spirit Ashes.

Strategies for Bell Bearing Hunters

Many players struggle with the Bell Bearing Hunters - powerful enemies that appear at certain merchant locations at night. Here are some effective strategies that still work in 2025:

  1. Close-quarters combat: Contrary to instinct, staying close is often safer than keeping distance, as their telekinetic attacks are devastating at medium range.

  2. Parry timing: If you're comfortable with parrying, a buckler shield can make these fights much easier with just two successful parries.

  3. Jump attacks: Heavy jump attacks will stagger them after a few hits, creating openings.

  4. Dragon Rot Breath: Two applications of Dragon Rot Breath is typically enough to inflict the status effect.

How to Use Bell Bearings

Once collected, Bell Bearings should be brought to the Twin Maiden Husks in the Roundtable Hold. These shriveled figures leaning against each other in the dark room past the hallway outside Ofnir's library will accept your Bell Bearings, permanently expanding their inventory.

It's worth noting that Bell Bearings have no function other than expanding the Twin Maiden Husks' shop, so you should always hand them over immediately. The convenience of having all these items available in one central location cannot be overstated.

Remember that while Bell Bearings unlock most upgrade materials, they don't provide access to the highest tier materials like Ancient Dragon Smithing Stones or Great Ghost Glovewort. These remain limited items in each playthrough, requiring careful consideration before use.

Whether you're a newcomer to the Lands Between or a seasoned Elden Lord, mastering the Bell Bearing system will dramatically improve your gameplay experience, allowing you to focus on conquering challenges rather than endless resource farming.