Progression, practical choices and current mode rules.
First-playthrough priorities
Compare weapon attack, level and usable moves before rarity alone. Check armor weight and its effect on your preferred dodge rhythm.
Do not stop early progression just to complete a set. Compare new drops, retain useful resistance accessories, and dismantle unwanted equipment for crafting materials.
Blacksmith and appearance
Progress through Blacksmith’s Heirloom to access the blacksmith. Check the recipe, materials and resulting item before crafting.
Since the May 2025 update, Change Appearance can unlock during the first playthrough through Blacksmith’s Heirloom. Older NG+-only instructions are outdated.
The June 2025 update guarantees set-crafting materials from main bosses. That does not guarantee a particular finished armor piece.
Material quality matters
After the June 26, 2025 update, Augment levels depend on material gear quality: Uncommon +1, Rare +2, Unique +3, Epic +4, Legendary +5. This rule refers to the material, not the target item.
Commit valuable materials after choosing equipment you intend to keep. Other smithing functions have separate costs and rules; this is not a universal upgrade formula.
Save loadouts
Save up to ten skill presets and ten gear presets. A gear preset can reference a skill preset to coordinate equipment and skills.
Keep exploration, current-boss and resistance loadouts. Presets cannot be switched while using a skill, and gear presets are unavailable in Ultimate Challenge.
Sources and version notes
Checked on 2026-10-21. Recommendations are editorial; patch-specific rules are identified in the text.