Smithy & Gear Enhancement Guide
The Smithy is the backbone of character progression in Echoes of Aincrad. Here you Enhance weapons with Tempered Steel, Forge new gear from blueprints, Transfer upgrades between weapons, and Synthesize materials into powerful items. This guide covers every system in detail.
Smithy Functions
Enhance
The primary upgrade path. Feed a weapon plus Tempered Steel into the smithy to increase its level and stats.
Each enhancement raises the weapon base ATK, SP gauge fill rate, and unlocks additional EX-Mod slots at certain thresholds.
Forge
Create new weapons from materials and blueprints. Lets you manufacture weapons you have not found as drops.
Forged weapons start at base level but can be enhanced normally. Some unique weapons are forge-only.
Transfer
Move enhancement levels and EX-Mods from one weapon to another at a cost.
When you find a better weapon, Transfer lets you carry over your investment. The source weapon is consumed.
Synthesize
Combine multiple weapons or materials to produce a new item with combined properties.
Synthesis can produce unique weapons, rare upgrade stones, or consumable buffs. Some high-end EX-Mods are synthesis-only.
Weapon Enhancement Process
Enhancement is the core loop: select a weapon at the smithy, feed in Tempered Steel and additional materials, and raise the weapon level by +1. Each tier unlocks more power:
| Level Range | Materials Needed | Requirements | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| +1 to +3 | Tempered Steel (x1 each) | Common materials | Minor ATK and SP gain |
| +4 to +6 | Tempered Steel (x2 each) | Uncommon materials | Moderate stat bumps, unlock 1st EX-Mod slot |
| +7 to +9 | High-Grade Tempered Steel (x2 each) | Rare materials | Major stat increases, unlock 2nd EX-Mod slot |
| +10 | High-Grade Tempered Steel (x5) | Very rare material | Max power, unlock ultimate EX-Mod slot |
Enhancement level resets only through Transfer, which consumes the source weapon. Plan upgrades carefully.
Weapon Leveling & EX-Mod System
How EX-Mods Unlock
+0 to +5 - Base Weapon
The weapon functions with its base moveset and stats. No EX-Mod slots available.
+6 - First EX-Mod Slot
An EX-Mod direction becomes available. Slot one modifier from the available directions.
+9 - Second EX-Mod Slot
A second slot opens, allowing two active modifiers simultaneously.
+10 - Ultimate EX-Mod Slot
The maximum enhancement tier grants a third exclusive mod slot. Only fully upgraded weapons achieve this.
Available EX-Mod Directions
| Direction | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Extra Attack Damage | Direct damage increase on successful attack windows. | Offensive burst builds |
| Damage vs. Status-Affected Enemies | Bonus damage when the target has a status ailment applied. | Status-pressure playstyles |
| Support SP Boost | Increases how fast your partner builds SP during combat. | Partner-heavy strategies |
| Healing Crystal Recovery | Improves the HP restored by healing crystals used in combat. | Higher difficulties where sustain matters |
| Stamina / Recovery | Expands stamina pool or improves stamina regen rate. | Dodge-focused or aggressive melee builds |
| Empty / Weak Slot | A placeholder mod that can be replaced later when a better direction is found. | Leaving room for long-term investment |
Weapon-Specific Recommendations
| Weapon | Type | Recommended Mod | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crimson Edge | One-Handed Sword | Extra Attack Damage | A fast sword that benefits most from flat damage amplification. |
| Iron Guardian | Shield & Sword | Stamina / Recovery | Tanky loadouts benefit from longer stamina uptime. |
| Storm Lance | Spear | Damage vs. Status-Affected Enemies | Spears deliver repeated hits that apply status effects quickly. |
| Heaven's Feather | Rapier | Support SP Boost | A precision weapon that pairs well with partner skill builds. |
Materials & Resources
Tempered Steel
- -Dropped by most enemies - farm aggressively
- -Found in chests and quest rewards
- -Tier 1-2 on early floors; Tier 3+ from mid-game onward
- -High-Grade Tempered Steel required for +7 and above
Upgrade Materials
- -Common - standard drops, used for +1 to +3
- -Uncommon - elite enemy drops, used for +4 to +6
- -Rare - boss drops, used for +7 to +9
- -Very rare - floor guardian drops, used for +10 cap
Upgrade Priorities by Difficulty
| Difficulty | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Story | Enhance when you find a weapon you like, but do not stress over materials. |
| Normal | Keep your main weapon at current cap before each major boss. |
| Hard | Always upgrade before boss fights. Maintain a backup weapon. |
| Very Hard | Max every slot before major milestones. Invest in EX-Mods aggressively. |
| Death Game Mode | Spend materials conservatively. You cannot recover lost weapons. |
Partner Outfitting
Your partner has their own weapon and armor slot. Keep them effective by:
- -Crafting or finding better base equipment through exploration
- -Using Synthesis to create partner-specific gear upgrades
- -Prioritizing SP-boosting EX-Mods for more frequent partner skills
- -Checking partner equipment every time you return to town
Partners like Asuna, Silica, Agil, and Lisbeth each have preferred weapon types. Matching their natural weapon affinity provides hidden stat bonuses.
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | How to Fix It |
|---|---|
| Comparing weapons by ATK only | Look at speed, SP gauge rate, moveset, and EX-Mod slots. |
| Ignoring Tempered Steel supply | Farm enemies and explore thoroughly. Tempered Steel is the bottleneck. |
| Over-upgrading a starter weapon | Check whether weapons found on the next floor will outscale it. |
| Hoarding materials for later | Spend what you have to push forward. Higher-tier materials replace lower ones. |
| Ignoring the Transfer system | Do not be afraid to switch weapons. Transfer carries your levels forward. |
| Neglecting partner gear | Keep your partner's weapon and armor current for higher difficulties. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I de-level or reset a weapon enhancement?
No. Enhancement is permanent and can only be undone through Transfer, which consumes the source weapon.
Does the smithy cost Col?
Enhancement requires Tempered Steel and materials, not Col. However, Transfer and some Synthesis recipes have a Col cost.
Can I upgrade unique or legendary weapons?
Yes. Most unique weapons can be enhanced normally. Some require special materials or quest completions.
How do I get High-Grade Tempered Steel?
High-Grade Tempered Steel drops from mid-game enemies starting around Floor 5, and can be synthesized at the smithy.
Can I change an EX-Mod after choosing it?
Yes. You can replace an EX-Mod at the smithy, but the old modifier is lost. The cost scales with the tier.
Does Transfer work between different weapon types?
Yes. You can transfer levels from a one-handed sword to a spear or any other weapon type.
Should I upgrade every weapon I find?
No. Tempered Steel is scarce early on. Upgrade only weapons you plan to use for at least one full floor.
What is the Cardinal Rank system?
Cardinal Rank is a weapon proficiency system separate from enhancement. Using a weapon type in combat raises your rank with that type, unlocking passive bonuses and skill tree nodes.