In this article we go over the specifics of the enchantment and runestone progression in the new refining system that’s coming with Neverwinter’s Swords of Chult update. It’s unfortunately not as easy to see through as with artifacts or artifact gear. On top of the tweaks to the system itself, the devs added new levels up to rank 14. Does this mean the way to best-in-slot just got longer? Or are lower levels now easier to achieve to come up for it? We have all the answers!
Spreadsheet and Disclaimer
First of all, I’ve prepared a spreadsheet that lines out the costs of the old system vs. the new one. Everything in this article is based on those numbers, so make sure to open it in a separate tab or window. If you want to change numbers in the sheet, please do not request access. Either import it to your own google docs or download it. Also please note that this article will not go over the stats and effects of the new levels or Bonding changes. This will be done in a separate article in the next days.
With that out of the way, let’s look at the spreadsheet! A few values, the bold ones, on the “Prices” tab can be tweaked to match the economy of your platform. The sheet then takes care of everything else automatically.
The Changes
The big change in terms of progression is that you no longer need an identical enchantment or runestone as reagent for some levels. This majorly streamlines the process as you don’t have to refine additional gems as you move up the ranks. Also enchantments and runestones profit from the greater variety of possible refining stones with matching bonuses gone. Players can now freely use Silvery Enchantments to refine Radiants et cetera.
The reagents for normal enchantments and runestones stay the same, but the new ranks require an Ultimate Enchanting Stone that only drops from Tomb of the Nine Gods or lockboxes. The other Enchanting Stones just replace the Marks of Power/Union/Stability and drop from the same places like before. For weapon and armor enhancements the amount of marks significantly rises, but don’t forget that you save a ton of Coalescent Wards because you no longer need an identical enhancement as reagent.
Until October 22nd Neverwinter Uncensored will be hosting a social giveaway for a chance to win one of five Wizkids Promo Codes. Neverwinter and Wizkids have teamed up and included special promo codes in their exciting new figurine line, D&D Icons of the Realms: Tomb of Annihilation. If you’re not feeling like buying into the figurines, here’s your chance to get a code anyway!
The New Best-In-Slot
Let’s go on and compare the best-in-slot cases. Under the old system, rank 12 would cost 1.03M ADs given the standard values I chose. In the new system rank 14 is almost +70%. The main culprits are the 1% upgrade chance from R13->R14 and the new Ultimate Enchanting Stones. That latter obviously is a bit hard to project as much depends on its actually drop rate within the Tomb of the Nine Gods. This could be way better or way worse and it’s probably safe to assume that you should wait with maxing until there’s a sufficient supply and the prices settle.
It’s a different story for new unparalleled vs. old transcendent (unless the Ultimate Enchanting Stone will be super expensive). Weapon and armor enhancement are getting cheaper across the board although they require much more marks to upgrade. But the amount of ADs you save from no longer needing an identical enhancement as reagent more than makes up for it. One enhancement is still four times as expensive as one normal enchantment or runestone.
Lower Levels
For everyone not striving for the absolute best-in-slot, the new system is generally good news. You basically get at least one free rank for the same amount of ADs. Rank 10 used to cost 320k, which now is more than enough for a Rank 11 for example. A greater weapon enhancement was 3M, which is now nearly enough to buy a pure version.
Overall upgrading enchantments and runestones is getting cheaper. You’ll need to invest less ADs to get to the same level as before. The one exception is the new rank 14, which is a massive investment. The devs certainly want the players to pay a lot for that “bis” tag! It looks like full rank 14 will become a tier of its own as upgrading that one level is as expensive as all previous levels combined. That’s also why, all enchantments and runestones included, the cost for a full toon approximately goes up from 40M to 50M.
Do you like the changes or do you think rank 14 is a bit hard to achieve? Share your thoughts in the comments below and visit the corresponding thread on our message board!
Neverwinter UN:Blogged is always looking for writers to contribute to the blog. If you are an active player and search for a way to spread your opinions, analysis, diaries or reviews to more than 40,000 regular visitors, then don’t hesitate and get in touch with us on our contact page or message board! We are currently especially looking for console and PVP content, but that’s not exclusive. There is no frequency requirement, you post how often you want.
The post Swords of Chult Preview and Guide: Enchantment and Runestone Refining Progression appeared first on Neverwinter:Unblogged.