Smithing in EverQuest is a crafting trade skill that allows players to create weapons, armor, and other metal items. Using ores, gems, and resources, crafters can produce essential gear for themselves and others. This guide will cover the basics, progression, and advanced techniques for mastering smithing, ensuring you can craft effectively across all expansions, from Classic to The Scars of Velious.
1.1 What is Smithing in EverQuest?
Smithing in EverQuest is a trade skill that enables players to craft metal items like weapons, armor, and tools using ores, gems, and other materials. It requires specific tools and resources, such as ores mined from nodes and gems that enhance item properties. Smithing allows players to create gear for personal use or to sell, making it a vital skill for progression. The craft evolves across expansions, with recipes and materials varying to reflect the game’s world and mechanics. Mastery involves understanding ore types, gem effects, and complex crafting techniques.
1.2 Importance of Smithing in the Game
Smithing is a cornerstone skill in EverQuest, enabling players to craft essential gear like weapons and armor. It allows for cost-effective progression by creating items tailored to specific needs, rather than relying on expensive market purchases. High-quality crafted items often surpass loot drops, giving smiths a competitive edge in combat. Additionally, smithing supports the in-game economy by providing valuable goods for other players, fostering a sense of community and collaboration. Mastering this skill enhances both personal and guild progress, making it indispensable for any aspiring crafter.
1.3 Brief History of Smithing in EverQuest
Smithing has been a cornerstone of EverQuest since its release in 1999, initially introduced as a key crafting skill for creating weapons and armor. Over the years, expansions like The Ruins of Kunark and The Scars of Velious expanded the craft, adding new ores, gems, and recipes. The skill evolved further with each expansion, offering players more complex and powerful items to craft. Today, smithing remains a vital part of the game, with players continuing to refine their techniques and create masterpieces that shape the in-game economy and character progression.
Getting Started with Smithing
Choose a compatible race and class, locate a smithing trainer, and gather essential tools like a forge and hammer. Start crafting simple items to gain experience and progress your skill.
2.1 Choosing the Right Race and Class for Smithing
Selecting the right race and class is crucial for effective smithing. Races like Dwarves and Gnomes excel due to their innate crafting bonuses. Classes such as Warriors and Paladins are ideal for smithing, as they can wear the gear they craft. Rogues and Rangers also benefit, though to a lesser extent. Dwarves, in particular, are highly recommended for their smithing prowess. Ensure your class aligns with the type of items you want to craft, as this will optimize your progression and in-game efficiency. Race and class selection lay the foundation for successful smithing.
2.2 Finding a Smithing Trainer
In EverQuest, finding a smithing trainer is essential to begin crafting. Trainers are typically located in major cities like Qeynos, Freeport, or Neriak. Speak to blacksmithing NPCs, such as Smithy in Qeynos or Bricksworth in Freeport, to learn the basics. New players can ask city guards for directions to the nearest trainer. Ensure your character meets the race and class requirements before attempting to train. Some cities may specialize in specific crafting styles, so choose one that aligns with your progression goals. Trainers provide the foundation for your smithing journey.
2.3 Essential Tools and Equipment for Beginners
To start smithing, you’ll need basic tools and equipment. A forge and anvil are essential for crafting metal items. Equip a smithing hammer and tongs to interact with the forge effectively. Begin with common ores like iron or copper, which are readily available. Fuel, such as coal or naphalia, is required to heat the forge. Keep a supply of water or cooling items to quench metals. Invest in a crafting satchel to carry your materials. These tools will help you progress smoothly in your smithing journey.
Smithing Resources and Materials
Smithing relies on ores, gems, and other materials to craft weapons, armor, and items. Essential resources include iron, copper, and rare gems, each serving unique purposes in crafting.
3.1 Types of Ore and Their Uses
In EverQuest, ores are the foundation of smithing, with each type serving specific purposes. Iron ore is the most common, used for basic weapons and armor. Copper ore is softer, often combined with tin for bronze alloys. Rare ores like cobalt and velium are reserved for high-level crafting, producing superior gear. Understanding the progression from common to rare ores is key to mastering smithing, as each step unlocks new recipes and improves item quality. Proper ore selection ensures crafting efficiency and effectiveness in creating desired items.
3.2 Understanding Gems and Their Role in Smithing
Gems play a crucial role in EverQuest smithing, enhancing crafted items with unique properties; They are used to create enchanted weapons and armor, with specific gems tied to particular effects. For example, emeralds are often linked to agility, while rubies enhance strength. Gems also determine the appearance and stats of crafted items. High-quality gems are essential for advanced recipes and mastercrafted items. Obtaining and identifying rare gems can significantly impact crafting success and item value. Proper gem selection is vital for achieving desired outcomes in smithing projects.
3.3 Other Materials Required for Advanced Recipes
Beyond ores and gems, advanced smithing recipes require additional materials like rare hides, enchanted cloths, and unique dyes. These items enhance the cosmetic and functional properties of crafted gear. Components such as dragon scales, planar metals, or items from specific expansions like Velious or Kunark are often needed for high-level recipes. Obtaining these materials can involve challenging quests or drops from elite mobs. Crafting masterpieces demands a mix of skill, resources, and access to rare components, making these materials indispensable for advanced smithing projects.
Leveling Up Your Smithing Skill
Leveling your smithing skill requires consistent practice, using the right ores, and repetition. Break tasks into manageable steps and focus on efficiency to progress smoothly.
4.1 Smithing Skill Progression: 1-100
Starting at skill level 1, focus on crafting basic items like copper weapons and tools. Use copper ore and simple patterns to build momentum. As you progress, transition to iron ore for better results. Create chain armor and basic weapons to increase efficiency. Repeat recipes to maximize skill gains. Utilize in-game tools and trainers for guidance. Stay consistent, as early levels set the foundation for advanced crafting. Experiment with different ores and patterns to refine your technique and reach level 100 effectively.
4.2 Smithing Skill Progression: 100-200
Reaching skill level 100 marks a milestone in smithing. Focus on crafting steel weapons and plate armor to build momentum. Use steel ore and advanced patterns to create high-quality items. Experiment with intricate designs to refine your technique. Consistent practice with higher-tier materials ensures steady progression. Utilize mastercrafted templates to minimize resource waste. Stay dedicated, as this range lays the groundwork for expert-level crafting. By 200, you’ll be crafting complex items with ease, preparing for the challenges of advanced smithing.
4.3 Smithing Skill Progression: 200-300
At 200, focus on cobalt ore and advanced patterns to create intricate armor and weapons. Utilize mastery AAs to enhance crafting efficiency. Optimize resource use with mastercrafted templates to minimize waste. Experiment with high-tier materials like Acrylia for complex items. By 300, you’ll master advanced smithing techniques, capable of crafting elite gear essential for high-level play. Dedication and strategic resource management are crucial for reaching this pinnacle of smithing expertise.
Crafting Recipes and Blueprints
Crafting recipes in EverQuest smithing range from basic tools to intricate armor. Essential recipes focus on ore progression, while advanced blueprints require rare materials like cobalt ore. Mastering these ensures high-quality results.
5.1 Essential Recipes for Beginners
Starting with basic recipes is crucial for new smiths. Begin with simple items like copper weapons and Fine Plate Armor, which use readily available ores. Progress to Banded Armor, a versatile choice for early-game characters. These recipes provide essential experience while crafting usable gear. Focus on mastering ore types like copper, iron, and steel to ensure efficiency. Keep tools like a smithing mold and hammer in good condition to minimize failures. Follow established guides to optimize your crafting path and avoid wasting resources early on.
5.2 Intermediate Recipes for Skill Improvement
Intermediate recipes focus on refining your skills with higher-tier materials like carbonite, mithril, and acrylia. Craft Chain Armor and Plate Armor for improved protection, and weapons like longswords and axes for enhanced damage. These recipes introduce gemstone inlays, boosting item stats. Progression guides recommend mastering specific ore types to minimize waste. Follow established patterns to ensure consistent skill gains. Experiment with Velium and other rare materials to create superior gear. Optimize your crafting path by focusing on high-demand items for mid-level characters.
5.3 Advanced Recipes for High-Level Crafting
Advanced recipes in EverQuest smithing involve high-tier materials like Velium, Acrylia, and Shadowscream Ore. These allow the creation of endgame items such as epic weapons, mastercrafted armor, and specialized gear for raids. Recipes often require rare gems and complex patterns, emphasizing precision and resource efficiency. Crafting these items boosts your reputation as a skilled smith and provides valuable equipment for high-level characters. Focus on perfecting techniques like multi-layered crafting and gem inlays to maximize item stats and demand in the player market.
Mastercrafted Items and Specialization
Mastercrafted items in EverQuest are superior gear crafted using rare materials like Acrylia. Specialization enhances efficiency and item quality, making high-level crafting highly rewarding.
6.1 What Are Mastercrafted Items?
Mastercrafted items are high-quality weapons and armor crafted using rare materials and advanced techniques. These items are sought after for their superior stats and durability. They require specific ores like Acrylia and Shadowscream, along with gems, to create. Crafting mastercrafted items boosts your skill level and reputation, making them a key part of progression for serious crafters in EverQuest.
6.2 Benefits of Specializing in a Specific Craft
Specializing in a specific craft, like blacksmithing or jewelcrafting, offers numerous benefits. It allows for faster skill progression, as focusing on one area maximizes efficiency. Specialization also grants access to rare recipes and materials, enabling the creation of high-demand items. This boosts your reputation as a skilled crafter, increasing the value of your wares. Additionally, it simplifies resource management and reduces waste, making crafting more cost-effective and enjoyable. Mastery in one area is key to excelling in EverQuest’s competitive crafting landscape.
6.3 How to Create Mastercrafted Items
To craft mastercrafted items in EverQuest, you’ll need to acquire specific high-quality materials and rare recipes. Start by ensuring your smithing skill is at an advanced level, as these items typically require expertise. Use premium ores like cobalt or velium, paired with flawless gems to enhance the crafting process. Invest in specialized tools, such as a mastercrafted smithing mold, to improve your chances of success. Follow precise patterns and techniques, as outlined in advanced guides or community resources. Managing platinum wisely is crucial, as mastercrafted items often demand significant resources. Joining a crafting guild can provide valuable insights and reduce trial-and-error. By mastering these steps, you’ll create exceptional gear sought after by players, boosting your reputation and in-game economy standing.
Smithing Techniques and Strategies
Master essential strategies like optimizing efficiency, minimizing resource waste, and using precise techniques to craft successfully. Utilize the right tools and follow proven methods to avoid common mistakes.
7.1 Optimizing Your Crafting Efficiency
Optimizing your crafting efficiency in EverQuest smithing involves using high-quality ores and gems to minimize failed crafts and reduce resource waste. Experiment with different tools and techniques to streamline your process. Maintaining a well-organized workspace and understanding recipe requirements can significantly improve success rates. Additionally, mastering the art of combining materials in the correct order and ratios ensures higher-quality outputs. By focusing on precision and consistency, you can craft effectively while conserving valuable resources and platinum. This approach is especially crucial for advanced recipes and mastercrafted items.
7.2 Using the Right Tools for the Job
Using the right tools is essential for successful smithing in EverQuest. Higher-quality tools, such as mastercrafted hammers and anvils, significantly improve crafting efficiency and reduce failed attempts. Ensure you have the appropriate ores, gems, and templates for your recipes. Cobalt ore and tungsten templates are particularly useful for high-level crafting. Organize your workspace to keep tools and materials accessible. Regularly maintaining and upgrading your equipment can also enhance your crafting experience, helping you achieve better results with less waste of resources and platinum.
7.3 Minimizing Failed Crafts and Wasted Resources
To minimize failed crafts and wasted resources in EverQuest smithing, ensure you use high-quality tools and materials appropriate for your skill level. Mastercrafted hammers and anvils significantly reduce failure rates. Always follow established guides and recipes, and use materials like cobalt ore for advanced crafts. Crafting in bulk and understanding recipe requirements can also help reduce waste. Keep your skill level aligned with the difficulty of the item you’re crafting to avoid unnecessary failures and conserve valuable resources like platinum and rare gems.
The Role of Platinum in Smithing
Platinum is essential for purchasing materials, tools, and training in EverQuest smithing. Managing your platinum wisely ensures you can afford resources and recipes for crafting. Earning platinum through selling crafted items or completing quests helps sustain your smithing progress, while efficient resource use minimizes costs and maximizes profitability.
8.1 Managing Your Platinum for Crafting
Effectively managing platinum is crucial for EverQuest smithing. Start by budgeting for essential materials like ores and gems. Prioritize spending on items that directly improve your crafting skills or efficiency. Consider earning platinum through selling crafted goods, completing quests, or joining a crafting guild for commissions. Diversify your income streams to maintain a steady flow of resources. Avoid unnecessary expenses, such as decorative items, until your crafting business is stable. By balancing earnings and spending, you can sustain your smithing progression without financial strain.
8.2 Earning Platinum Through Smithing
Earning platinum through smithing involves crafting high-demand items and selling them to other players. Focus on creating essential weapons, armor, and tools that are frequently needed. Set competitive prices in the bazaar or advertise in chat channels to attract buyers. Specialize in rare or hard-to-craft items to charge premium prices. Additionally, participate in crafting requests from other players or guilds to secure consistent orders. By understanding market demand and crafting efficiently, you can generate significant platinum to fund your smithing progression and other in-game activities.
8.3 Tips for Reducing Crafting Costs
To minimize crafting expenses, prioritize resource gathering over purchasing. Use lower-cost gems or substitutes for crafting. Optimize recipes to reduce material waste and focus on high-success-rate crafts. Repair gear instead of replacing it to conserve resources. Sell unwanted crafted items or salvage materials for additional platinum. Crafting in bulk can also lower per-item costs. By managing resources efficiently and strategically, you can significantly reduce your overall smithing expenses while maintaining productivity and progression.
Smithing in Different Expansion Packs
Each EverQuest expansion introduces unique smithing opportunities, with new ores, recipes, and crafting techniques. Classic offers foundational skills, while expansions like Kunark and Velious expand material diversity and complexity, enhancing crafting depth and customization.
9.1 Smithing in Classic EverQuest
Smithing in Classic EverQuest lays the foundation for crafting, allowing players to create essential gear using basic ores like iron, steel, and mithril. The progression system introduces players to crafting fundamentals, with recipes like Banded Armor and Fine Plate providing early skill gains. Resources are plentiful in early zones, making it accessible to craft without advanced materials. Players can follow “The Ultimate Tradeskill Guide” from EQTraders to optimize their skill progression. This era emphasizes mastering basic techniques before moving to more complex expansions, ensuring a solid skill base for future crafting endeavors.
9.2 Smithing in The Ruins of Kunark
Smithing in The Ruins of Kunark introduces new challenges and opportunities, with access to rhenopex and velium ores for higher-quality gear. Players can craft advanced items like Acrylia Armor, offering superior protection. While more resource-intensive than Classic, Kunark smithing is cost-effective compared to later expansions. The progression remains smooth, with “The Ultimate Tradeskill Guide” providing clear recipes for skill advancement. This era bridges the gap between Classic and more complex expansions, allowing crafters to refine their skills before tackling tougher challenges in The Scars of Velious.
9.3 Smithing in The Scars of Velious
Smithing in The Scars of Velious is a high-level crafting experience, focusing on advanced recipes and rare materials like velium ore. This expansion introduces complex armor sets, such as Velious Armor, which require precision and high-quality resources. Crafters can create items with unique properties, enhancing gameplay for endgame content. The difficulty in obtaining materials like coldain and velocitraptor parts adds a layer of challenge. With its emphasis on mastercrafted items, Velious smithing is ideal for experienced players seeking to craft top-tier gear for themselves or others.
The Smithing Community and Resources
The smithing community offers extensive support through forums, guides, and in-game tools, helping crafters refine their skills and discover new recipes for optimal crafting efficiency.
10.1 Joining a Crafting Guild
Joining a crafting guild in EverQuest connects you with experienced crafters, offering valuable resources, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities. Guilds often host events, share recipes, and provide tips for improving your smithing skills. Interacting with guild members can help you learn advanced techniques and solve crafting challenges. Many guilds also maintain libraries of resources, such as ore progression guides and optimization strategies. Actively participating in a guild can enhance your crafting efficiency and open doors to new opportunities in the game. Utilize in-game tools like chat channels and forums to find and join a guild that suits your needs.
10.2 Recommended Websites and Forums for Smithing
For mastering EverQuest smithing, several online resources are indispensable. EQTraders offers comprehensive guides, including The Ultimate Tradeskill Guide, which details ore progression and crafting strategies. Forums like Reddit’s EverQuest community provide real-time discussions, tips, and troubleshooting advice. Additionally, official Daybreak Game Forums and fan-run wikis are excellent sources for detailed crafting recipes and updates. These platforms collectively offer a wealth of knowledge to enhance your smithing skills and stay updated on the latest crafting trends and techniques in the game.
10.3 Using In-Game Tools for Crafting
EverQuest provides several in-game tools to streamline your smithing experience. The crafting window allows you to view and organize recipes, track progress, and manage resources efficiently. Additionally, the game’s built-in timer helps optimize crafting sessions, while the tradeskill depot provides quick access to your crafted items. Utilizing these tools effectively can significantly enhance your crafting efficiency and overall progress in mastering smithing. Leveraging these features ensures you spend more time creating and less time navigating menus.
Troubleshooting Common Smithing Issues
Common issues include failed crafts, skill plateaus, and resource shortages. Use proper tools, retry recipes, and stockpile materials to minimize setbacks and maintain progress in smithing.
11.1 Fixing Failed Crafts
Failed crafts in EverQuest smithing can be frustrating but are often due to low skill levels, incorrect materials, or improper tool usage. To fix failed crafts, ensure you have the required skill level, use the right ores and gems, and check your tools; Retry the recipe, as success rates improve with higher skills. If issues persist, consult crafting guides or seek advice from experienced players to identify and resolve the problem effectively.
11.2 Resolving Skill Plateaus
Skill plateaus in EverQuest smithing occur when progress stalls despite consistent effort. To resolve this, identify the cause: insufficient skill level, incorrect materials, or improper tool usage. Retry recipes with appropriate ores and gems, ensuring tools are in good condition. Consult crafting guides or seek advice from experienced players to refine techniques. Sometimes, crafting higher-tier items or experimenting with different recipes can reignite progress. Persistent issues may require revisiting earlier skills or seeking community resources for tailored solutions.
11.3 Dealing with Resource Shortages
Resource shortages in EverQuest smithing can hinder progress. To address this, explore alternative ore sources, such as lower-tier materials or cheaper alternatives like Acrylia or Shadowscream armor. Consider crafting items that require fewer resources or focus on recipes with readily available components. Managing inventory effectively and earning platinum through crafting or trading can also help sustain your crafting activities. Utilize in-game tools and community guides to optimize resource usage and minimize shortages, ensuring consistent progression in your smithing journey.
Mastering EverQuest smithing requires patience, creativity, and practice. Stay dedicated, experiment with new recipes, and embrace the satisfaction of crafting items that enhance your gameplay experience.
12.1 Final Thoughts on Mastering Smithing
Mastering EverQuest smithing is a rewarding journey that combines creativity and strategy. As you progress, remember that practice and experimentation are key to improving your skills. The satisfaction of crafting high-quality items for yourself and others makes the effort worthwhile. Stay patient, explore new recipes, and adapt to the game’s evolving challenges. With dedication, you’ll become a skilled smith, enhancing both your gameplay and your character’s potential in Norrath. Embrace the process and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
12.2 Encouragement for Continued Improvement
Continuous improvement in EverQuest smithing is a journey worth embracing. Every failed craft is a lesson, and every success brings you closer to mastery. Stay motivated by setting achievable goals and celebrating milestones, like completing a challenging recipe or reaching a new skill level. Engage with the crafting community for tips and inspiration, and remember that persistence is key. The satisfaction of creating something valuable for yourself or others is incredibly rewarding. Keep pushing forward, and enjoy the process of becoming a skilled smith in Norrath.
12.3 Additional Resources for Advanced Crafters
For advanced crafters, exploring detailed guides like The Ultimate Tradeskill Guide on EQTraders can provide in-depth strategies. Engage with the EverQuest community through forums, Discord, and Reddit for shared knowledge and tips. Websites like EQTraders and Allakhazam offer extensive databases of recipes and materials. Additionally, YouTube and Twitch streams often feature experienced crafters sharing their techniques. Experimenting with new recipes and collaborating with other players can further enhance your skills. Remember, continuous learning and adaptation are key to mastering EverQuest smithing.