Are you getting near the endgame (level 50+) and feeling like your damage is a bit lacking? Then you probably need to learn how to upgrade gear in Diablo 4. This is a core part of the game as the game highly depends on build-crafting and getting that perfect build to maximize your damage.
This guide will go over how you can upgrade your gear to get stronger in Diablo 4.
How to upgrade gear in Diablo 4
To start upgrading, you have to be at least level 10 before you can visit one of two different vendors. The Blacksmith, who will upgrade your Weapons and Armor, and the Jeweler who will upgrade your Amulets and Rings. Both of them work the same way and are located in major towns and cities but their symbols are depicted differently on the map.
Upgrading your equipment increases all the stats that are tied to it, and this way you can go into Sanctuary and slay demons confidently.
I do recommend that you don’t focus on any upgrades pre-level 50 as you will be shuffling items more often. Once you hit level 50, gear swapping will become less frequent, so you can focus on upgrading your gear, gems, and imprinting Aspects.
The number of times you can upgrade your gear depends on its rarity, and each one will cost you gold and resources that increases gradually as you increase your gear’s level.
- Blue (Magic) – can be upgraded 2 times.
- Yellow (Rare) – can be upgraded 3 times.
- Orange (Legendary) – can be upgraded 4 to 5 times depending on the item level.
- Peach (Unique) – can be upgraded 5 times.
How to upgrade gear at the Blacksmith
The Blacksmith will help you upgrade your weapons and armor, and also repair gear with low durability. The first Blacksmith you will come across is located in the city of Kyovashad, and there is a total of 28 blacksmiths spread across Sanctuary.
You can find them by looking for the “Anvil and Hammer” symbol on the map.
- 4 Blacksmiths are located in Kehjistan
- 5 Blacksmiths are located in Dry Steppes
- 6 Blacksmiths are located in Scosglen
- 8 Blacksmiths are located in Fractured Peaks
- 5 Blacksmiths are located in Hawezar
To upgrade your armor and weapons, simply visit a Blacksmith and go to the last tab. You will simply place your item in the first slot, and press the Upgrade button. You can find all blacksmiths and their locations by using this tool by Mapgenie.
How to upgrade gear at the Jeweler
The Jeweler will help you upgrade your rings, amulets, and gems, extract gems, and add gem sockets. The first Jeweler you will come across is located in the city of Kyovashad, and there are a total of 6 jewelers spread across Sanctuary.
You can find them by looking for the “Diamond” symbol on the map.
- 1 Jewler is located in Kehjistan
- 1 Jewler is located in Dry Steppes
- 2 Jewelers are located in Scosglen
- 1 Jewler is located in Fractured Peaks
- 1 Jewler is located in Hawezar
To upgrade your jewelry, simply visit a Jeweler and go to the last tab. You will simply place your item in the first slot, and press the Upgrade button.
Other ways to improve your gear
While the above methods are directly upgrading the piece of gear of your choosing, the following methods are simply additional stats that can be swapped in your gear at any time.
The other ways to improve your gear would be to start by understanding how Legendary Aspects work, and then adding said Aspects to your gear. You can also add the highest-level gems to your armor, weapons, and jewelry to get that extra boost.
Those two methods add extra stats to your gear and don’t improve the existing ones, unlike upgrading at the Blacksmith and Jeweler.
If you don’t like your existing gear stats, you can always swap them at the Occultist for a generous fee.
