Diablo 4 has gotten rid of many of the clunky upgrading mechanics from its predecessor. Instead, players can automatically unlock Transmogs through salvaging, customize their character in the wardrobe, and improve their gear using the Blacksmith or Occultist.
When upgrading gear, you'll head to the local Blacksmith, who can be found in most localities of the game. If you don't have the option to upgrade weapons and armor, then you've missed doing the unlock quest. For details on completing the unlock quest, what upgrading your armor does, and when upgrading is worth it, keep reading.
Where To Upgrade Armor
Upgrading armor is done with the Blacksmith NPC. Most settlements will have a Blacksmith, which you can find by looking out for the anvil icon on your map. This NPC is very useful, performing many functions.
How To Unlock Armor Upgrades
Upgrading isn't something you'll be able to do immediately. To unlock the ability to upgrade your gear, you will need to complete a quest. This is a priority quest from the NPC Zivek in Kyovashad. It unlocks when your character reaches level 10.
The quest itself is extremely simple - speak to the Blacksmith about upgrading gear, and then upgrade something. The upgrade window is the third tab in the Blacksmith's menu.
Why Upgrade Armor
Upgrading armor and weapons in Diablo 4 can help a piece of gear you like stay relevant longer. It can also round out a piece of gear that has a superb stat, but other unimpressive characteristics.
A piece of gear that is fully upgraded will have 1-2 additional damage or armor as well as a percentage point increase in its other properties.
When To Upgrade Armor
Upgrading gear is best pursued later on in the game, especially during endgame activities. Upgrading right at level 10 isn't advised/ It is expensive, and you will be replacing that gear quickly anyway.
Later on, once you've reached the later stages of the game (Act 4 onwards is a good estimate), you might consider upgrading your favorite items. Legendary items with a class-specific perk are always good candidates.
How Much Does Upgrading Armor Really Matter?
As with the coveted armor sets in Diablo 3, it's unlikely that players will see a need for upgrading gear until they are playing at higher-world difficulties. This will come as part of endgame content and subsequent replays of the game.
When enjoying the game for the first time, and/or playing on one of the first difficulties, upgrading doesn't matter.
The Cost Of Upgrading Armor
Despite how early the mechanic is introduced, upgrading isn't cheap. Players can expect to spend the following to fully upgrade a piece:
- Around 2000 gold
- Scattered Prisms
- Silver Ore
- Iron Chunks
These resources are obtained via salvaging other gear and interacting with ore deposits in the Overworld. You'll likely have some lying around, but not enough to fully upgrade every piece of gear you use in the first playthrough.