← All storiesGamingDeveloping story How to Upgrade Weapons and Armor - Crimson Desert Guide - IGN
Crimson Desert has many ways to increase your power as you journey across the continent of Pywell. However, simply getting skill points from Abyss Artifacts or finding some new gear will only get you so far, and you’ll soon find that the only way to truly get stronger is by refining your weapons and armor to increase your offense and defense. Below, you’ll find our guide to upgrading gear, including where you can craft and refine weapons and armor, the materials needed, and where to get more. Getting stronger in Crimson Desert can be a little different compared to other open world RPGs. Kliff and the other main characters do not gain “levels” in a traditional sense, and even the Abyss Artifacts earned from enough combat or solving puzzles can only be put toward increasing your Health, Stamina, and Spirit, but not your overall damage output. Instead, Kliff’s damage and defense only really increases from your equipped gear, and many of the items you’ll find – even unique gear and quest rewards – often start at a level 1 refinement even after many hours of adventuring. Since the various combat skills you can learn are all influenced by your overall attack power, finding ways to increa

Mar 20, 2026
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