Enhancing your equipment through the +1, +2, and +3 upgrades via the Fun-Size Forge is a critical aspect of maximizing your party's combat potential in Dragon Quest XI S. These upgrades offer significant stat boosts.
The Upgrade System
The Fun-Size Forge allows you to take existing weapons, armor, and accessories and improve them by adding bonuses. Each successful upgrade increases the item's base stats (e.g., Attack, Defense, Magic Defense) and can sometimes unlock hidden properties or further enhance existing ones.
Materials Required for Upgrades
The materials needed for upgrades vary depending on the item's rarity and tier. Basic upgrades might require common ores like Iron or Copper, while higher-tier upgrades for powerful equipment will demand rarer materials such as Gold Ore, Mythril Ore, or specific monster parts.
Crafting Process
To upgrade an item:
- Access the Fun-Size Forge.
- Select the 'Forge Equipment' option.
- Choose the item you wish to upgrade from your inventory.
- If you have the necessary materials and the item is eligible for upgrading, you will see the option to add a +1, +2, or +3 bonus.
- Confirm the upgrade.
Each upgrade attempt has a chance of success. Higher-level upgrades may require more complex materials and have a slightly lower success rate, though this is generally quite high for standard upgrades.
Strategic Importance
Prioritizing upgrades for your main damage dealers and key support characters is crucial. For instance, upgrading the Hero's primary weapon will significantly increase their damage output. Similarly, enhancing the defense of your frontline characters or the magic defense of your casters can make a substantial difference in survivability.
Early Game Focus
Even early in the game, look for opportunities to upgrade essential gear. For example, upgrading the Cobblestone Greatsword or early defensive items like the Trodain Bandana can provide a noticeable advantage in the initial challenging encounters.
Achievements and Goals
The 'Forging Ahead' achievement requires crafting 10 items. While this specifically refers to crafting new items, consistently using the forge for both crafting and upgrading will naturally lead to mastering this system and preparing your party for the game's toughest challenges.