CraftingBlacksmithing GuideforElder Scrolls Onlinewith details on how to craft powerfulHeavy ArmorandMelee Weapons.Blacksmithingis very similar profession toWoodworkingandClothingand mostly the same rules apply. The Blacksmithing vocation is very useful for end game players, because there are some fantastic Sets that have always remained strong (namely Hunding’s Rage and Law of Julianos). Max level in Blacksmithing also lets you improve any acquired Purple Gear to Legendary Gear, which is extremely valuable to complete end game sets. You can, however, still utilize this vocation as you level up, as the material cost for lower level Crafted Sets is quite minimal. Just keep in mind that until you reach the Champion Ranks, it may be more trouble than it’s worth, as you will quickly “out level” it.
ESO Blacksmithing Guide: Basics
To start with Blacksmithing, you’re able to interact with anyBlacksmithing Station. To get certified talk toMillenith. She can be found near theFighter’s Guildin any starting area, Vivec (Morrowind) and Alinor (Summerset).
By completing this simple quest, you unlock BlacksmithingWrits, which are an important component for leveling up Blacksmithing. To start creating Armor, Weapons and Furniture, go to anyBlacksmithing Crafting Station. 6 options will be presented:
The Refine option is used to createIngotsout ofRaw Orecollected. Raw Ore is usually found close to rocky areas and mountains. Ore found depends on Character Level (50% chance) and Metalworking Passive (50%). Refining Ore also gives small chance of acquiring materials used forTraitsand Improvement. Keep in mind that as of Update 19 you will gain Dust randomly from Ore nodes, so looting them will help you acquire Jewelry Crafting Materials.
This is where you create Armor and Weapons. To switch between these 2 simply click on the Weapon or Apparel icon located below the Creation tab icon. In order to create an item you need to:
Crafting Cuirass
Deconstruct
Deconstruction means destroying an item to get materials from it andInspiration(Crafting XP). It is the primary way of leveling Blacksmithing since it gives more Inspiration thanCreation. Keep in mind that you do not get much Inspiration from deconstructing items that you craft yourself, but you do from items others have crafted.
Improvement
Improvement means upgrading item quality. More materials used equals a higher chance of success. Items are destroyed upon failure, so ideally you would want to use enough materials to reach 100%. Improvement materials can be found by deconstructing items and refining Ore.
Traitsare researched through this option. Items can be researched only if they have a magnifying glass icon next to it. Upon successful Trait Research, you are given an option to use that Trait in Creation but only for that same piece of equipment you acquired the trait from. For example, if theTrainingtrait has been researched from a helmet, you’re able to use thatTrainingtrait on any future helmet created.
The Diagrams option is used to createFurnishings. Recipes for more Furnishings drop randomly and can be also bought fromGuild TradersandGuild Stores.
ESO Blacksmithing:Traits,Crafted Sets&Transmutation
Researching Traits on every piece of equipment is very important for multiple reasons. When out in the world you will stumble uponSpecial Crafting Stationswhere you can craftSetsthat give specificSet Bonuses. These bonuses depend on theCrafting Station. Every Set has aTrait Requirement, meaning if you did not research enough Traits for that piece of equipment you wont be able to craft it in that Set.
At this crafting station 3 Traits researched for any piece of equipment are needed.
So if I want to craftCuirass of the SeducerI need to have any 3 Traits researched for Cuirasses. If I want to craftSabatons of the Seduceralso any 3 Traits researched are needed but for Sabatons. Do not forget that at Special Crafting Stations every vocation’s Station will produce same Set Bonuses. For example if you use theJewelry Stationat this same location,Seducer RingsandNecklacescan be crafted as well.
Another important aspect of having all Traits researched is that you’re able to utilizeTransmutation. Transmutation offers an option to change Traits on equipment but binding that item in the process to the user.Bound itemsare non-tradeable but can still be deconstructed or used on alternate characters via your Bank. Transmutation can only be done in theClockwork City DLCarea or at any player housing that possesses a Transmutation Station. Visit theHall of Refined Techniquesin theBrass Fortressto start Transmuting.
In order to Transmute an item you’ll need:
Transmute Crystals are obtained viaDaily Random Dungeons,Veteran Dungeons,Trials,Undaunted Pledges,PvPandHoliday Events. They usually come in form ofTransmutation Geodesthat need to be opened via your inventory to receive Transmute Crystals. The amount each Geode possess is somewhat randomized, with higher quality possessing more. Keep in mind that you cannot store more than the cap (200) in your inventory, so don’t open your Geodes if you are already there.
ESO Blacksmithing Skills
UpgradingBlacksmithing Skillsis crucial to creating powerful equipment while also being efficient to reduce the leveling grind. Upgrading these passives is done by investingSkill Pointsinto them.Skill Pointsare earned through various means such as leveling up, doingquest chains with skill points as a reward, non repeatabledungeonquests,Skyshardsandranking up in PvP.
Metalworking
Metalworking increases a crafted item’s level by allowing the use of higher quality Ore. Upgrade as soon as it is available because it is important for fast leveling.
Keen Eye: Ore
The Keen Eye passive makes Ore in nature more visible due to the glow effect. Useful for spotting Ore easier from afar but it is an optional upgrade and completely up to each player’s preference.
Miner Hireling
Enables a Hireling that farms Ore and other Blacksmithing Materials and sends them via mail. It is an important passive because it helps you stockpile materials that can be sold or used for crafting and selling equipment viaGuild Trader.
Metal Extraction
This passive increases the chance of acquiring more materials when deconstructing and refining. Considering that deconstruction is integral for leveling up,Metal Extractionis recommended to level up as soon as it is available for easier material stockpiling.
Temper Expertise
This passive improves your chances of upgrading item quality viaImprovement. Important for end game when crafting high level gear but not relevant for leveling unless you do a lot of Crafting.
ESO Blacksmithing Leveling Guide
The best way to level Blacksmithing is to deconstruct everything, and doing lots ofDungeonsis the best way of amassing lots of Weapons and Heavy Armor. Next to that,Daily BlacksmithingWritsare always a nice boost with the possibility of nice rewards as well upon completion.
The fastest method requires a friend or alternate character. Here is step by step guide:
You get the point. Keep doing that every 5 Blacksmith Ranks, with the only difference being the different Ingot used. If low on ore/ingots, visit Guild Traders to buy more or go back to farming Ore.
ESO Blacksmithing Guide: Final Tips
Blacksmithing in ESOis a rewarding vocation that can take some time to level up but can be boosted with the aid of a friend or alternate character. Having an option to create fantastic end game gear is always good for profit and self sustainability. Blacksmithing is highly recommended for anyTank Roles.
Learn where the best places to farm Ore are, because there are definitely better places than others. Rocky areas are probably the best, but some other areas are known for having a lot of Ore as well (like Deshaan for example).
Do NOT Refine any more materials than is necessary to craft what you need until you have maxed out the Metal Extraction passive. This will give you the highest yield ofTempering Aloy, which is used to upgrade Epic quality items to Legendary. These are valuable items, and there is no reason to waste the opportunity to acquire them by processing materials you do not even need.
As with any Crafting Vocation, Inspiration gain can be boosted by 10% fromESO Plus, 10% from theOrc Raceand 20% from theInspiration Boost Champion Skill.
Stay tuned for moreESO Guidesas we take on Crafting, Dungeons, PvP and of course, Builds! Check out ourJewelry Crafting Guide,Enchanting Crafting Guide,Alchemy Crafting GuideandLeveling Guides.
If you want to find out more about the upcoming changes with Update 19 read about them inElder Scrolls Online Wolfhunter Changes: The Age Of The Werewolf. You can also check out the upcoming dungeons inThe Elder Scrolls Online: Wolfhunter Dungeons Preview.
