

How to Upgrade Items in New World Aeternum?

If you're a max-level adventurer in New World: Aeternum, upgrading your gear is essential to maximize your power and efficiency. The upgrading system can be complex, with different rules for named items, artifacts, and special raid gear. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about upgrading items, from identifying upgradeable gear to gathering necessary materials and understanding upgrade tiers.
Also Read: Everything to Know About New World Season Pass
Introduction to Item Upgrading in New World

Upgrading items is primarily available to players who have reached level 60. Not all items are upgradeable; eligibility depends on factors like item type, origin, and level requirement. For instance, a life staff with a gear score of 592 might be upgradeable to 700, while a similar staff with a different origin might not be upgradeable at all.
The Gypsum Kiln is the primary station for upgrading named items and artifacts. Located in high-level settlements such as Brimstone Sands, Ebonscale Reach, and the Elysian Wilds, the kiln allows upgrades under specific conditions.
What Items Can You Upgrade?
Not all gear in New World: Aeternum is eligible for upgrading, and knowing which items qualify can save you time and materials. The upgrade system prioritizes endgame gear with specific traits and origins.
Named Items: Only items labeled as "Named" are eligible.
Level Requirement: Items must have a level requirement of 61 or higher.
Item Status: Items must be unlocked, unequipped, and not part of any gear set.
Quest Rewards: Quest reward items are excluded from upgrades.
To check if an item is upgradeable, visit the Gypsum Kiln and inspect the upgrade menu. Alternatively, consult the New World Database for a list of upgradeable items and their recipes.
Also Read: New World Aeternum: Fastest Ways to Get 725 GS Gear
Why Some Items Don't Show Upgrade Options
Sometimes an item appears to meet the criteria but still doesn't show an upgrade option. In most cases, this is due to equipment status or how the item was obtained.
Equipped or Locked: Ensure the item is unequipped and unlocked.
Quest Reward: Confirm the item isn't a quest reward.
Gear Set Inclusion: Remove the item from any gear sets.
Understanding these conditions will help you identify upgradeable gear efficiently.
How to Upgrade Items at the Gypsum Kiln

To upgrade items at the Gypsum Kiln:
Locate a Gypsum Kiln: Found in high-level settlements like Brimstone Sands, Ebonscale Reach, and the Elysian Wilds.
Access the Upgrade Menu: Open the kiln's interface to view eligible items.
Select the Item: Choose the named item you wish to upgrade.
Choose Perks: Select the third perk during the upgrade process; the first two perks are fixed.
Confirm the Upgrade: Proceed with the upgrade, consuming the required materials.
Note: Upgrading may involve changing or optimizing perks on max-level gear, not just increasing gear score.
Also Read: Which Faction Should You Join in New World: Aeternum?
Changing Perks on Max-Level Gear
Even at maximum gear score, your build isn’t set in stone. The upgrade system gives players the ability to adapt and optimize by swapping out the third perk.
This adds valuable flexibility without needing to recraft or farm for a replacement.
Crafting Items at the Gypsum Kiln

The Gypsum Kiln isn’t just for upgrading—it also lets you craft elite endgame gear like Frigid Dawn Armor. These crafted items come with two fixed perks and a random third.
If the third perk doesn’t suit your build, you can re-enter the kiln and use materials to swap it out later.
Materials Needed for Upgrading

Upgrading powerful gear requires more than just rare items—it demands a steady supply of crafted and looted resources. Understanding what materials are needed and how to obtain them is key to efficient progression. Upgrading items requires various materials:
Matrix Items:
Armor Matrix: Crafted through max-level Armoring or Arcana stations.
Weapon Matrix: Crafted at high-level crafting stations.
Jewelry Matrix: Used for upgrading jewelry.
Gypsum Orbs: Essential for crafting matrix items and upgrading gear.
Dark Matter: Acquired through salvaging items, completing dungeons, questing, season pass rewards, and PvP reward tracks.
Chromatic Seals: Obtained through seasonal events and faction vendors.
Upgrading Artifacts

Artifacts are some of the strongest items in the game, and upgrading them can unlock their full potential. Unlike regular gear, they come with additional upgrade tiers and unique requirements. Artifacts can be upgraded to:
700 Gear Score: Choose the third perk during the upgrade.
725 Gear Score: Requires special materials like the Gorgonite Inductor or the Gold Cursed Coconut.
These materials are essential for upgrading artifacts to the highest gear score.
Also Read: Everything to Know About Attributes in New World
Upgrading to 725 Gear Score: What You Need to Know
Not every item in New World: Aeternum can reach the pinnacle 725 gear score. Only specific raid gear, artifacts, and exclusive named weapons have access to this top tier.
Artifacts
Items from the Hive of Gorgons raid
Items from the Trial of the Devourer (Sandworm raid)
Named weapons purchased from the Well of Fortune in Cutlass Keys
Items from the Sandworm raid drop at 710 gear score and can be further upgraded to 725. The Well of Fortune allows upgrading specific named weapons to 725 gear score.
Tips for Efficient Upgrading
Because upgrade materials can be limited, it’s important to approach upgrades strategically. These tips will help you maximize value and avoid common mistakes during the process.
Inventory Management: Keep upgradeable items unlocked and in your inventory or storage.
Research: Use the New World Database to plan your upgrades.
Resource Allocation: Be strategic with Chromatic Seals, Gorgonite Inductors, and Gold Cursed Coconuts.
Perk Optimization: Consider crafting multiple versions of an item to get the perfect third perk.
Upgrade Priority: Focus on upgrading artifacts and raid gear first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I upgrade any item to 725 gear score?
A: No. Only specific items can be upgraded to 725 gear score, including artifacts, certain raid drops from the Hive of Gorgons and Trial of the Devourer (Sandworm raid), and named weapons from the Well of Fortune in Cutlass Keys. Most standard items max out at 700 gear score.
Q: Why can’t I upgrade some named items even though they are level 60 or higher?
A: Some named items are quest rewards, which are not eligible for upgrades. Additionally, the item must be unlocked, unequipped, and not assigned to a gear set. Even if an item meets the level requirement, these restrictions can prevent it from showing up in the upgrade menu.
Q: What materials do I need to upgrade my gear?
A: Core materials include Armor, Weapon, or Jewelry Matrix items, Gypsum Orbs, Dark Matter, and Chromatic Seals. For 725 gear score upgrades, you will also need rare materials such as the Gorgonite Inductor or the Gold Cursed Coconut, depending on the item type.
Q: Where can I find Gypsum Kilns?
A: Gypsum Kilns are located in high-level zones such as Brimstone Sands, Ebonscale Reach, and the Elysian Wilds. Currently, Cutlass Keys does not have a Gypsum Kiln, though it does feature the Well of Fortune for special weapon upgrades.
Q: How often can I get Gorgonite Inductors and Gold Cursed Coconuts?
A: Gorgonite Inductors drop once per week from Broodmother Medusa, the final boss of the Hive of Gorgons raid. Gold Cursed Coconuts are found in the PvP zone Cursed Mists by looting the Cursed Horde chest, which also resets weekly.
Q: Can I change perks on an item that is already at max gear score?
A: Yes. If your item is at 700 or 725 gear score, you can still change its third perk at the Gypsum Kiln or Well of Fortune. This allows you to fine-tune powerful named items or artifacts without reducing their gear score.
Final Words
Upgrading items in New World: Aeternum is a crucial aspect of endgame progression. Understanding the upgrade system, knowing which items are eligible, and efficiently managing your resources will empower you to optimize your gear for the toughest challenges Aeternum has to offer.
Whether you're enhancing your life staff or pushing your artifacts to the highest gear score, this guide equips you with the knowledge to navigate the complex upgrading system confidently.
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