EverQuest Smithing Guide⁚ A Comprehensive Overview
This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of Smithing in EverQuest, a tradeskill that plays a pivotal role in crafting metal armor and weapons. Learn about the importance of Smithing, the challenges and rewards it offers, and effective strategies for leveling it up from 1 to 300. Discover valuable tips and tricks for successful Smithing, and explore resources that can aid your journey in Norrath. This guide is your ultimate resource for mastering the art of EverQuest Smithing.
Introduction
In the vast and intricate world of EverQuest, where adventure and danger intertwine, the ability to craft powerful weapons and sturdy armor is paramount. Smithing, also known as Blacksmithing, is a highly respected tradeskill that allows players to forge these essential items. It’s a demanding craft, requiring patience, dedication, and a keen understanding of materials and techniques. This guide serves as your compass, leading you through the complexities of EverQuest Smithing, from the initial steps of learning the trade to mastering its intricacies. Prepare to delve into the world of metalworking, where you’ll discover the secrets of creating durable weapons, protective armor, and essential tools that will bolster your adventures in Norrath.
What is Smithing in EverQuest?
Smithing, often referred to as Blacksmithing, is a tradeskill in EverQuest that revolves around the art of crafting metal items. It’s a cornerstone of the game’s economy, providing players with the means to create weapons, armor, and tools that are essential for survival and progression. Smithing involves combining various materials, including ores, metal components, and specialized molds, in a forge to create a wide range of items. From simple tools like files and hammers to sophisticated armor sets and weapons, Smithing offers a diverse array of crafting options. The skill itself is renowned for its complexity, requiring a significant investment of time and resources to master. However, the rewards are well worth the effort, as proficient Smiths can create items that are highly sought after by players and merchants alike.
The Importance of Smithing
Smithing holds immense significance within the world of EverQuest, serving as a vital tradeskill that underpins many other aspects of the game. Its primary function is to craft metal armor and weapons, providing players with the necessary equipment to face the challenges of Norrath. However, the importance of Smithing extends far beyond simply equipping players. Many other tradeskills rely on items created through Smithing. For instance, Tailoring requires Steel Boning, a component crafted by Smiths, while Baking utilizes frying pans and filleting knives, both of which are products of Smithing. This interconnectedness makes Smithing a crucial skill for players pursuing a wide range of tradeskills. Furthermore, Smiths play a crucial role in the game’s economy, supplying players with high-demand items that can be traded for valuable resources or sold for a profit.
Smithing Difficulty and Rewards
Smithing in EverQuest is widely acknowledged as one of the most challenging tradeskills to level up. The process often involves numerous combines, with only a small chance of achieving a skill increase or successfully crafting an item. This can be a frustrating experience, requiring patience and perseverance. However, the rewards for mastering Smithing are substantial. Once you’ve reached a high skill level, you’ll have the ability to craft a vast array of items, including powerful weapons and armor, essential components for other tradeskills, and valuable goods for trade or sale. The mastery of Smithing unlocks a world of possibilities, allowing you to create items that enhance your own gameplay and contribute to the EverQuest economy. The journey to becoming a skilled Smith might be arduous, but the satisfaction of crafting high-level items and the benefits they bring make it a worthwhile endeavor.
Leveling Smithing from 1-300
The journey to mastering Smithing in EverQuest is a gradual process that spans from level 1 to 300. While the early levels might seem straightforward, the path to higher levels becomes increasingly intricate and demanding. To achieve a high level of proficiency, it’s essential to adopt a strategic approach, carefully selecting recipes that offer optimal skill gains and crafting items that have a high market value or are required for other tradeskills. As you progress, you’ll encounter a variety of challenges, including gathering rare ingredients, overcoming combine failures, and managing the often-fluctuating costs of materials. However, with dedication, patience, and a well-planned strategy, you can conquer the challenges of leveling Smithing and reap the rewards of crafting powerful items and valuable resources.
Early Levels (1-21)
Embarking on your Smithing journey, the initial levels (1-21) are relatively simple. Your primary focus should be on obtaining the basic knowledge and skills required for crafting. Start by visiting your Smithing trainer, who will provide you with the fundamental recipes and techniques. At this stage, you’ll primarily be crafting simple items like Metal Bits, which can be used for later recipes. These early levels are crucial for establishing a foundation for your Smithing career and gaining a basic understanding of the mechanics of the tradeskill. It’s also recommended to gather a substantial stock of Metal Bits as you progress, as they will be useful for leveling up in the later stages.
Levels 21-37⁚ Steel Boning
Once you’ve reached level 21, it’s time to transition to Steel Boning, a versatile item with significant applications in other tradeskills, particularly Tailoring. Steel Boning is crafted using three key components⁚ a File, a small Brick of Ore, and a Water Flask. While you can sell Steel Boning to fellow players, it’s often more beneficial to hold onto it for your own crafting ventures. As you craft Steel Boning, you’ll steadily advance your Smithing skill from level 21 to 37. Remember, the more Steel Boning you create, the faster you’ll progress through these levels. It’s a crucial step in your Smithing journey, providing you with a valuable resource for other tradeskills while simultaneously boosting your own skill level.
Levels 37-68⁚ Large Lanterns
As you reach level 37 in Smithing, you can transition to crafting Large Lanterns, a recipe that will take you all the way to level 68. This recipe requires a Bottle, a Lantern Casing Mold, Metal Bits, and a Water Flask. Large Lanterns are useful for various purposes, but they can also be sold to vendors for a bit of profit. The availability of these ingredients and the potential for vendor sales make Large Lanterns a convenient and efficient way to level up your Smithing skill during this stage. The consistent skill gains and potential for monetary return make Large Lanterns a solid choice for Smithing advancement between levels 37 and 68.
Levels 68-122⁚ Banded Armor and Ornate Armor
Once you’ve mastered the creation of Large Lanterns and reached level 68, it’s time to shift your focus to armor crafting. Banded Armor is your next target, offering a path to level 100. This recipe requires a Boot Mold, Sheet Metal, and a Water Flask, and allows you to customize the armor’s size to match different races⁚ Small Banded Armor for small races, Banded Armor for medium races, and Large Banded Armor for large races. From there, you can transition to Ornate Armor, which takes you to level 122. Ornate Armor also caters to different race sizes and requires two High Quality Metal Rings, a Large Chainmail Boot Pattern, a Silver Bar, a Water Flask, and a Smithy Hammer. These armor sets are both useful for players and can be sold for a decent profit, making them a valuable option for leveling up your Smithing skill.
Levels 122-175⁚ Fine Plate Visor and Gauntlets
As you progress towards higher levels in Smithing, you’ll encounter recipes for more specialized and valuable gear. Fine Plate Visor is an excellent option for players seeking a profitable venture, as it is a sought-after item that can be readily sold. This recipe requires Leather Padding, which you’ll need to farm, along with a Plate Visor Mold, Medium Quality Folded Sheet Metal, and a Smithy Hammer, combined with a Water Flask. Once you’ve mastered the Fine Plate Visor, you can move on to Fine Plate Gauntlets, which will help you reach level 175. The crafting process for these gauntlets is similar to the visor, requiring the same materials but with a Gauntlets Mold instead of the Visor Mold. These plate items represent a significant step in your Smithing journey, offering both practical benefits and lucrative opportunities.
Levels 175-200⁚ Fine Steel Breastplate and Field Plate Gear
Continuing your Smithing journey towards level 200, you’ll find two distinct paths⁚ the Fine Steel Breastplate and Field Plate Gear. The Fine Steel Breastplate, requiring Leather Padding, Plate Breastplate Mold, Medium Quality Folded Sheet Metal, and a Smithy Hammer alongside a Water Flask, provides a smooth and efficient way to level up, potentially reaching level 188 and even into the 200s. However, Field Plate Gear offers a faster route to level 200, but it’s exclusive to Human characters. This recipe necessitates Sea Temper, a rare and valuable ingredient obtained through crafting with a Mug of Sea Foams, a quest item dropped by Cyclopes in the Ocean of Tears. While the Field Plate Gear recipe is significantly faster, the difficulty in acquiring Sea Temper makes it a less accessible option for many players. Ultimately, the choice between these two recipes depends on your character’s race and your willingness to invest time and effort in acquiring the necessary components;
Levels 200+⁚ Mistletoe Cutting Sickle
As you venture beyond level 200, the Mistletoe Cutting Sickle becomes a powerful tool for leveling Smithing. This recipe, requiring a Blessed Sickle Blade, a Blessed Sickle Hilt, a Blessed Sickle Pommel, and a Smithy Hammer, offers a significant skill increase per combine. The components for the Mistletoe Cutting Sickle are typically obtained through various sources, including drops from specific creatures, quests, and tradeskill vendors; The Blessed Sickle Blade, for instance, can be crafted through a combination of other items, while the Blessed Sickle Hilt and Pommel may require specific quests or drops. Once you have gathered all the necessary components, combine them in a forge to craft the Mistletoe Cutting Sickle and continue your journey to mastery in Smithing. Remember, perseverance and strategic resource management are key to successfully navigating the later stages of Smithing in EverQuest.
Mastering Smithing in EverQuest is a rewarding endeavor that unlocks a world of possibilities for crafting powerful armor and weapons. From early levels to the pinnacle of skill, this guide has provided a roadmap for your journey, highlighting key recipes, strategies, and resources. Remember, Smithing is a demanding tradeskill that requires dedication, resourcefulness, and a willingness to experiment. As you progress, embrace the challenges, learn from your experiences, and never hesitate to seek guidance from fellow crafters or online resources. With perseverance and a passion for crafting, you can become a skilled Smith in EverQuest, contributing to the world of Norrath and forging your own legacy in the realm of metalwork.
Tips and Tricks for Successful Smithing
Success in EverQuest Smithing requires a combination of strategy, resourcefulness, and a little bit of luck. Here are some tips and tricks to help you maximize your progress⁚
- Maximize Your Stats⁚ Ensure that your Strength, Intelligence, or Wisdom is maximized when attempting combines, as these attributes influence your chance of gaining skill increases.
- Optimize Your Combine Order⁚ Experiment with different combine orders to see which yields the best results. Sometimes, combining certain ingredients in a specific sequence can lead to higher skill gains.
- Utilize Trophies⁚ Trophies can provide significant boosts to your tradeskill success rates. Invest in trophies that enhance your Smithing skills to increase your chances of successful combines.
- Leverage the Auction House⁚ The Auction House can be a valuable resource for obtaining rare or expensive ingredients. Use it to your advantage, but be mindful of market fluctuations and competitive pricing.
- Join a Guild or Community⁚ Connect with other Smithing enthusiasts in guilds or online communities. Share knowledge, recipes, and tips to enhance your progress and enjoy a collaborative crafting experience.
Resources for Smithing in EverQuest
Navigating the world of EverQuest Smithing can be overwhelming, but there are numerous resources available to guide your journey. Here are some valuable resources to help you succeed in this challenging tradeskill⁚
- EverQuest Wiki⁚ The EverQuest Wiki is a comprehensive database of information about the game, including detailed information about Smithing recipes, ingredient locations, and other valuable insights. This is an excellent starting point for beginners and experienced players alike.
- Allakhazam⁚ Allakhazam is another popular resource for EverQuest players, offering a vast collection of information on various aspects of the game, including Smithing guides, tips, and discussions. It’s a great place to connect with other players and share your experiences.
- Tradeskill Depot⁚ Tradeskill Depot is a dedicated website focusing on EverQuest tradeskills, providing comprehensive guides, recipes, and other resources for various tradeskills, including Smithing. It’s a valuable resource for those seeking detailed information and strategies.
- Online Forums and Communities⁚ Engaging with other players on forums and communities is a great way to learn, share experiences, and get help with specific challenges. Many online forums and communities cater to EverQuest Smithing, offering a supportive environment for players of all levels.
