Valheim 1.0 introduced a way to upgrade familiar weapons and armor beyond their standard maximum quality. To do this, you'll need the Forge of Potential and special Idols that can now be found across different biomes.The mechanic is intended for the late game and comes with real risk, so spending the first Idol you find on some random piece of equipment is rarely a good idea. In this guide, we'll explain where to find the Forge of Potential and how its extra upgrade system works.
First, the Forge of Potential is found in the Mountains, not the Deep North. Its spawning system is somewhat similar to regular traders. Each world generates several potential locations, and once you get close enough to the correct one, a special marker appears on the map.Only one Forge of Potential ultimately becomes active in your world. As soon as you find it, place your own map marker or build a nearby portal so you don't have to cross several biomes every time you want to use it.Image unavailable
What Are Idols?
After the Valheim 1.0 update, special upgrade Idols began appearing in chests across different regions. Their tiers correspond to materials from different stages of progression. You can find versions associated with metals from older biomes, while high-level Flametal and Bloodgold Idols can appear in Mörkhalla and other late-game locations.Idols are also divided by purpose. Protection Idols are used for armor and defensive equipment, while Battle Idols are used for weapons and tools. That means not every Idol you find will work with the item you want to upgrade.Image unavailable
How to Upgrade Gear Beyond Maximum Quality
Approach the Forge of Potential and select an item for which you have the correct Idol. The forge allows you to attempt another quality upgrade beyond the limit available at a normal crafting station. For example, a fully upgraded weapon can gain another quality level.This means an old favorite weapon doesn't necessarily have to go straight into a chest once you reach the Deep North. If you have the appropriate Idol, some older equipment can be pushed beyond its normal cap and remain useful for longer.
Is There a Risk When Upgrading?
Yes, and this is the most important thing to understand before using the forge. An upgrade is not guaranteed.In the current vanilla version, each attempt has a 65% chance to increase the item's quality by one level. If the attempt fails, the item is destroyed. You receive only part of the materials back, while the Idol itself is consumed.Because of that, don't use a rare Idol on equipment you're completely unwilling to lose. Before gambling on an expensive weapon or armor piece, it also makes sense to keep enough materials available to craft and upgrade a replacement.
Where to Farm Late-Game Idols
Some of the most valuable Idols can be found in Mörkhalla. Check Ancient Chests and Jotun's Chests during every run, and don't ignore side rooms just because you've already found the path to the Malicious Ice.You'll need to clear Mörkhalla multiple times as part of the late-game progression anyway, so the main progression path gives you several opportunities to build up a supply of Flametal and Bloodgold Idols.After that, the Forge of Potential becomes one of the main endgame systems for pushing your character's equipment beyond its normal limits.
