> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://eldenro.gitbook.io/wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://eldenro.gitbook.io/wiki/equipment/forge-runes.md).
# Forge Runes
*Every rune carries a fragment of the forge's flame.*
**Forge Runes** are the materials used by EldenRO's ordinary Refinement system.
Forge Rune \[1] through Forge Rune \[8] strengthen compatible equipment from **+1 to +24**. The final step to **+25** requires an **Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone**.
{% hint style="info" %}
Refinement is guaranteed when the required Forge Runes and Zeny are available.
{% endhint %}
***
## Rune Catalog
| Material | Destination Levels | Quantity per Level |
| ----------------------------- | ------------------ | -----------------: |
| Forge Rune \[1] | +1 / +2 / +3 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[2] | +4 / +5 / +6 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[3] | +7 / +8 / +9 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[4] | +10 / +11 / +12 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[5] | +13 / +14 / +15 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[6] | +16 / +17 / +18 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[7] | +19 / +20 / +21 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Forge Rune \[8] | +22 / +23 / +24 | 2 / 4 / 6 |
| Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | +25 | 1 |
The number in the material name identifies its **tier**, not the quantity consumed.
***
## The 2–4–6 Pattern
Every Forge Rune tier covers three destination levels:
| Position in the Tier | Required Runes |
| -------------------- | -------------: |
| First level | 2 |
| Second level | 4 |
| Third level | 6 |
Completing one full tier requires:
> **12 matching Forge Runes**
For example, refining from +0 to +3 requires:
* 2 Forge Rune \[1] for +1.
* 4 Forge Rune \[1] for +2.
* 6 Forge Rune \[1] for +3.
Total:
> **12 Forge Rune \[1]**
{% hint style="warning" %}
Requirements are cumulative.
Do not prepare only the amount shown for the final destination level.
{% endhint %}
***
## Complete Cost to +25
Starting from +0, one compatible item requires:
| Material | Total |
| ----------------------------- | ----: |
| Forge Rune \[1] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[2] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[3] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[4] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[5] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[6] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[7] | 12 |
| Forge Rune \[8] | 12 |
| Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone | 1 |
Total ordinary runes:
> **96 Forge Runes**
Total Zeny from +0 to +25:
> **3,250,000 Zeny**
The +24 to +25 step alone requires:
* 1 Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
* 250,000 Zeny.
***
## Using Forge Runes
1. Equip the item.
2. Speak with an authorized blacksmith.
3. Select the occupied equipment slot.
4. Enter the desired target refine.
5. Review every missing level.
6. Prepare the cumulative Forge Runes and Zeny.
7. Confirm the refinement.
Even when several levels are selected together, every level consumes its own material and Zeny cost.
### Example: +6 to +10
| Destination | Requirement |
| ----------: | ----------------- |
| +7 | 2 Forge Rune \[3] |
| +8 | 4 Forge Rune \[3] |
| +9 | 6 Forge Rune \[3] |
| +10 | 2 Forge Rune \[4] |
Total:
* 12 Forge Rune \[3].
* 2 Forge Rune \[4].
* 340,000 Zeny.
***
## Forge and Somber Paths
| Material Family | Equipment Path | Maximum |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------: |
| Forge Runes | Compatible ordinary equipment | +25 |
| Somber Smithing Stones | Special relic equipment | +10 |
The two material families cannot replace each other.
The current ordinary blacksmith rejects Weapon Level 4 weapons. Those relics require their appropriate special progression service.
***
## Obtaining Forge Runes
The current source verifies the Forge Rune items and their refinement use, but a permanent global farming, shop or barter source for every tier has not been confirmed.
A seasonal reward function may grant Forge Rune \[5] through Forge Rune \[8] while its event is active.
Use current in-game services and Patch Notes as the authority for available sources.
{% hint style="info" %}
Smithing Stone Bell Bearing \[1]–\[4] items are registered, but an active permanent exchange linked to them has not been verified.
{% endhint %}
***
## Quick Guide
1. Check the item's current refine.
2. Choose the target refine.
3. Identify every remaining rune tier.
4. Calculate cumulative quantities.
5. Include the complete Zeny cost.
6. Confirm that the item uses the ordinary path.
7. Refine through an authorized blacksmith.
{% hint style="success" %}
A complete +25 journey requires every Forge Rune tier and the final Ancient Dragon Smithing Stone.
{% endhint %}
***
## Related Guides
Refinement
Learn how blacksmiths consume Forge Runes and Zeny.
Somber Runes
Review the separate +10 path used by special relics.
Equipment
Check equipment compatibility and refine-dependent effects.
---
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