Overview
In Crimson Desert, there are two distinct systems for keeping your gear in peak condition: temporary sharpening/repair using Grindstones and Anvils, and permanent Refinement at a Blacksmith. Understanding both systems is essential for tackling the game's tougher bosses.
Temporary Boosts: Grindstones and Anvils
Scattered throughout camps, bandit hideouts, and areas just outside boss arenas, you will find Grindstones (for weapons) and Anvils (for armor). Interacting with these objects gives your currently equipped gear a temporary stat boost.
Object | Effect | Duration |
|---|---|---|
Temporarily increases weapon Attack power | Fades over time (check item stats in inventory) | |
Anvil | Temporarily increases armor Defense | Fades over time (check item stats in inventory) |
These buffs raise the Reinforcement stat visible on the left side of your inventory screen. The stat gradually drops back to its base value as time passes.
Where to Find Grindstones and Anvils
The bandit camp you visit during Chapter 2 (Trial After Trial) contains both a Grindstone and an Anvil.
They appear outside blacksmith shops in towns like Hernand.
Scattered at camps and rest stops along roads throughout Pywel.
Boss arena hint: if you spot a Grindstone near a boss entrance, the game is telling you to use it. Always sharpen before a major fight.
Permanent Upgrades: Refinement
For lasting improvements to your gear, visit a Blacksmith and select the Refinement option. The first blacksmith you can access is Turnali in central Hernand City. You must complete his introductory commission (Turnali's Request) before the Refinement menu becomes available.
Turnali's Request
Speak to Blacksmith Turnali in Hernand and accept his quest.
He gives you a Logging Axe. Use it to chop three pieces of fine timber from trees.
Complete the Refinement tutorial. The Refinement menu is now permanently unlocked.
How Refinement Works
Each piece of equipment can be refined up to 10 levels. Select a piece of gear at the blacksmith to see what materials the next level requires.
Refinement Level | Materials Required |
|---|---|
Levels 1-4 | Standard materials only (Iron Ore, Copper Ore, Timber, Thin Hide). Cheap and highly encouraged. |
Levels 5-10 | Standard materials plus Abyss Artifacts. Since Artifacts are also used for skill tree upgrades and stat increases, plan carefully. |
Material Sources
Material | Source |
|---|---|
Chopping trees with a Logging Axe | |
Hunting wildlife | |
Quest rewards, solving Abyss Cresset puzzles, defeating enemies (fills the Artifact Gauge) |
Duplicate Gear Trick
You can sacrifice a duplicate piece of identical gear instead of spending raw materials. If you have two of the same weapon, you can melt one down to pay the refinement cost on the other. This is especially useful for items whose material cost is high.
Other Blacksmith Locations
Turnali's Smithy in Hernand City (available from the start)
Howling Hill Camp (Greymane base, available from Chapter 3 onward; requires camp expansion)
Demeniss settlements (accessible after reaching the second region)
Advanced: Abyss Gear
Starting in Chapter 5, a second upgrade layer becomes available through Witches, who can craft and socket Abyss Cores into your gear. These grant passive traits like bonus damage types, resistances, or utility effects.
Tips
Refine every piece of gear to at least level 4. The cost is low and the stat improvement is significant.
Save Abyss Artifacts for skill upgrades and stat boosts in the early game. Only push gear past level 4 once your core stats (Health, Stamina) are where you want them.
Always use a Grindstone and Anvil before a boss fight. The temporary boost stacks with your Refinement level.
Keep your Pickaxe and Logging Axe handy so you can gather materials while traveling between locations.