Equipment Enhancement

Overview

The equipment system in Neverness to Everness is called KongMu. It provides the primary source of character stats beyond leveling and Esper abilities. KongMu is a slot-based equipment system consisting of disks and drive blocks. Drive blocks come in varying shapes that fit onto an equipment grid, while a separate system called Console Equipment uses a Tetris-like spatial puzzle mechanic where players arrange modules on a grid to activate bonuses.

KongMu Components

A complete KongMu set consists of six pieces: two disks and four drive blocks.

Disks

Disks form the base of every KongMu loadout. Both the main attribute and secondary attributes on disks are randomly generated, which means finding the right disk with ideal stats takes targeted farming. Disks come in different rarities; gold and purple rarity disks offer enhanced attributes and unique bonuses.

Every pair of disks activates a two-piece set effect that is the foundation of the equipment build. The set effect determines the overall direction of the loadout (for example, boosting physical damage, magic damage, or survivability). Choosing the right disk set is the first decision in any build.

Drive Blocks

Drive blocks are modular equipment pieces shaped like Tetris blocks. Each drive block occupies a certain amount of space on the equipment grid, and the number of secondary attribute affixes increases with the space the block occupies. Larger blocks grant more secondary stats but leave less room for additional blocks.

Key properties of drive blocks:

Tetris-Like Fitting

The defining feature of the KongMu system is the block-fitting mechanic. Drive blocks come in different shapes (like Tetris pieces), and players must arrange them on the equipment grid to fill available space. Set bonuses are activated when specific combinations of blocks are fitted together. This adds a spatial puzzle element to gear optimization: the best build is not just about having the right stats, but about physically fitting the right pieces together.

Sub-Stat Preview

One of the most player-friendly aspects of the KongMu system is the sub-stat preview feature. The specific attributes of secondary affixes on both disks and drive blocks can be viewed immediately after acquisition, without needing to unlock them through leveling. In many competing RPGs, secondary stats are hidden until the player invests resources to reveal them. In NtE, this transparency lets players make informed decisions about which pieces to keep and which to use as enhancement material.

Enhancement Process

Both disks and drive blocks can be enhanced to increase their stats. The enhancement process consumes other disks and drive blocks as materials. Because excess equipment doubles as enhancement fodder, no drop is entirely wasted.

Disks have special affixes among their secondary attributes that are initially inactive. These special affixes are activated through leveling up the disk during enhancement. This creates a two-tier progression: common secondary stats are visible and active from the start, while special affixes require investment to unlock.

Reaching a baseline level of equipment is relatively straightforward due to the generous material economy. However, obtaining optimal top-tier equipment with perfect secondary rolls and fully activated special affixes requires dedicated farming.

Building Recommendations

When building a KongMu loadout for a new Esper, follow this general process:

1. Choose a disk set that matches the Esper's role (damage, support, tank).

2. Farm disks until you find a pair with acceptable main and secondary attributes.

3. Select drive blocks whose fixed main stats complement the disk set effect.

4. Arrange drive blocks on the grid to maximize set bonus activation.

5. Enhance the best pieces using surplus equipment as material.

6. Unlock special affixes on disks through progressive leveling.

Tips

• Preview secondary stats on every drop before deciding to keep or salvage it. The preview system exists to save you from wasting enhancement materials on bad pieces.

• Larger drive blocks are not always better. Sometimes fitting two smaller blocks that each activate a set bonus is more effective than one large block with better individual stats.

• Save gold and purple rarity disks even if their rolls are imperfect. They can be used as high-value enhancement material later.

• The Tetris fitting mechanic rewards experimentation. Try different arrangements before committing enhancement resources.

Comparison with Console Equipment

Console Equipment and KongMu Gear are two separate equipment systems that every character uses simultaneously. Understanding how they differ is important for effective character building

Both systems contribute stats additively. A fully built endgame character will have all six KongMu slots filled (2 Disks + 4 Drive Blocks) plus a fully arranged Console grid with Modules and Cartridges. Neglecting either system leaves significant stat potential on the table.