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Refining and enchanting priorities

as of 2026-09-25 (SEA)

Refine the main weapon first, then pieces that complete a set, then weak armor, and accessories last. The SEA data caps refine at +20 with protected checkpoints at +6, +9, +12 and +15. Enchant gems add flat stats and set effects; one advanced gem plus high-level common gems is the efficient F2P mix.

Our take

The RO New World team's own view

  • Our order: main weapon first, then the piece that completes an essential set effect, then under-refined armor, and accessories last once the build is final. Every slot at +10 adds the refine resonance bonus.
  • The most common mistake is chasing losses after a bad run. Downgrade rules around +7 to +9 are not settled, so read the refine screen before each attempt and set a stopping point and resource limit before every session.
  • F2P checkpoints we agree with: everything active to +3, the core set to +6, then only the main weapon and long-term pieces to +9. Treat +12 and +15 as separate projects, not the next step.
  • Verdict on gems: one advanced gem plus high-level common gems is the efficient F2P mix, with Ruby, STR gems and Sobbing Starlight as the damage options. Spenders can chase the Domineering Gem, which most DPS builds want.

Refine levels and safety

  • RTNW Hub (from the SEA refine data): maximum +20; +6, +9, +12 and +15 are the safe checkpoints; the first three attempts are 100%; +7 to +8 and +8 to +9 can downgrade; a failed attempt drops you back to the nearest safe checkpoint.
  • The official launch notice says safe refinement never breaks gear and failed refinement does not lower its level. The two descriptions disagree on downgrades; check the refine screen before each attempt.
  • Materials: Oridecon for +0 to +10, Enriched Oridecon for +10 to +15, HD Oridecon for +15 to +20, plus bound zeny per attempt (RTNW Hub). Level 80 adds an Advanced Refine feature (R0ixy Dragony video).

Which slot first

  • Main weapon first for damage builds (RTNW Hub). Gameplay.tips aims for +15 on Soul Destroyer daggers.
  • Next, a piece that completes an essential set effect, then under-refined armor, then accessories once the build is final (RTNW Hub).
  • F2P checkpoints: everything active to +3, the core set to +6, then only the main weapon and long-term pieces to +9; treat +12 and +15 as separate projects (RTNW Hub).
  • Refine every slot to +10 for the refine resonance bonus (Kurosu_Gaming).
  • Refine levels can be moved between items with the Job Transfer Service (Gameplay.tips), so refining a weapon you will keep is not wasted when you switch.
  • Set a stopping point and a resource limit before each session; do not chase losses (RTNW Hub).

Enchanting (gems)

  • Unlock the full window with the Advanced Enchanting quest. Each piece has gem slots; matching gem levels in a group raise a set effect (rothenewworld.wiki).
  • Common gems give flat HP, ATK, M.ATK, DEF or main stats; advanced gems give ATK%, M.ATK%, race damage, resistances and similar (rothenewworld.wiki).
  • Named gem sets used in builds: Lucky Damage and Crit/Quick Damage on weapons and accessories, Burst Speed for Assassins, Magic Immunity on armor, Physical Immunity on cape, Fortitude on shoes, Adamantine on shield (PJVC, Ivo Play, MGamer, Kurosu_Gaming).
  • Domineering Gem (+1% ATK) is the premium damage gem most DPS builds want; Ruby, STR gems and Sobbing Starlight are the F2P options (Gameplay.tips; Ivo Play).
  • Sources: Common Gem Boxes from Arena Coins or Guild Merit; Advanced Gem Boxes cost 2,000 Merit in the guild shop; no monster drops gems (rothenewworld.wiki).
  • RyshUp: pairing one advanced gem with high-level common gems is the efficient route, because advanced gems are hard to level without buying from the auction.
  • Premium gems convert free when you change job (Gameplay.tips Creator guide).

Sources