How to Recycle Ores in The Forge (March 2026) Complete Guide
Recycling ores in The Forge has revolutionized how players manage their precious resources, especially when dealing with rare Mythic, Relic, and Divine ores. This game-changing feature allows you to recover 50% of the ores used in crafted weapons and armor, transforming bad RNG rolls into valuable second chances. Instead of watching your rare materials get trapped in unwanted equipment, you can now break them down and try again!
Whether you’re a late-game player swimming in gold or a mid-game miner carefully managing resources, understanding the recycling system is crucial for efficient progression. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything from basic mechanics to advanced strategies that maximize your ore recovery and minimize waste.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Return Rate | 50% of ores used (except special dagger cases) |
| Cost | Equal to item’s sell value in gold |
| Available Items | Crafted weapons and armor (no pickaxes) |
| Key NPCs | Marbles (Stonewake’s Cross), Wo (Forgotten Kingdom & Frostspire) |
How to Recycle Ores in The Forge?
Understanding the Recycling System
The recycling system in The Forge is designed to help players recover valuable materials from crafted equipment they no longer need. When you craft weapons or armor using rare ores and don’t get the desired traits or stats, recycling allows you to reclaim half of those materials for another attempt.
Core Mechanics:
- You receive 50% of the ores used in crafting, rounded down per ore type
- The cost to recycle equals the item’s selling price in gold
- Only crafted items (weapons and armor) can be recycled
- Pickaxes are explicitly excluded from recycling
- Items crafted before the recycling update return “optimal” ore amounts
Finding the Right NPCs
Recycling isn’t handled by a dedicated NPC but through existing blacksmith vendors who previously only bought your equipment. This integration makes the system seamless once you know where to look.
NPC Locations:
- Marbles – Located in Stonewake’s Cross (starting island)
- Wo – Found in two locations:
- Forgotten Kingdom Town (near the pickaxe shop)
- Frostspire Expanse Town (near the forging station)
Both NPCs offer identical recycling services, so you can use whichever is most convenient for your current location.
Step-by-Step Recycling Process
Follow these detailed steps to safely recycle your items and maximize ore recovery:
Step 1: Travel to the Right Location Head to either Stonewake’s Cross, Forgotten Kingdom, or Frostspire Expanse based on your current progress and convenience.
Step 2: Interact with the NPC Approach Marbles or Wo and initiate dialogue. Select the recycling option (with Wo, this is typically the second dialogue choice, not the selling option).
Step 3: Access the Recycle Menu In the merchant interface, carefully navigate to the “Recycle Items” tab. This is crucial – the “Sell Items” tab will only give you gold and permanently lose your ores!
Step 4: Select Your Item Browse through your crafted equipment and highlight the weapon or armor you want to recycle. The interface will display:
- The gold cost to recycle (equal to sell value)
- Exact ores and quantities you’ll receive back
- No randomization – what you see is exactly what you get
Step 5: Check Inventory Space CRITICAL SAFETY CHECK: Ensure you have enough empty inventory slots for ALL ores listed in the refund preview. If your inventory is full, the game will still take your item and gold but the returned ores will be permanently lost!
Step 6: Confirm the Recycling Double-check you’re on the Recycle tab, verify the refund amounts, and confirm. The item disappears, gold is deducted, and ores appear in your inventory.
Advanced Recycling Strategies
When to Recycle vs. Sell
The decision to recycle or sell depends heavily on your game progression and current needs:
Late-Game Players (Recommended):
- Gold becomes less valuable, rare ores more precious
- Almost always recycle weapons with Mythic, Relic, or Divine ores
- Even expensive armor can be worth recycling for specific builds
- Recycling becomes part of your normal crafting loop: craft → check roll → recycle if bad
Early to Mid-Game Players (Use Caution):
- Gold is scarce and needed for pickaxe upgrades and progression
- Heavy armor often sells for high amounts but costs equally high to recycle
- Focus recycling on weapons that use rare ores but have low sell values
- Consider selling expensive armor and re-mining ores instead
Best Items to Recycle
Prime Recycling Candidates:
- Straight Sword, Gauntlets, Spears, Axes – Low sell value but often use rare ores
- Weapons with bad RNG rolls – Especially those with unwanted traits
- Duplicate equipment – When you’ve crafted better versions
- Experimental crafts – Items made to test recipes that didn’t work out
Items to Consider Selling:
- Heavy Armor Sets – High sell values mean expensive recycling costs
- Common ore equipment – When the ores are easy to re-mine
- Early-game gear – When you need gold for progression
The Special Dagger Exception
There’s one important exception to the 50% rule: daggers crafted with exactly one ore of each rarity (typically three-ore recipes) return ALL three ores when recycled, not just 50%. This makes certain dagger recipes incredibly valuable for ore conservation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Critical Recycling Errors
1. Inventory Space Management The most devastating mistake is recycling with a full inventory. You lose both the equipment AND the recovered ores, while still paying the gold cost. Always check your available slots before confirming.
2. Wrong Tab Selection Accidentally using the “Sell Items” tab instead of “Recycle Items” will permanently lose your ores. The interface looks similar, so double-check your tab selection.
3. Poor Economic Timing Recycling expensive armor when you need gold for pickaxe upgrades can stall your progression. Balance your recycling with your immediate needs.
4. Ignoring Sell Value Some items cost more to recycle than the ores are worth in early game. Compare the recycling cost to the effort of re-mining the ores.
Pro Tips for Efficient Recycling
Maximize Your Returns:
- Batch recycle multiple items at once to manage inventory space better
- Keep a “recycling queue” of items you don’t need but haven’t recycled yet
- Focus on recycling during late-game when gold generation is easier
- Save recycling for weapons with the rarest ores first
- Consider the dagger exception for maximum ore recovery
Economic Optimization:
- Track which ore types you’re running low on and prioritize recycling items containing them
- Use recycling to experiment with different builds without committing all your rare ores
- Keep some gold reserve specifically for recycling opportunities
- Learn which weapon types have the best ore-to-sell-value ratios
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Recycling Not Working?
Check These Solutions:
- Verify you’re talking to the right NPC (Marbles or Wo)
- Ensure you’re selecting crafted items, not dropped equipment
- Confirm you have enough gold to cover the recycling cost
- Make sure you’re on the “Recycle Items” tab, not “Sell Items”
- Check that the item type is eligible (no pickaxes, quest items, or dropped loot)
Not Getting Expected Ores?
Possible Reasons:
- The 50% rule applies per ore type, rounded down
- Items crafted before recycling was added may return different amounts
- Some special recipes (like certain daggers) have unique return rates
- Check the preview carefully – it shows exactly what you’ll receive
FAQ
How many ores do I get back from recycling?
You typically get 50% of the ores used, rounded down per ore type. For example, a weapon using 2 Yeti Heart, 2 Void Star, and 2 Snowite would return 1 of each. The exception is certain three-ore daggers which return all ores.
Can I recycle pickaxes in The Forge?
No, pickaxes cannot be recycled. This restriction applies to all pickaxe types regardless of rarity or crafting method.
Where are the recycling NPCs located?
Marbles handles recycling in Stonewake’s Cross, while Wo provides recycling services in both Forgotten Kingdom Town (near pickaxe shop) and Frostspire Expanse Town (near forging station).
What happens if my inventory is full when recycling?
You will permanently lose the recovered ores! The game still takes your item and gold, but the ores disappear if you don’t have space. Always check inventory capacity before recycling.
Is recycling worth it for early-game players?
It depends. Early-game players should focus recycling on weapons with rare ores but low sell values. Heavy armor and expensive items might be better sold for gold needed for progression.
How much does recycling cost?
The recycling cost equals exactly what the item would sell for. If a weapon sells for 1,000 gold, recycling it costs 1,000 gold instead of paying you.
Can I recycle items I found or received as rewards?
No, only items you personally crafted using ores can be recycled. Dropped loot, quest rewards, and found equipment are not eligible for recycling.
Does recycling work on armor?
Yes, armor can be recycled, though it’s often more expensive due to higher sell values. The decision to recycle armor should be based on your current gold situation and how rare the ores are.
Conclusion
Mastering the ore recycling system in The Forge is essential for efficient progression, especially when working with rare Mythic, Relic, and Divine ores. By understanding the mechanics, knowing when to recycle versus sell, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can maximize your resource efficiency and accelerate your journey to the best equipment.
Remember that recycling becomes increasingly valuable as you progress through the game. While early-game players should be selective about what they recycle, late-game players can use recycling as a core part of their crafting strategy to pursue perfect gear rolls without running out of precious materials.