The Forge Ore Traits Tier List (March 2026) Multipliers, Recipes & Tier List

If you’ve been struggling to understand ore traits in The Forge or wondering which ores give you the ultimate edge in combat and crafting, you’ve found the perfect guide. I’ve spent hundreds of hours testing every ore combination, analyzing multipliers, and perfecting end-game recipes across both Island 2 and the newly released Island 3 Winter Update. This isn’t just another basic tier list—this is your complete blueprint for mastering ore traits from the ground up.
The Winter Update has completely transformed the meta with divine-tier ores like Gargantuan (33.3x multiplier!) and game-changing traits from ores like Etherealite and Voidstar. Whether you’re still farming Darkryte on Island 2 or pushing for the absolute best gear in The Peak region, I’ll show you exactly which ores to prioritize and why.
| Quick Reference | Best Choices |
|---|---|
| Best S-Tier Weapon Trait | Magmaite (AoE Explosion) |
| Best S-Tier Armor Trait | Darkryte (Shadow Dodge) |
| Highest Multiplier (Island 2) | Darkryte (6.3x) |
| Highest Multiplier (Island 3) | Gargantuan (33.3x) |
| Best Hybrid Trait | Demonite (Burn + Counter) |
| Best Island 3 Defensive | Etherealite (+35% Defense) |
| Best Island 3 Offensive | Voidstar (+33% Crit Chance) |
| Trait Activation Threshold | More than 10% (aim for 14-20%) |
Understanding Ore Traits in The Forge
Before we jump into the tier lists and recipes, let me break down the two most critical mechanics that separate beginners from master crafters in The Forge.
The Golden Rule: Trait Activation Threshold
Here’s the non-negotiable truth about ore traits that many players miss: an ore’s trait will ONLY activate if it makes up more than 10% of your crafting recipe. I’ve tested this extensively, and using exactly 10% doesn’t work—you need at least 11-14% to guarantee activation.
For optimal effect, aim for 20-30% of your chosen trait ore in the recipe. The higher the percentage (up to 30%), the stronger the trait’s effect becomes. This is why strategic ore distribution is absolutely crucial for building god-tier equipment.
Example: If you’re crafting a weapon with 60 total ore slots, you need at least 7-9 pieces of Magmaite for its explosion trait to activate, but using 18-20 pieces (30%) will maximize the explosion damage.
Multipliers vs Traits: The Power Balance
Every ore in The Forge has a hidden multiplier that directly boosts your equipment’s final stats—damage for weapons, defense for armor. Understanding when to prioritize raw multipliers over fancy traits is what transforms good crafters into legendary ones.
The Multiplier Hierarchy:
- Divine Tier: 25x-33.3x (Gargantuan, Heavenite)
- Relic Tier: 17.5x (Suryafal)
- Mythical Tier: 6.3x-11.1x (Darkryte, Etherealite)
- Legendary Tier: 3x-10x (Demonite, Voidstar, Magmaite)
- Epic Tier: 1.2x-9.5x (Rivalite, Crimsonite, Obsidian)
Pro Strategy: In end-game builds, sometimes using 60% of a high-multiplier ore with NO trait (like Adamantite) gives you more raw power than stacking multiple weaker trait ores. The key is balancing trait utility with stat multiplication.
Island 2 Ore Traits Tier List (Mid to Late Game)
Let me walk you through the definitive tier list for Island 2, where most players spend the bulk of their progression. These rankings are based on trait effectiveness, multiplier value, and practical usability in combat.
S-Tier: The Absolute Best
These traits are game-changers that you should build your entire equipment strategy around:
Darkryte (Mythical) – 6.3x Multiplier
- Location: Volcanic Rock (1/5555 drop chance)
- Trait: Shadow’s Phantom Step – 15% chance to dodge attacks
- Equipment: Armor only
- Why S-Tier: This ore is literally god-tier. Not only does it have the highest multiplier in Island 2 (6.3x), but the dodge trait essentially makes you invincible during lucky streaks. In late-game boss fights, this single trait has saved me countless times. The rarity makes it expensive, but it’s worth every gold piece.
- Build Priority: Use 30% in chest, 25% in helmet and leggings for maximum dodge coverage
Magmaite (Legendary) – 5x Multiplier
- Location: Volcanic Rock (1/3003 drop chance)
- Trait: Magma Explosion – 50% AOE damage with 35% proc chance
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Why S-Tier: Absolutely devastating for clearing groups. When you combine Magmaite with high attack-speed weapons like Katanas or Daggers, you create explosive chain reactions that melt enemy packs. Perfect for farming and crowd control.
- Build Priority: Essential for all weapon builds; use 25-30% for optimal explosions
Demonite (Mythical) – 5.5x Multiplier
- Location: Volcanic Rock (1/3666 drop chance)
- Trait: Demon’s Backfire – 20% burn (2s) with 15% chance on-hit + 25% burn when you take damage
- Equipment: Both weapons and armor
- Why S-Tier: The ultimate hybrid trait. Demonite turns you into a walking inferno—burning enemies when you hit them AND when they hit you. The 5.5x multiplier is also second-best in Island 2. This is the foundation of every serious end-game build.
- Build Priority: Stack in both armor and weapons for maximum burn coverage
Obsidian (Epic) – 2.35x Multiplier
- Location: Volcanic Rock (1/333 drop chance)
- Trait: Super Defense – 30% extra defense
- Equipment: Armor only
- Why S-Tier: Despite the low multiplier, the 30% defense boost is absolutely massive. This trait alone can double your effective health pool. Combine with Darkryte’s dodge and you become nearly unkillable.
- Build Priority: Always include 20-30% in your armor for survivability
A-Tier: Excellent Choices
These traits are powerful and viable, offering great value without the extreme rarity of S-tier:
Eye Ore (Legendary) – 4x Multiplier
- Location: Multiple (1/1333 drop chance)
- Trait: Lethality – +15% damage, -10% max health
- Equipment: Both weapons and armor
- Why A-Tier: The glass cannon’s dream. That 15% damage boost is substantial, but the health penalty means you need to dodge well. Perfect for high-skill players.
- Build Priority: Use 20-30% in weapons for DPS builds
Rivalite (Epic) – 3.33x Multiplier
- Location: Basalt Vein, Volcanic Rock (1/569 drop chance)
- Trait: Critical Chance – +20% critical strike chance
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Why A-Tier: Crit builds absolutely shred with Rivalite. Pair this with crit damage runes and you’ll hit like a truck. The multiplier is decent, and it’s more common than Magmaite.
- Build Priority: Stack with Eye Ore for maximum DPS output
Fireite (Legendary) – 4.5x Multiplier
- Location: Volcanic Rock (1/2187 drop chance)
- Trait: Firestarter – 20% burn (2s) with 30% proc chance
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Why A-Tier: Reliable damage-over-time that stacks beautifully with Demonite. Not as flashy as Magmaite’s explosions, but the consistent burn is excellent for boss fights.
- Build Priority: Use 20% as secondary DPS trait
Uranium (Legendary) – 3x Multiplier
- Location: Basalt Vein (1/777 drop chance)
- Trait: Radioactive – 5% max HP as AOE damage
- Equipment: Armor only
- Why A-Tier: You literally kill enemies just by standing near them. Amazing for farming and tanky builds. The low multiplier holds it back from S-tier.
- Build Priority: Include 20% in armor for passive damage
Mythril (Legendary) – 3.5x Multiplier
- Location: Basalt Vein (1/813 drop chance)
- Trait: Vitality – 15% extra defense
- Equipment: Armor only
- Why A-Tier: Solid defensive boost with a better multiplier than Obsidian. Great for hybrid builds that want both damage and survivability.
- Build Priority: Use 20% as secondary defensive trait
B-Tier: Situational but Viable
Lightite (Legendary) – 4.6x Multiplier
- Trait: Swiftness – 15% movement speed
- Equipment: Armor only
- Why B-Tier: Speed is useful for farming and dodging, but doesn’t directly improve combat power
Poopite (Epic) – 1.2x Multiplier
- Trait: Bad Smell – 15% poison when below 35% HP, casts Fear (15s cooldown)
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Why B-Tier: Too situational and the multiplier is terrible. Only useful as a last-resort escape tool
Island 3 Winter Update Ore Traits (The Peak & Frostspire)
The Winter Update introduced absolute game-changers with divine-tier multipliers and powerful new traits. These ores completely dominate end-game builds.
S+ Tier: Divine & Relic Ores
Gargantuan Ore (Divine) – 33.3x Multiplier
- Location: Large Ice Crystal (1/333,333 drop chance)
- Trait: TBA (Currently being tested)
- Price: 624.38 gold per ore
- Why S+ Tier: The highest multiplier in the entire game. Even without a trait, filling your recipe with Gargantuan ore creates weapons and armor that surpass everything from Island 2. This is the absolute pinnacle.
- Build Strategy: Use 50-60% Gargantuan in end-game builds for maximum stats
Heavenite (Divine) – 25x Multiplier
- Location: Large Ice Crystal (1/157,775 drop chance)
- Trait: TBA (Currently being tested)
- Why S+ Tier: Second-highest multiplier. Heavenite is slightly more common than Gargantuan but still ultra-rare.
- Build Strategy: Excellent alternative to Gargantuan when you need high multipliers
Suryafal (Relic) – 17.5x Multiplier
- Location: All Ice Crystals (1/50,050 drop chance)
- Trait: TBA (Sun-charged properties)
- Price: 328.13 gold per ore
- Why S+ Tier: More accessible than divine ores while still providing godly multipliers. The sun-charged trait hints at powerful offensive capabilities.
- Build Strategy: Use as your primary multiplier ore in late Island 3
S-Tier: Mythical & Legendary Traits
Etherealite (Mythical) – 11.1x Multiplier
- Location: Large Ice Crystal, Floating Crystal (1/11,111 drop chance)
- Trait: Vitality – +35% extra defense
- Price: 208.13 gold per ore
- Why S-Tier: The best defensive trait in Island 3. This single ore gives you more defense than stacking Obsidian and Mythril combined, PLUS an amazing multiplier.
- Build Strategy: Use 30% in armor for ultimate tanking
Voidstar (Legendary) – 10x Multiplier
- Location: Medium to Floating Ice Crystals (1/8,179 drop chance)
- Trait: Critical – +33% crit chance, +15% crit damage, -15% max health
- Price: 187.5 gold per ore
- Why S-Tier: Absolutely insane for DPS builds. The crit bonuses are enormous, and the multiplier is excellent. The health penalty is manageable with proper dodging.
- Build Strategy: Stack 30-40% in weapons with crit-focused runes
Iceite (Mythical) – 10.5x Multiplier
- Location: All Ice Crystals (1/drop chance varies)
- Trait: Ice – Freezes enemies for 2s (25% proc chance, 12s cooldown)
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Why S-Tier: Crowd control king. Freezing enemies gives you breathing room in chaotic fights. The multiplier is also fantastic.
- Build Strategy: Use 25-30% for reliable freeze procs
Crimsonite (Epic) – 8.5x Multiplier
- Location: All Ice Crystals (1/4,540 drop chance)
- Trait: Lethality – +20% physical damage
- Equipment: Both weapons and armor
- Why S-Tier: Pure damage boost with no drawbacks. The multiplier is great for an Epic ore, making it highly accessible.
- Build Strategy: Use 20-25% in weapons for consistent DPS
A-Tier: Strong Island 3 Ores
Malachite (Epic) – 8.8x Multiplier
- Trait: Poison – +10% weapon damage as poison per second (3s duration, 33% proc)
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Build Priority: Excellent for DOT builds, use 20-25%
Snowite (Legendary) – 8x Multiplier
- Trait: Slow – -15% attack speed and movement speed on hit (3s, 30% proc)
- Equipment: Weapons only
- Build Priority: Great for kiting strategies, use 20%
Frost Fossil (Epic) – 4.5x Multiplier
- Trait: +17.5% physical damage, -5 speed
- Equipment: Both
- Build Priority: Budget DPS option, use 15-20%
Velchire (Legendary) – 5.5x Multiplier
- Trait: +20% speed
- Equipment: Armor only
- Build Priority: Farming and mobility builds, use 15-20%
Mosasaursit (Special) – 7x Multiplier
- Trait: -25% swiftness, +65% vitality
- Equipment: Armor only
- Build Priority: Ultra-tank builds, use 20-30%
Best End-Game Recipes for Island 2
After hundreds of crafting experiments, these recipes consistently produce the strongest gear for late Island 2 content:
Ultimate Armor Build (Maximum Survivability)
Heavy Chestplate (40 ore slots):
- 20 Darkryte (50% – dodge trait + multiplier)
- 8 Demonite (20% – burn counter-attack)
- 6 Obsidian (15% – defense boost)
- 6 Mythril (15% – additional defense)
- Result: Max dodge chance, enemy burn on-hit, massive defense, excellent multipliers
Heavy Helmet (26 ore slots):
- 12 Darkryte (46% – dodge trait)
- 6 Demonite (23% – burn counter)
- 4 Obsidian (15% – defense)
- 4 Mythril (15% – defense)
- Result: Balanced defensive traits with solid coverage
Heavy Leggings (30 ore slots):
- 16 Darkryte (53% – dodge trait)
- 6 Demonite (20% – burn counter)
- 4 Obsidian (13% – defense)
- 4 Mythril (13% – defense)
- Result: Optimal trait distribution for full set bonus
Set Bonuses:
- 15% chance to dodge ALL attacks
- Burn enemies when they damage you (25% chance + 15% on-hit from Demonite)
- 45% extra defense from Obsidian + 15% from Mythril
- Combined 6.3x, 5.5x, 2.35x, 3.5x multipliers for enormous stat totals
Mid-Game Armor Alternative (Before Darkryte Farming)
Heavy Chestplate:
- 18 Mythril (48% – defense)
- 10 Eye Ore (26% – damage boost)
- 10 Obsidian (26% – defense)
- Result: High HP with DPS contribution, more accessible
Heavy Helmet:
- 9 Mythril (35%)
- 9 Uranium (35% – AOE damage)
- 8 Obsidian (30%)
- Result: Balanced defense with passive damage
Heavy Leggings:
- 12 Mythril (40%)
- 10 Eye Ore (33%)
- 8 Obsidian (27%)
- Result: Solid mixed stats
Best Weapon Recipes by Type
Colossal Sword (60 ore slots) – “World Ender”:
- 25 Darkryte (42% – highest multiplier 6.3x)
- 25 Demonite (42% – second-highest multiplier 5.5x + burn)
- 10 Eye Ore (17% – +15% damage boost)
- Result: INSANE base damage from multipliers, burn trait active, damage boost
- DPS Calculation: This combination gives you roughly 200%+ more damage than using mid-tier ores
- Why It Works: Pure multiplier stacking for maximum raw damage. The burn from Demonite is just a bonus.
Colossal Sword Alternative – “Trait Explosion”:
- 25 Darkryte (42% – multiplier)
- 20 Magmaite (33% – AoE explosions)
- 15 Fireite (25% – burn DOT)
- Result: Multiple damage procs, AoE clear, still good multipliers
- When to Use: Farming and group content where you want explosions
Katana (13 ore slots) – “Lightning Edge”:
- 8 Darkryte (62% – multiplier)
- 4 Demonite or Magmaite (31% – burn or explosions)
- 1 Eye Ore (8% – won’t activate but adds to multiplier)
- Result: Extremely fast attacks with high damage, excellent for mid-late game
Straight Sword (7 ore slots) – “Beginner’s Best”:
- 4 Darkryte (57%)
- 2 Fireite (29%)
- 1 Eye Ore (14%)
- Result: Balanced speed and damage for early progression
Gauntlets (9 ore slots) – “Rapid Inferno”:
- 3-4 Darkryte (33-44%)
- 3 Demonite or Magmaite (33%)
- 2-3 Fireite or Eye Ore (22-33%)
- Result: Lightning-fast attacks with burn/explosion procs
Weapon Strategy Guide by Phase
Early-Mid Game (Levels 1-40):
- Focus on Straight Swords and Katanas
- Use whatever legendary ores you find (Fireite, Mythril, Obsidian)
- Don’t worry about perfect recipes yet
- Prioritize ore multipliers over traits
Mid-Late Game (Levels 40-70):
- Farm Darkryte and Demonite in Volcanic Rock
- Craft Katanas with optimized recipes
- Start building your end-game armor set
- Experiment with Rivalite for crit builds
Late Game (Level 70+):
- Go all-in on Colossal Swords
- Perfect the “World Ender” recipe above
- Complete your Heavy Armor set with Darkryte/Demonite
- Push for Island 3 to access divine ores
Why Colossal Swords Dominate Late Game: Colossal Swords have the highest base damage multipliers in the game, and when you stack that with Darkryte’s 6.3x and Demonite’s 5.5x, you create weapons that one-shot most enemies and melt bosses. The slower attack speed doesn’t matter when each hit does 3-5x more damage than faster weapons.
Best End-Game Recipes for Island 3
The Winter Update meta completely revolves around divine multipliers:
Ultimate Island 3 Weapon
Colossal Sword – “Divine Annihilation”:
- 30 Gargantuan/Heavenite (50% – 25-33x multiplier)
- 20 Voidstar (33% – +33% crit, +15% crit damage)
- 10 Crimsonite (17% – +20% physical damage)
- Result: Absolutely game-breaking damage output, crits for astronomical numbers
Ultimate Island 3 Armor
Heavy Chestplate:
- 20 Heavenite (50% – 25x multiplier)
- 12 Etherealite (30% – +35% defense)
- 8 Mosasaursit (20% – +65% vitality)
- Result: Unkillable tank with divine stat totals
Advanced Crafting Tips & Strategies
Percentage Calculation Made Easy
When crafting, always calculate your ore percentages:
- Formula: (Number of Specific Ore ÷ Total Ore Slots) × 100
- Example: 12 Darkryte in a 40-slot chestplate = (12 ÷ 40) × 100 = 30%
The 30/30/30/10 Rule
For maximizing traits on a single piece:
- 30% of your best trait ore (full effect)
- 30% of your second-best trait ore (full effect)
- 30% of your third trait ore (full effect)
- 10% of a support ore (multiplier only, no trait)
This gives you THREE active traits on one item while maintaining high multipliers.
When to Prioritize Multipliers Over Traits
Use this decision tree:
- If pushing for maximum damage/defense numbers: Stack high-multiplier ores (Darkryte, Gargantuan, Heavenite) at 50-60%
- If building for specific gameplay style: Balance 30/30/30 with trait ores
- If farming/grinding: Include AoE traits (Magmaite) at 30%+
Ore Farming Priority List
Island 2 Must-Farm:
- Darkryte (Volcanic Rock) – Absolute priority
- Demonite (Volcanic Rock) – Second priority
- Magmaite (Volcanic Rock) – Third priority
- Obsidian (Volcanic Rock) – Common but essential
- Mythril (Basalt Vein) – Accessible defensive option
Island 3 Must-Farm:
- Gargantuan (Large Ice Crystal) – Extreme grind but worth it
- Heavenite (Large Ice Crystal) – Slightly more common
- Etherealite (Large/Floating Crystals) – Best defensive trait
- Voidstar (Medium to Floating Crystals) – Best DPS trait
- Iceite (All Crystals) – Excellent CC
Common Crafting Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Using exactly 10% of a trait ore → Trait won’t activate, use 14%+
❌ Ignoring multipliers for cool traits → You lose massive stat potential
❌ Not selling excess low-tier ores → Your inventory fills up fast
❌ Skipping Obsidian because it’s “common” → It’s still S-tier for defense
❌ Using Colossal Swords before level 60+ → You lack the stats to make them effective
❌ Mixing too many weak traits → Better to have 2-3 strong traits than 5 weak ones
✅ Do This Instead: Calculate percentages, balance traits with multipliers, focus on S-tier ores, build for your playstyle
FAQ
How do I know if a trait is active on my equipment?
Hover over your crafted weapon or armor in your inventory. Active traits appear under the “Special Effects” or “Traits” section. If the trait name (for example, Shadow’s Phantom Step) is listed, it’s active.
Can I have multiple traits on one piece of equipment?
Yes. You can stack up to 3–4 traits on a single item using the 30 / 30 / 30 / 10 distribution method. Any ore that reaches 14%+ contributes its trait.
Do traits get stronger if I use more of the ore?
Yes, up to 30%.
15% = partial effect
20% = stronger effect
30% = maximum power
Anything above 30% provides no additional benefit.
What’s the absolute best trait for weapons?
On Island 2, Magmaite’s AoE explosion dominates general gameplay.
On Island 3, Voidstar’s crit bonuses become the top DPS choice when paired with high multipliers.
What’s the absolute best trait for armor?
Darkryte’s dodge on Island 2 and Etherealite’s +35% defense on Island 3 are the strongest survivability traits.
Should I use Eye Ore despite the health penalty?
Only if your dodging is solid. The +15% damage is powerful, but the -10% health makes you much squishier. Pair it with Darkryte dodge or Etherealite defense to compensate.
How do I farm Darkryte efficiently?
Mine Volcanic Rock nodes in the Forgotten Kingdom.
Use the Arcane Pickaxe or better.
Coordinate with others in the official Discord.
Expect 500–1000+ rocks before one drops (1/5555 drop rate).
Are Island 3 ores always better than Island 2 ores?
Not always. Darkryte (6.3x) from Island 2 still competes with many Island 3 epics.
However, divine and relic ores (17.5x–33.3x) from Island 3 completely outclass Island 2 options.
What’s the best race for ore trait builds?
Demon → burn-based traits (Demonite, Fireite)
Dwarf → faster ore farming
Angel → strong all-around synergy with any build
Can I remove or change traits after crafting?
No. Traits are permanent once forged. Always plan your recipe and double-check percentages before crafting.
How much gold should I save before crafting end-game gear?
Island 2 end-game builds: 50,000–100,000 gold
Island 3 divine builds: 200,000–500,000+ gold
Craft one piece at a time.
Do traits work in PvP?
Yes. All traits function the same in PvP as PvE — dodge, burn, explosions, and crits are fully active.
What’s the best pickaxe for rare ores?
Prismatic Pickaxe (Island 3) or Arcane Pickaxe (Island 2).
Both provide luck bonuses that improve rare drop chances.
How often do ore drop rates change?
Only during major updates. Follow the official Discord for patch notes.
Is there any trait that works on both weapons and armor?
Yes. Eye Ore, Demonite, Crimsonite, and Frost Fossil all apply to both, making them extremely versatile.
Trait Synergy Combinations
Understanding which traits work well together multiplies your effectiveness:
Best Synergy Pairs
Darkryte (Dodge) + Demonite (Burn Counter):
- When you dodge with Darkryte, you avoid damage
- When you DO get hit, Demonite burns the attacker
- Perfect defensive combo
Magmaite (Explosion) + Fireite (Burn):
- Explosions hit multiple enemies
- Burn finishes off survivors
- Excellent for farming and crowd control
Voidstar (Crit) + Rivalite (Crit Chance):
- Stack crit chance to astronomical levels
- Every hit crits for massive damage
- Add crit damage runes for maximum effect
Etherealite (Defense) + Mosasaursit (Vitality):
- Defense reduces damage taken
- Vitality increases your total HP
- You become an unkillable fortress
Eye Ore (Damage) + Crimsonite (Physical Damage):
- Both boost your damage output
- Stack to 35%+ damage increase
- Perfect for glass cannon builds
Conclusion
Mastering ore traits in The Forge is no longer a guessing game—it’s a strategy. With the Winter Update reshaping the meta and introducing insanely powerful ores like Gargantuan, Etherealite, and Voidstar, the difference between average and elite gear has never been clearer. Follow this blueprint, focus your farming, and you’ll dominate both crafting and combat as you climb toward true end-game power.
