Masterworking is the best way to reach your full potential in Diablo 4, but you need to unlock the system to use it. My guide will go over how you can start using the upgrade feature at the blacksmith as you reach the endgame.
Diablo 4: How to Unlock Masterworking
Pick up Obducite for the first time to unlock Masterworking in Diablo 4. Your other option is to complete the first tier of the Pit of the Artificers. The Pit is the main endgame activity and can only be played in World Tier 4. So if you haven’t made it to World Tier 4 yet, Masterworking is a system you’ll have to wait for. But that’s not the only prerequisite to jump in — you also need to complete a Tier 46 Nightmare Dungeon before you can start entering the Pit of the Artificers.
After you complete a Tier 46 Nightmare Dungeon, the ability to earn Runeshards opens up. Three of those shards open the Pit. If you can make it through the first of 200 levels in the Pit, then you’ll unlock Masterworking in Diablo 4.
If you manage to finish all of the Iron Wolves ranks in Season 4, then you will also get access to Obducite in the material caches as a reward. Simply picking up Obducite for the first time will give you access to the Masterworking quest. You may not be able to make use of the system yet, but it will be unlocked.
Steps to Unlock Masterworking in Diablo 4:
There’s a long list of steps before you can get to Diablo 4‘s Masterworking upgrades. Even if your character is at level 100, Masterworking is unavailable until the Pit is opened or you pick up Obducite. That means you can technically get there earlier than expected as well, but it won’t be easy by any means:
- Reach World Tier 4.
- Pick up your first piece of Obducite.
- Complete a Tier 46 Nightmare Dungeon.
- Collect three Runeshards.
- Enter the Pit of the Artificers.
- Complete at least one level.
- Speak to Zivek in Kyovashad.
Related: How to Get Sandscorched Shackles in Diablo 4
Of course, unlocking the Masterworking system is just the start of the endgame cycle for Diablo 4. You will then need to keep running through the pit to earn materials for your upgrades. While you’re farming, though, you’ll have a chance to find Stygian Stones, which provide access to the level 200 bosses and are a great way to test end-game builds.
Diablo 4 is available now on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
The above article was updated on May 26, 2024, by Dan Wenerowicz to include information about Obducite.
