The Forge Glossary: Ores, Traits, Multipliers & Crafting Quality

July 15, 2026

Forging in The Forge combines several mechanics — ore multipliers, traits, and crafting quality — that get referenced constantly but rarely explained in one place. Here’s what each term means for the The Forge calculator.

Combined Multiplier

The quantity-weighted average of every ore’s stat multiplier used in a forge: Σ(each ore’s multiplier × its quantity) ÷ total quantity used. Using more of a given ore pulls the combined multiplier further toward that ore’s individual value — it’s not a simple average of the distinct multipliers present, which is a common misconception. See common The Forge calculator mistakes for why this specific misunderstanding is so widespread.

Ore Multiplier

The stat-boosting value assigned to a specific ore type, generally higher for rarer ores. Ore multipliers change as the game updates and adds new worlds, which is why the The Forge calculator asks you to enter current values rather than assuming a fixed list.

Quantity

How many units of a specific ore go into a single forge. Quantity affects both the combined multiplier (as the weighting factor) and trait composition (as the share calculation) — it’s a required input for an accurate result, not optional detail.

Trait

A special bonus effect that certain ores can impart on a forged item. A trait only appears on the final item if enough of that ore’s quantity, relative to the total, was used in the forge.

The percentage of total ore quantity contributed by a specific traited ore: (traited ore quantity ÷ total quantity) × 100. This percentage determines whether the trait appears at all (10%+ threshold) and how strong its effect is (30%+ for the commonly cited optimal threshold).

Dominant Ore

The ore with the highest relative quantity share in a forge, which determines the forged item’s visual appearance. If two or more ores tie for the highest share, the rarer ore is used for the item’s appearance.

Crafting Quality

A separate mechanic from ore multipliers, determined by performance in the forging mini-games (pumping, pouring, and hammering) rather than which ores were used. Crafting quality runs through several tiers from Broken at the low end up to Masterwork at 95-100%, and directly affects the final item’s damage, defense, or sale value — a Masterwork item is worth roughly double an otherwise-identical Broken one.

Item Category and Variation Roll

Forging first randomly determines a broad item category (like Daggers or Heavy Chestplates) — a chance influenced by total ore quantity used, not by which specific ores are in the mix — then rolls again for the specific variation within that category. Ore multipliers and traits don’t influence which category or variation gets rolled, only the resulting item’s stats and appearance.

Ready to calculate a real combination? Use the The Forge calculator, or see The Forge calculator examples for the math worked out on sample ore combinations.