Primordial-tier gear is a special tier of equipment that provides more powerful effects than regular equipment. It is divided into Primordial Uniques and Primordial Exalted items; Primordial Uniques provide potent unique effects, while Primordial Exalted items provide Tier 8 affixes that cannot normally be obtained.
While Primordial Uniques can simply be purchased from the merchant Skarven Bloodhorn, Primordial Exalted items must mainly be crafted yourself using a Rune of Evolution, so it is essential to understand the method.
However, regardless of type, you can equip only one Primordial item per character, so you must carefully determine whether your build needs a Primordial Unique or a Primordial Exalted item.
Primordial Uniques - Purchasing from the Merchant
Primordial Uniques can be purchased from Skarven Bloodhorn, whom you encounter while playing, by handing over materials obtained through hunting Rift Beasts. To visit him directly, head to The Garden in the Ancient Era. You will need various materials, such as ancient bones and Rift Beast body parts, though some Primordial Uniques must be obtained directly as drops from Rift Beasts.
Obtaining a Primordial Unique is simpler than crafting a Primordial Exalted item, but because purchased Primordial Uniques roll random Legendary Potential, it requires multiple attempts. If an item has 1 or more Legendary Potential, it can be crafted into a Legendary item at the Temporal Sanctum just like regular Uniques. If it rolls no Legendary Potential, gather materials again and try buying another.
Primordial Exalted Items - Using the Rune of Evolution
On the other hand, Primordial Exalted items must be crafted directly using a Rune of Evolution. The Rune of Evolution can also be obtained by trading materials with the merchant. When used on an Exalted item with Tier 7 affixes, it upgrades one random Tier 7 affix to Tier 8 and transforms the item into a Primordial item. In doing so, the Tier 8 affix moves to a dedicated Primordial Sealed slot, offering the additional benefit of freeing up an existing affix slot.
When using a Rune of Evolution, be cautious with items that have multiple Tier 7 affixes. Because the Rune of Evolution selects one of the Tier 7 affixes at random, it is safest to use it when only your desired affix is at Tier 7.
The problem is that finding equipment with your desired Tier 7 affix right from the start is difficult. This is where the Rune of Havoc comes into play. The Rune of Havoc can be used on an Exalted item with 4 unsealed affixes, shuffling the tiers of the affixes while preserving their types. By using this, you can elevate a lower-tier desired affix to Tier 7.
However, running low on Forging Potential can make subsequent crafting difficult, so it is recommended to use base items with ample Forging Potential remaining.
Advanced Step - Creating a 6-Affix Item Using Sealed Affixes
One of the biggest reasons to use a Rune of Evolution—besides the raw power of the Tier 8 affix itself—is the ability to secure an extra affix slot. Standard items can have up to 4 affixes (2 prefixes and 2 suffixes), but utilizing the sealing mechanic lets you increase the total number of affixes.
First, you need to use a Glyph of Despair. This glyph has a chance to move a standard affix into a sealed slot. A successful seal frees up the original affix slot, allowing you to add a new affix in its place. Upon success, you end up with a 5-affix item featuring 4 standard affixes and 1 standard sealed affix.
Next, using a Rune of Evolution moves the Tier 7 affix into the Primordial Sealed slot, clearing another standard affix slot once again. Finally, adding a new affix to the newly emptied slot completes a 6-affix item containing 4 standard affixes, 1 standard sealed affix, and 1 Primordial Sealed affix.
However, once Forging Potential reaches 0, further crafting becomes impossible, so securing a base item with sufficient Forging Potential is crucial. Rather than blindly aiming for 6 affixes at all costs, it is better to prioritize securing the core affixes you need and finishing the item according to your remaining Forging Potential.
An additional point to keep in mind is that Primordial Sealed affixes cannot be transferred through Legendary crafting. While a Primordial Exalted item itself can be used as base material for Legendary crafting, the Tier 8 Primordial Sealed affix will not transfer to the Legendary item. Therefore, you should avoid using a Rune of Evolution with the sole intention of transferring a Tier 8 affix to a Legendary item.
