What are Forging Runes in Metin2?
Forging runes are items in Metin2 that you use when crafting or upgrading equipment. They are divided by equipment category – there are dedicated runes for weapons, armour, belts, pets as well as a general category for miscellaneous items. Additionally, various quality tiers exist, starting at 1* (one star) and ascending to 2* (two stars) and higher. The exact tier determines how strong the rune's effect is.
Important to understand: A weapon forging rune works exclusively for weapons, an armour forging rune only for armour. Using the wrong rune wastes valuable resources. This guide explains which types exist, how they differ and what you should pay attention to when using them.
The Five Categories of Forging Runes
Metin2 divides forging runes by the equipment slot they are intended for. Each category bears its type in the name:
- Weapon Forging Rune – for swords, axes, bows, daggers and all other offensive weapons
- Armour Forging Rune – for chest plates, helmets, shoes and gloves
- Belt Forging Rune – specifically for the belt slot, which plays its own progression role in the endgame
- Pet Forging Rune – for the pet system, which equips companions with additional properties
- Miscellaneous Forging Rune – for all equipment items that don't fall into any of the above categories
All five categories exist in at least the 1* and 2* tiers, which gives you at least ten different forging rune variants in total. For players who want to deliberately improve an equipment line, it's therefore crucial to choose both the right category and the appropriate star tier.
Star Tiers: 1* vs. 2* Forging Runes
The number before the star indicates the quality tier of the forging rune. A 1* forging rune is the entry-level variant, a 2* forging rune is an improved version of the same category. Higher star tiers are generally rarer and more valuable, but offer correspondingly stronger effects when forging.
| Category | 1* Variant | 2* Variant | Area of Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon | 1* Weapon Forging Rune | 2* Weapon Forging Rune | All weapon types |
| Armour | 1* Armour Forging Rune | 2* Armour Forging Rune | Body armour, helmet, shoes, gloves |
| Belt | 1* Belt Forging Rune | 2* Belt Forging Rune | Belt slot |
| Pet | 1* Pet Forging Rune | 2* Pet Forging Rune | Companions / Pet System |
| Miscellaneous | 1* Miscellaneous Forging Rune | 2* Miscellaneous Forging Rune | Other equipment slots |
Where Do You Get Forging Runes?
Forging runes are not items you simply buy from the next merchant. They drop as loot from monsters and boss battles or can be obtained via player trading. Since wiki sources do not name specific drop locations for forging runes, the general rule of thumb is: the higher the star tier, the rarer the drop and the higher the market price.
Some ways players typically obtain forging runes:
- Farming in higher-level areas and dungeons
- Purchase via player-to-player trading
- Events and time-limited rewards
- Reward packages from the shop or quests
If you specifically need a certain category – for example, pet forging runes for companion progression – you should monitor market prices before farming yourself. Sometimes buying is more efficient than grinding for hours after a specific drop.
How to Use Forging Runes Correctly
Using a forging rune is done via the forging NPC. There you select the target item, place the appropriate forging rune in the designated slot and start the process. You should pay attention to the following points:
- Category matches? Check before use that the rune and item belong to the same category. A belt forging rune does not fit on a weapon.
- Star tier makes sense? Invest 2* runes preferably in items you'll use long-term. For temporary equipment, 1* runes are sufficient.
- Don't waste resources: Check whether the target item is worth the investment. Upgrading a low-level item with a 2* forging rune is inefficient.
- Plan pet runes separately: The pet system follows its own progression logic. Pet forging runes should only be used when the pet is already at a high development stage.
Forging Runes Compared to Other Upgrade Materials
Metin2 offers several systems for equipment improvement: classic upgrade stones, enchantment materials, forging runes and other special items. Forging runes are part of this ecosystem, but not the only upgrade tool.
The key difference: forging runes are category-specific and tier-based. They provide more targeted improvement than general upgrade stones, but also require more planning because you need the right variant for each slot. If you want to build a balanced character, you should view forging runes as one of several building blocks rather than as a standalone solution.
For build planning around your class and its optimal equipment, you'll find more information in our class guides: Metin2 Class Overview. If you want to dive deeper into equipment progression, you should also take a look at Metin2 Items and Equipment.
Tips for Beginners and Advanced Players
Beginners: Start by collecting 1* forging runes in the categories relevant to your class. As a melee fighter, you prioritise weapon and armour forging runes. As a pet-focused player, pet forging runes are useful early on. Belt forging runes usually only become relevant in the mid-game, when the belt slot plays a larger role.
Advanced Players: Upgrade to 2* forging runes once you have a stable endgame set. Compare market prices for individual categories before buying – depending on your server situation, pet forging runes might be more expensive than weapon forging runes or vice versa. Don't store excess runes indefinitely, but use them deliberately or sell them before new patches change their value.
You'll find further useful information on related topics in our Metin2 Farming Guide, the Pet System Guide as well as the general Runes Overview.
Frequently Asked Questions About Forging Runes
What's the Difference Between a 1* and a 2* Forging Rune?
The star tier indicates the quality of the forging rune. A 2* forging rune is stronger than a 1* forging rune of the same category, but also rarer and more expensive. Both tiers exist for all five categories: weapon, armour, belt, pet and miscellaneous.
Can I Use a Weapon Forging Rune for My Armour?
No. Forging runes are category-specific. A weapon forging rune works exclusively for weapons. For armour, you need an armour forging rune.
Where Do I Farm Forging Runes Most Efficiently?
Wiki sources do not name specific drop locations. Generally, rarer items drop more frequently in high-level areas and dungeons. Alternatively, you can obtain forging runes via player-to-player trading.
Are Pet Forging Runes Different from Other Types?
The basic mechanism is the same – they are divided by category and star tier. The difference lies in the target item: pet forging runes are used in the pet system, which has its own progression logic and differs from classic equipment improvement.
How Many Forging Rune Types Are There in Total?
There are at least five categories (weapon, armour, belt, pet, miscellaneous) with at least two star tiers each (1* and 2*), which gives at least ten different forging rune variants. Whether higher star tiers exist cannot be conclusively determined from current wiki sources.
When Is a 2* Forging Rune Worth It?
2* forging runes are worthwhile mainly for endgame items you'll use permanently. With temporary equipment you'll soon replace, using a cheap 1* forging rune is more efficient.
Can I Remove a Forging Rune After Using It?
The wiki source makes no clear statement about this. In general, once applied upgrade materials in Metin2 cannot easily be reversed. So think carefully before using it whether item and forging rune are a good fit.
Do Forging Runes Differ Depending on Class?
The forging runes themselves are not class-specific – they are tied to the equipment category. However, each class prioritises different equipment slots, which indirectly determines which forging rune category is most relevant to you.
