Evidence: these examples come from community weapon guides and player reports; the complete evolution list and experience formula are not officially documented here.
How to evolve a weapon
Use the equipped weapon and hit enemies to help it gain levels. Community guides report a 3% damage increase per level, generally up to 30%, and say eligible weapons may change at level 10. MAX does not mean every weapon evolves. The exact experience formula remains uncertain. The official PC 1.01.01 patch addressed an evolution freeze.
Sources: two community guides; official PC patch 1.01.01 (original not rechecked this time).
Choosing what to level
A community guide describes the evolved Rusted Spear as a Pierce weapon with reported power 11, fast stabs and a charged poison strike. Its Rusted Short Sword entry instead describes a slower physical weapon with a charged downward strike and reported power 14. Those are different play styles as well as different numbers.
The same guide lists Soul Bound Endu at power 13 and says it retains the air dash. It describes Sipeha's Void Maul as an Impact weapon at power 12 with a three-charge void-orb special. Compare these reported effects with the weapon you enjoy using; a transformation need not suit every encounter equally.
Source: a community guide, updated November 6; numerical values and moves are community reports.
Practical leveling checklist
- Equip the weapon whose progress you want and use it against enemies. The exact experience calculation is uncertain, so do not assume a precise number of hits or damage needed.
- Check its level and name as you use it. A weapon reaching MAX is not proof that it has a further form.
- If trying Spirit Oil, save beforehand. This preserves a way to reload, not a verified in-game undo function.
- Compare the result with the examples below. They cover reported paths, not every weapon in the game.
Sources: two community guides, two community guides.
Reported evolution paths
Community guides report these examples; they are not a complete list and the reports may share sources.
| Starting weapon | Reported form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rusted Spear | Jigeki’s Serpent Thrust | Charged special poisons and briefly stuns. |
| Holy Sword Endu | Soul Bound Endu | Retains Wind Dash; heavy attack has a holy arc. |
| Rusted Short Sword | Sipeha’s Twisted Heart | Physical, slower downward strike; reported power 14. |
| Rusted Longhammer | Sipeha’s Void Maul | Impact 12; three tracking void projectiles. |
| Rusted Greatsword | Wodaso’s Holy Lightning | Level 10, according to a community guide. |
| Rusted Great Morning Star | Jigeki’s Rot | Level 10, according to a community guide. |
| Rusted Leaf Blade | Puwema’s Leaf Blade | Level 10, according to a community guide. |
Sources: two community guides, two community guides, community weapon directory and a community guide. A community guide credits a Steam guide as its basis.
Conflicts and special cases
Guides disagree on the Wooden Club’s outcome, including whether a related weapon is a direct evolution or a shop unlock. Do not assume a particular result. Community guides report that Spirit Oil raises weapon levels; save before experimenting so you can reload your earlier save if needed. Reloading is not evidence of an in-game reversal.
Sources: two community guides.
Special cases and conflicting reports
A community guide calls Pandora Blade an exception that can reach level 100 without evolving. This is a single-guide report and should not be used as a general cap for other weapons.
The Trident is a key-item event rather than an ordinary evolution. A community guide calls its break point level 5; a community guide describes the break at its maximum. Because these reports do not establish the same threshold, plan around the event itself instead of a specific level.
Sources: two community guides; exact thresholds and the Pandora exception need independent verification.
Later weapon events
Show forging and trident spoilers
One community guide reports forging True Holy Sword Akunra from Soul Bound Endu with Unok’s Remains at the Altar of Purification. This is a reported forging step, not another ordinary level-up; the materials and prerequisite remain unconfirmed.
Community guides also report that the Ceremonial Trident can break at its level cap, turning its head into the Ruby Key. Spirit Oil may trigger this special event; its exact level threshold is disputed. This is not an evolution.
Sources: two community guides.
Frequently asked questions
Does every weapon evolve at level 10?
No. Guides report that eligible weapons may change at level 10, while other weapons reach MAX without an evolution.
Can I reverse an upgrade?
An in-game reversal is unconfirmed. Save before experimenting if you want the option to reload an earlier save.
Is the Trident breaking an evolution?
No. Community guides describe its head becoming the Ruby Key, with disagreement over the exact level.
Is this every evolution?
No. The table records sourced examples; a complete verified list was not available.
Sources: two community guides, two community guides.
For the reported location and level limit of Pandora Blade, see Pandora Blade in Weapons & Locations.