Below are a few videos discussing the refinement and upgrade system here in the server Enjoy!
Materia System
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Additional Notes:
You can always remove and add materias:
As of this writing (May 20, 2024) Materia leveling can also be done via Nightmare Scaraba Dungeon: but you can level anywhere else
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Additional Notes:
You can upgrade and invest in your early special items you can always use Transfer Scroll that can be purchased via vote shop (500 points)
Always Upgrade Your wings and Robe as soon as possible to get that edge in PVE
Light Cones, Shadow Armor & Weapons
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Additional Notes:
You can upgrade and invest in your early special items you can always use Transfer Scroll that can be purchased via vote shop (500 points)
Farm Heroic Crystal and Upgrade your Shadow armor and weapons as soon as possible.
Make sure to participate in the igneel event (9:30 & 21:30 server time @time to check)
If Playing alone or playing with friends or even people that you have met in the server has no guild, create your own and participate in the guild duels (you can do this alone btw, but the more the merrier right?

Gems, Precious Gemstones & Weapons
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Additional Notes:
IMO it's best to not grind for the precious gemstones that can be obtained via quest npc are not worth it with the time to grind but to just participate in events and use the precious gemstones there
As stated in my additional notes section under Light Cones, Shadow Armor and Weapons, create your own guild, invite others if you can and get your etel dust that way.
You can use your world boss tokens (if you have a lot.. well it's your choice) in purchasing item components for the Grading System NPC (Aqua marine, Topaz, etc) or better yet just FARM EM!
You can get blacksmith's blessing via Reborn rewards, automated events, and making sure you are playing during 11:55-12:05 servertime to get Lunch reward and 17:55-18:05 servertime to get the Evening Reward in your Rodex
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Additional Notes:
NEVER EVER UPGRADE YOUR REFINE TICKET as the resources needed to do so is just way to costly just refine manualy
You can get blacksmith's blessing via Reborn rewards, Guild Duel Exchange, automated events, and making sure you are playing during 11:55-12:05 servertime to get Lunch reward and 17:55-18:05 servertime to get the Evening Reward in your Rodex
MAKE SURE YOU CLICK THAT BLACKSMITH'S BLESSING