WIKI
What the Cube is
The Cube unlocks at level 4 and opens in Synthesis mode by default. Think of it as a single panel with eight different jobs you switch between: it makes gear better (Synthesis), converts gear to currency (Alchemy), builds new gear (Crafting), and adds stats through sockets (Decoration, Engraving, Inscription). Every drop you get flows through this panel, so understanding it is most of the mid-game.
All 8 functions & when they unlock
| Function | Unlocks | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Synthesis | Lv 4 | Combine 9 same-grade items into 1 of the next rarity up. |
| Alchemy | Lv 4 | Melt unwanted gear into gold + Cube XP. Your main income. |
| Crafting | Lv 5 | Build random gear/accessories from materials in a chosen level range. |
| Decoration | Lv 8 | Socket single-stat gems into Rare-or-better gear. |
| Removal | Lv 10 | Strip sockets (destroys the material, small gold fee). Gear must be unequipped. |
| Engraving | Immortal+ | Socket monster-material engravings (two stats each) into Immortal-or-better gear. |
| Inscription | Arcana+ | Add one random stat from a large pool to Arcana-or-better gear. |
| Offering | Endgame | A late-game function; treat as advanced until you reach it. |
The Cube also gains a Trade Ship at Cube level 10, which moves items into your Steam inventory for the market — see the Steam market guide.
Synthesis — and how not to waste it
Synthesis takes 9 items of the same grade and fuses them into one item of the next rarity up. It's the steady path from Common all the way toward the top tiers. The catch: the result's stats are not guaranteed to beat what you fed in. A "higher rarity" item with bad rolls can be a sidegrade, which is why beginners feel like synthesis "downgraded" them.
Don't synthesize gear you're actively using or about to upgrade anyway. Feed synthesis with spare duplicates you don't need, and lock anything you want to keep so it can't be auto-selected. Compare the result's stats before equipping — higher rarity ≠ automatically better.
Alchemy — your gold engine
Alchemy melts unwanted gear into gold and Cube XP. Early and mid game, this is where most of your drops should go: the gold feeds your rune tree (hero slots, automation), and the Cube XP unlocks higher functions. Set the Cube to Alchemy, lock your keepers, and bulk-melt the rest. It is, by a wide margin, the most important Cube function for the first several hours.
Alchemy vs. Synthesis — a simple decision
Ask: "Do I have 9 spare same-grade items I genuinely don't need, and a reason to chase the next rarity?"
No → Alchemy (melt for gold). This is the default early game.
Yes → Synthesis (push the rarity), then compare the result before equipping.
Until your gear and economy are stable, the honest answer is almost always Alchemy. Synthesis becomes worthwhile once spare duplicates pile up and you're targeting a specific rarity for sockets or the market.
Sockets — Decoration, Engraving, Inscription
Higher-rarity gear unlocks deeper customisation through three socket systems, each tied to a rarity gate:
| System | Gear needed | Adds |
|---|---|---|
| Decoration | Rare+ | One single-stat gem per socket. |
| Engraving | Immortal+ | Monster-material engravings, two stats each. |
| Inscription | Arcana+ | One added random stat from a large pool. |
The practical takeaway: don't pour sockets into gear you'll replace soon, and remember the Removal function lets you strip sockets later (for a fee) if you need to recover a slot. Note that items must usually be stripped of sockets before they can be listed on the market.
FAQ
What does the Cube do?
It's your crafting hub — 8 functions, mainly Synthesis (9 same-grade → 1 higher) and Alchemy (gear → gold + Cube XP). Unlocks at level 4.
Should I use Alchemy or Synthesis?
Early game, Alchemy — melt junk for gold to feed runes. Synthesize only with spare same-grade duplicates when chasing a higher rarity.
Why did synthesis make my gear worse?
The higher-rarity result's stat rolls aren't guaranteed to beat the inputs. Always compare before equipping, and synthesize spares, not your equipped gear.
When does each function unlock?
Synthesis/Alchemy Lv4, Crafting ~Lv5, Decoration ~Lv8, Removal ~Lv10; Engraving and Inscription open with Immortal and Arcana gear.
Unlock levels and the exact "Offering" function may shift by patch; treat specifics as current-patch guidance. Unofficial fan resource, not official Nugem Studio data.