Guide: How to Change Companion Gear Traits in ESO (+Tips)


Guide: How to Change Companion Gear Traits in ESO (+Tips)

Modifying the inherent properties of equipment worn by non-player character allies involves a specific process within the game. These properties, which influence combat effectiveness and utility, can be altered to better suit a player’s strategic needs. For instance, a piece of armor with a trait focused on healing received can be changed to one that boosts critical hit chance, thereby augmenting the companion’s offensive capabilities.

The ability to customize ally equipment traits allows for a more tailored and optimized gameplay experience. By strategically selecting the most beneficial properties, players can enhance their companion’s role within a team, increasing overall survivability and damage output. This customization option has become essential for players seeking to maximize their efficiency in various combat situations and demanding in-game activities.

Understanding the available methods and resources required for altering these equipment properties is paramount for players who wish to optimize their in-game partnerships. The following sections will detail the procedures and requirements involved in modifying companion equipment.

1. Transmutation Stations

Transmutation Stations serve as the central hubs for altering the inherent properties of companion equipment. Understanding their functionality is paramount for players seeking to customize their allies’ gear and optimize their performance. This is because transmutaion stations allow you change companion gear traits eso.

  • Location and Accessibility

    Transmutation Stations are not ubiquitous; they are primarily located within player housing or accessible through specific in-game achievements and purchases. This limited availability necessitates strategic planning when undertaking trait alterations for companion gear. The absence of readily available stations underscores the importance of player investment in infrastructure or the cultivation of alliances with players who possess such stations.

  • Functionality and Requirements

    The primary function of these stations is to facilitate the exchange of one trait for another on a given piece of equipment. However, this process is not without its prerequisites. The player must possess the desired trait stone corresponding to the trait they wish to apply, as well as having researched the desired trait for gear. This research element adds a time investment to gear customization, as players must dedicate character time to learning trait attributes.

  • Item Eligibility and Limitations

    Not all companion gear is eligible for transmutation. The gear piece must be of a certain quality to be eligible for change. This restriction serves to regulate the availability of advanced traits to higher-tier equipment, preventing players from immediately imbuing low-level gear with powerful properties. Furthermore, specific gear pieces can be transmuted.

  • Resource Consumption and Costs

    Each transmutation requires a specific trait stone, obtainable through various in-game activities such as completing daily quests and defeating bosses. These stones are finite resources, requiring players to carefully consider each transmutation. Gold may also be required for the change so keep in mind of the cost.

In summary, Transmutation Stations are indispensable tools for customizing companion equipment, but their use is governed by location, material requirements, item eligibility, and resource consumption. A comprehensive understanding of these constraints is essential for players aiming to maximize their companions’ effectiveness through trait modification. Without understanding the transmutation station it can be hard to change companion gear traits eso

2. Trait Stones

Trait Stones are integral components within the process of altering equipment properties, a mechanic central to optimizing companion performance. Their presence is mandated for gear modification, establishing a direct link between possession of these stones and the ability to change companion gear traits.

  • Acquisition Methods

    Trait Stones are not universally available; their acquisition is tied to specific in-game activities. Daily quests, particularly those rewarding crafting materials, are a primary source. High-level boss encounters and certain repeatable content also yield these stones. The method of acquisition influences resource management strategies; players must engage in diverse gameplay to accumulate a suitable supply.

  • Correspondence to Traits

    Each Trait Stone corresponds to a specific equipment property, such as “Infused” or “Divines”. The stone’s designation dictates the resulting trait applied to the gear. Incorrect stone selection renders the transmutation process ineffective, necessitating careful planning and identification prior to initiating the change. If you want to change companion gear traits eso, make sure the correct trait stones are used.

  • Transmutation Station Utilization

    Trait Stones are consumed during the transmutation process at a dedicated station. The station’s interface requires selection of both the gear piece and the corresponding Trait Stone. Once the transmutation is initiated, the stone is permanently expended, thereby altering the equipment property. The expendable nature of these stones necessitates judicious use, particularly when modifying high-value gear.

  • Scarcity and Market Value

    The relative scarcity of certain Trait Stones contributes to their market value within player economies. Highly sought-after traits command premium prices, influencing trade dynamics and economic considerations. The economic value of Trait Stones can fluctuate based on content updates and shifting gameplay metas, impacting both acquisition strategies and transmutation decisions.

In summary, Trait Stones function as essential catalysts in equipment property alteration. Their acquisition, correspondence to traits, utilization at transmutation stations, and economic value collectively impact the player’s ability to customize and optimize companion equipment. Without the Trait Stones, it is impossible to change companion gear traits eso

3. Specific Gear Pieces

The relationship between specific gear pieces and the alteration of equipment properties is foundational. The process of modifying gear traits, and thus to change companion gear traits eso, is contingent upon the item’s characteristics and its inherent eligibility for such adjustments. Not all equipment is created equal in this regard; certain gear pieces possess attributes that render them suitable candidates for trait modification, while others are inherently ineligible. The type of gear whether it’s armor, a weapon, or jewelry dictates the range of traits that can be applied. This is due to item restrictions.

For instance, a companion’s cuirass might be targeted for a trait that enhances resistance to certain damage types, while a ring might be altered to increase critical hit chance. The ability to target specific gear pieces for trait modification grants players a granular level of control over their companion’s attributes. Without specific gear pieces this can not happen.

In summary, specific gear pieces serve as the foundational objects upon which the entire trait modification system is built. Their inherent characteristics, and their eligibility for alteration, establish the boundaries within which players can customize and optimize their companion’s combat capabilities.Without specific gear pieces in your inventory, you can not proceed to change companion gear traits eso

4. Trait Research

Trait Research represents a fundamental prerequisite for altering equipment properties. Its impact on the ability to change companion gear traits is direct; without adequate research, modification options are severely restricted. This system element introduces a time investment, requiring players to dedicate in-game time to unlocking trait knowledge before it can be applied to gear.

  • Unlocking Transmutation Options

    Trait Research unlocks the capacity to apply specific traits to gear via transmutation. The process involves dismantling equipment possessing the desired trait, thereby “learning” its properties. Until a trait has been researched for a given equipment slot (e.g., head, chest, legs), it cannot be applied to companion gear of the corresponding type. This creates a tiered system, where trait availability is directly tied to research progress.

  • Character-Specific Progression

    Trait Research is character-specific; progress made on one character does not automatically transfer to others. This necessitates repeated research efforts for players with multiple characters. The character specificity of trait research reinforces the individual nature of character development within the game.

  • Time-Gated Process

    Trait Research operates on a time-gated system; each research project requires a defined duration to complete. This duration can be accelerated through the use of specific skills and items, but the fundamental time investment remains a constant. The time-gated nature of trait research encourages strategic planning and prioritization; players must carefully select which traits to research first based on their desired companion builds.

  • Impact on Companion Customization

    The degree to which a player has engaged in trait research directly impacts the range of customization options available for their companions. A character with limited research will have fewer traits to choose from when modifying companion gear. The implications for companion performance are significant; restricted trait options can limit a companion’s effectiveness in combat.

In conclusion, Trait Research is not merely a tangential mechanic; it is a core element governing the ability to customize companion equipment. The time investment, character specificity, and direct link between research progress and trait availability underscore the importance of engaging with the research system to effectively optimize companion performance. With good progress of the trait research, then you can change companion gear traits eso easily.

5. Item Quality

Item Quality directly influences the ability to alter companion equipment properties. This attribute determines the eligibility of a gear piece for transmutation and impacts the effectiveness of the resulting trait enhancement. It’s important because it affect on how to change companion gear traits eso.

  • Eligibility for Transmutation

    Lower-quality items may be ineligible for trait modification. This restriction prevents players from immediately imbuing rudimentary gear with advanced properties. The minimum quality threshold for transmutation ensures that only sufficiently refined items are subject to modification, acting as a gatekeeper for advanced customization options. For example, an item of “Fine” quality might not be transmutable, whereas an item of “Superior” quality or higher would be eligible.

  • Trait Effectiveness Scaling

    The potency of a trait can be influenced by the item’s quality. Higher quality gear may exhibit more pronounced effects from a given trait. This scaling mechanism incentivizes players to seek out and upgrade to higher quality equipment before investing in trait modification. As an illustration, a “Divines” trait on a “Legendary” cuirass could yield a greater increase in Mundus Stone effects than the same trait on a “Superior” cuirass.

  • Material Requirements and Costs

    Item Quality correlates with the material costs associated with the modification process. Transmuting higher-quality items may require rarer or more abundant resources. This cost differential serves to regulate the frequency with which players can alter high-end equipment. As the rarity goes up, then it is much harder to change companion gear traits eso.

  • Durability and Longevity

    While not directly tied to the transmutation process itself, Item Quality often reflects the gear’s overall durability and longevity. Higher-quality items typically exhibit greater resilience, reducing the frequency of repairs and replacements. This indirect benefit contributes to the long-term value of investing in high-quality equipment for trait modification, reducing the need for change companion gear traits eso often and save resources and time.

In summary, Item Quality is not merely an aesthetic attribute; it directly governs eligibility for modification, trait effectiveness, material requirements, and overall durability. All these facets affects on how to change companion gear traits eso process. A comprehensive understanding of these facets is essential for players aiming to effectively optimize their companions through targeted trait modification.

6. Companion Level

The level attained by a non-player character ally holds a direct correlation to the effectiveness of gear trait alterations. A companion’s progression influences the overall impact of gear, and subsequently, the benefits derived from modifying its inherent properties. This is a consideration point when evaluating how to change companion gear traits eso.

  • Gear Equipping Restrictions

    A companion’s level dictates the level of gear they can equip. Higher-level companions can utilize more potent gear, which in turn, provides a greater baseline for trait optimization. Restricting gear based on level prevents the application of advanced traits to inherently weak equipment. This restriction ties into to how to change companion gear traits eso as low level companion gear may not be transmutable, which makes changing trait impossible.

  • Trait Effectiveness Thresholds

    While not directly confirmed, the effectiveness of certain traits might scale with a companion’s level. This would mean that the same trait applied to identical gear could yield differing results based on the companion’s experience and progression. This would encourage the leveling of companions, rather than a pure focus on gear optimization.

  • Access to Companion Abilities

    A companion’s combat effectiveness is tied to its level, which unlocks new abilities and enhances existing ones. Optimized gear traits can complement these abilities, amplifying their impact. The synergy between abilities and traits necessitates a holistic approach to companion development, encompassing both leveling and gear customization. This plays a part on how to change companion gear traits eso as different skillsets may require different trait customizations.

  • Future Progression Systems

    The relationship between companion level and gear traits could expand with future game updates. New progression systems or mechanics might introduce level-based bonuses that interact with specific gear traits. Anticipating these potential changes requires a long-term perspective on companion development and gear optimization. This might add extra dimensions on how to change companion gear traits eso as well.

In summary, a companion’s level is a critical factor influencing the value and impact of gear trait alterations. Level-based restrictions, potential trait scaling, ability synergy, and future progression systems all underscore the interconnectedness of level and gear customization. The implications for players seeking to maximize companion effectiveness are clear: a comprehensive approach encompassing both leveling and gear optimization is essential. If you focus on change companion gear traits eso, you will need to consider its level first before you change the trait.

7. Gold Cost

The economic aspect of modifying companion equipment traits necessitates careful consideration. The in-game currency, gold, plays a pivotal role in accessing and executing the transmutation process, directly influencing the accessibility and frequency with which a player can change companion gear traits.

  • Transmutation Fee

    A direct gold cost is associated with the act of transmutation at designated stations. This fee is levied upon each individual trait alteration, serving as a primary economic barrier. The transmutation fee is a flat charge applied per transaction, irrespective of the item’s intrinsic value or the desired trait. It adds an immediate cost that players must account for. This prevents unlimited, consequence-free trait alterations, encouraging thoughtful decision-making.

  • Material Procurement

    While the transmutation process itself incurs a direct gold cost, the acquisition of necessary materials, such as trait stones, can indirectly affect overall expenditure. Players may choose to purchase trait stones from other players or vendors, incurring further gold expenditure. This indirect cost adds another layer of economic consideration, prompting players to evaluate whether to acquire materials through gameplay or purchase them directly.

  • Crafting Skill Investment

    Efficient material procurement may necessitate investment in crafting skills. Leveling up crafting proficiency often requires gold expenditure for training and acquiring crafting schematics. This represents a long-term economic investment that can indirectly reduce the gold cost associated with trait alteration. The decision to invest in crafting skills represents a trade-off between immediate gold expenditure and long-term resource independence.

  • Market Fluctuations

    The market value of trait stones and other transmutation materials fluctuates based on supply and demand. Players must monitor market trends to optimize their acquisition strategies. Market volatility can either increase or decrease the overall gold cost associated with changing companion gear traits, adding an element of economic risk to the process.

In conclusion, the gold cost associated with trait alteration encompasses direct transmutation fees, indirect material procurement expenses, crafting skill investments, and market fluctuations. These factors collectively shape the economic landscape within which players pursue companion equipment optimization, necessitating strategic resource management to achieve their goals. These facets significantly control how easy to change companion gear traits eso.

8. Character Level

Character level exerts an indirect yet significant influence on the capacity to change companion gear traits. While not directly gating the transmutation process itself, character level affects access to resources, crafting capabilities, and economic power, all of which impact the ease and efficiency of equipment modification.

  • Access to Higher-Tier Resources

    Higher character levels unlock access to zones and content that yield higher-tier crafting materials, including trait stones. While lower-level players can acquire these materials through trade, higher-level characters possess the ability to farm them directly. This provides a more reliable and potentially cost-effective method of acquiring essential transmutation components. Higher level characters can access better trait stones, which allows you to change companion gear traits eso more effectively.

  • Crafting Skill Progression

    Character level often correlates with crafting skill progression. Increased crafting proficiency allows for the efficient refining of raw materials into usable trait stones, as well as the creation of gear suitable for transmutation. Higher crafting levels also unlock access to research time reduction passives, accelerating the process of learning new traits for application to companion gear. Improved crafting skills are essential if you want to change companion gear traits eso.

  • Economic Influence

    Higher-level characters generally possess greater economic power due to increased access to gold-generating activities, such as completing daily quests and selling high-value items. This economic advantage enables them to purchase trait stones and other transmutation materials from other players, bypassing the need for time-consuming resource gathering. Access to more gold will allows the player to change companion gear traits eso easily.

  • Influence on Trait Stone Availability

    The drop rate of trait stones is not directly influenced by character level; However, specific zones are not accessible until player meets the required level. This means player is restricted with the lower tier trait stones in early game, and allows the freedom to farm required stones once leveled up. Higher level character are also able to use their better gears to farm trait stones than lower level.

In summary, character level acts as a catalyst, indirectly streamlining the acquisition of resources and economic power necessary for effective companion gear modification. While the transmutation process itself remains accessible to characters of all levels, higher-level characters often possess advantages in resource gathering, crafting proficiency, and economic influence, facilitating the process of equipment optimization. Leveling character is very important factor if you want to change companion gear traits eso.

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common inquiries regarding the process of altering equipment traits for non-player character allies. The information provided aims to clarify the mechanics and requirements involved in this customization system.

Question 1: Is it possible to change the traits on all companion gear pieces?

Not all companion gear can have its traits altered. The eligibility for trait modification depends on the item’s quality and inherent properties. Lower-quality gear or items lacking specific attributes may be ineligible for transmutation.

Question 2: What resources are needed to perform a trait transmutation on companion gear?

The transmutation process requires a transmutation station, a trait stone corresponding to the desired trait, and the gear piece to be modified. Additionally, the player character must have researched the desired trait to apply it.

Question 3: Can the same trait be applied multiple times to a single piece of companion gear?

No, the same trait cannot be applied multiple times to a single gear piece. Each item can only possess one instance of a given trait. The system prevents stacking identical traits on a single item.

Question 4: Does the companion’s level affect the transmutation process or the effectiveness of the new trait?

The companion’s level influences the gear it can equip, thus indirectly affecting trait selection. However, the transmutation process itself is not directly affected by the companion’s level. There is speculation, although unconfirmed, that trait effectiveness may scale with the companion’s level.

Question 5: Is it possible to reverse a trait transmutation if the outcome is undesirable?

Once a trait transmutation is complete, it cannot be directly reversed. The original trait is overwritten by the new trait. Players must consider the consequences of each transmutation before proceeding.

Question 6: Are there any limitations on the types of traits that can be applied to specific gear slots?

Yes, limitations exist regarding the traits that can be applied to specific gear slots. Certain traits are exclusive to particular armor pieces, weapons, or jewelry. The transmutation interface indicates the permissible traits for each gear slot.

Modifying equipment traits for companions allows for tailored gameplay, but requires awareness of item eligibility, resource needs, and the permanence of trait alterations.

The next section will address strategies for efficient companion gear optimization.

Tips for Optimizing Companion Gear Trait Modification

Efficiently managing companion gear trait modification requires a strategic approach to resource acquisition, crafting progression, and economic management. Adhering to the following tips can streamline the process of enhancing companion performance.

Tip 1: Prioritize Trait Research: Dedicate early efforts to researching essential traits for all relevant gear slots. This unlocks a wider range of transmutation options and minimizes future limitations when customizing companion equipment. Focus on traits that provide the most impactful bonuses for the companion’s role, such as increased healing received for healers or enhanced critical hit chance for damage dealers.

Tip 2: Target Specific Trait Stone Sources: Identify reliable sources for desired trait stones. Daily crafting writs, specific delve bosses, and repeatable quests can provide consistent supplies. Prioritize content that aligns with gameplay preferences while yielding the necessary transmutation materials. This focused approach ensures a steady stream of resources without excessive grind.

Tip 3: Optimize Crafting Skill Lines: Invest skill points into relevant crafting skill lines to improve material refinement rates and reduce research times. These investments yield long-term benefits, reducing the overall cost and time associated with trait modification. Leveling up crafting will greatly increase the effectiveness of how to change companion gear traits eso.

Tip 4: Monitor Market Prices: Track market prices for trait stones and transmutation materials. Fluctuations in supply and demand can create opportunities for cost-effective acquisition. Utilize player-to-player trading to purchase materials when prices are favorable.

Tip 5: Consider Gear Quality: Prioritize modifying higher-quality gear pieces. While lower-quality items may be more readily available, the enhanced benefits and potential for future upgrades justify investing in superior equipment. Only change the traits of high quality gear. Low quality gears will not be as beneficial, and this might not worth the investment to change the traits on.

Tip 6: Pre-Plan Companion Builds: Plan companion builds in advance to identify the most beneficial trait combinations. This proactive approach minimizes unnecessary trait alterations and reduces resource expenditure. A well-defined build ensures that each transmutation contributes to a cohesive and effective companion setup.

Tip 7: Transmute during Events: The in-game event sometimes provide bonuses to crafting, research, or material gain. Transmuting companion gear during these events could provides significant boosts with reduced materials and time consumption. Stay vigilant on the news and the events tab, this may greatly help you change companion gear traits eso.

By implementing these strategies, players can effectively streamline the process of companion gear trait modification, maximizing efficiency and minimizing resource expenditure. A proactive and informed approach ensures optimal companion performance while conserving valuable in-game assets. These traits can effectively improve how to change companion gear traits eso.

The final section provides a summary of key considerations for enhancing companion equipment and optimizing their roles within the gameplay experience.

Conclusion

The preceding sections have thoroughly examined the mechanics, requirements, and strategic considerations involved in how to change companion gear traits eso. Trait modification, while offering significant potential for enhancing companion performance, necessitates a comprehensive understanding of resource acquisition, crafting progression, and economic management. Players must diligently pursue trait research, strategically target specific trait stone sources, and optimize crafting skill lines to maximize efficiency and minimize resource expenditure.

Ultimately, the successful implementation of gear trait modifications depends on informed decision-making and proactive planning. By adopting a strategic approach, players can effectively optimize their companions, bolstering their effectiveness in combat and enhancing overall gameplay experience. Continued vigilance regarding game updates and evolving metas remains crucial for adapting and refining these strategies to maintain optimal companion performance. Consider applying the knowledge to elevate in-game companion effectiveness and continue to adapt to the evolving game environment.