S T A R W A R S: K N I G H TS O F T H E O L D R E P U B L I C =============================================================================== ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~{ ITEM UPGRADE GUIDE }~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ =============================================================================== Version 1.0 08/28/2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Written by Voxen ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Author's note: This FAQ is designed to be relatively straightforward. It contains information on which upgradeable items are available in Knights of the Old Republic and the benefits that each upgrade give. As I played through the game, I would often find an expensive item in the store and was not pleased with only knowing the base statistics. I didn't want to hassle with saving and reloading, along with a trip back to the workbench, just to see what bonuses an item would give. I hope that this FAQ will serve as a planning guide, as well as a detailed reference for these items and the upgrade process. It offers a chance for inexperienced players to understand the upgrade process, and seasoned players to plan which items they would like to get (and which planets they might want to visit first to obtain them). Attention: THIS FAQ CONTAINS NO INFORMATION ON LIGHTSABERS. The upgrade process is less intuitive and there are better FAQ's out there if you want to know what crystals there are and what they do. Perhaps at a later time that info will be consolidated; as it is my eventual goal to have a complete 'Workbench' FAQ. If you would like to contact me, send an e-mail to voxen@hotmail.com. If you wish to post this faq on your website, send me the name and address of the site to be added to the list. This FAQ is very specific; if you are the author to a FAQ that covers a broader range of topics, such as a FAQ detailing all of the items, and would like the information in this FAQ to be added, perhaps we can consolidate. Just let me know. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- For updates to this faq, visit the following sites: http://www.gamefaqs.com/ GameFAQs is the be-all end-all of FAQ sites, and should have anything you need when it comes to game advice / walkthroughs. Check it out!! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- =========================== TABLE OF CONTENTS =========================== [1] FAQ Information 1.1 Introduction 1.2 Credits/Copyright 1.3 Thanks 1.4 Contributions [2] Upgrading items 2.1 The Workbench 2.2 Upgrade items 2.3 Descriptions 2.4 Abbreviations [3] Item listing 3.1 Ranged Weapons 3.2 Melee Weapons 3.3 Armor ======================================== CHAPTER ONE - FAQ INFORMATION ======================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ [1.1] INTRODUCTION ------------------------------------------------------------ Welcome to the Upgradeable Items FAQ! This FAQ contains information on upgradeable items and the workbench in Knights of the Old Republic for the XBox game console. At this time, Lightsabers are not detailed in this FAQ. _______________________________________________________________________________ [1.2] CREDITS/COPYRIGHT ------------------------------------------------------- Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Copyright 2003 LucasArts and BioWare. All rights reserved. This unofficial FAQ Written by Voxen _______________________________________________________________________________ [1.3] THANKS TO --------------------------------------------------------------- Many thanks to: JPaterson - jpaterson000@msn.com http://www.angelfire.com/amiga2/jpatworld For uprage item reference and some layout ideas. His Item FAQ and Walkthrough are among the more useful for KOTOR and can be found, along with other FAQs he's written, at www.gamefaqs.com. Aerostar - aerostar@fftactics.net Author of the best Final Fantasy Tactics FAQ out there (in my opinion), I based much of the FAQ layout on concepts therein. Sherwin Tam - sherwintam@ameritech.net Gave me some helpful advice on how to make my FAQ more informative and easy to read, with the addition of the "fully loaded" line for weapons. _______________________________________________________________________________ [1.4] CONTRIBUTIONS ----------------------------------------------------------- If you have corrections or contributions (Perhaps an Upgradable Item that I did not list), please let me know! You will be credited for any changes to the FAQ that are necessary. ======================================== CHAPTER TWO - UPGRADING ITEMS ======================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ [2.1] THE WORKBENCH ----------------------------------------------------------- -Fundamentals- As you play through Knights of the Old Republic, you will occasionally come across items with the descriptor "Special: Upgradeable" in their information. By combining these items with special parts called "Upgrade Items" (go figure) you can increase the power and abilites of your equipment. -Using the Workbench- In order to upgrade your Upgradeable items, you will need to find a workbench. Fortunately, there is almost always a workbench near to your base, and others scattered throughout the game. There are workbenches in your hideout on Taris, aboard the Ebon Hawk, at the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine, and elsewhere. To use the workbench, simply make sure it is highlighted and "Use" it. -The Workbench Item Screen- When you use the Workbench, a screen will pop up with four squares: LIGHTSABER, RANGED, MELEE, and ARMOR. If you have any equipment of the available type to upgrade, the square will be lit up. Otherwise, the section will be greyed out and you will not be able to select it. By the time you reach Taris, you should hopefully have at least one upgradable item. Choose which type you want to work on and another list will appear, with all of the equipment you have of that type. Select one from the list and you're ready to upgrade! -Upgrading your equipment- On the equipment details screen, there will be two to four slots (depending on which type of item it is) that each correspond to a different Upgrade Item. Ranged weapons have four slots, melee weapons have three slots, and armors have only two. If you have the necessary upgrade part available for a slot, the slot will be lit up to let you know. Just move the cursor over the slot and press the A button. The empty outline of the part will now contain the part you added. Once you've assigned parts, you may simply select "Assemble" and the item will be upgraded. Now you can back out and examine other items. If you did not have all of the necessary parts, be sure to come back later and upgrade your equipment further. _______________________________________________________________________________ [2.2] UPGRADE ITEMS ----------------------------------------------------------- For every type of upgradable (Ranged, Melee, and Armor), the upgrade items required are the same for all equipment in that category. Below is a list of the upgrade items in each category, followed by the in-game description of each part. Ranged Weapon Upgrade Items: Beam Splitter Hair Trigger Improved Energy Cell Scope Melee Weapon Upgrade Items: Durasteel Bonding Alloy Energy Projector Vibration Cell Armor Upgrade Items: Armor Reinforcement Mesh Underlay _______________________________________________________________________________ [2.3] UPGRADE ITEMS - DESCRIPTIONS -------------------------------------------- Armor Reinforcement Durasteel reinforcement is a complicated armor application that increases protective qualities. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and armor of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Beam Splitter This item can broaden the beam of certain blaster types, increasing damage or possibly granting other effects. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Durasteel Bonding Alloy Application of this alloy can strengthen a melee weapon, increasing damage and possibly resistance to damage. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Energy Projector This modular projector can cause a melee weapon to do additional energy-based damage. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Hair Trigger This unit regulates the firing mechanism of certain blaster types, improving the ability of a skilled user to fire rapidly. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Improved Energy Cell This cell increases the energy output of certain blaster types, allowing skilled users to better deliver powerful attacks. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Mesh Underlay Mesh underlay can have a variety of effects, depending on the nature of the armor it is applied to. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and armor of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Scope This scope increases the accuracy of certain blaster types, increasing the user's effectiveness with sniper attacks. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. ==================== Vibration Cell A cell like this can stabilize a melee weapon allowing it to hit and damage better, and possibly gain other effects. The modifications require a workbench with adequate tools and a weapon of high quality marked as upgradeable. _______________________________________________________________________________ [2.4] UPGRADE ITEMS - ABBREVIATIONS ------------------------------------------- Below is a list of the abbreviations used with the item listing in Chapter 3. AR : Armor Reinforcement BS : Beam Splitter DA : Durasteel Bonding Alloy EP : Energy Projector HT : Hair Trigger IE : Improved Energy Cell MU : Mesh Underlay SC : Scope VC : Vibration Cell ======================================== CHAPTER THREE - ITEM LISTING ======================================== _______________________________________________________________________________ [3.1] RANGED WEAPONS - LIST --------------------------------------------------- Bendak's Blaster This blaster belonged to Bendak Starkiller, a duelist legendary on Taris. It is a highly adaptable weapon, and is definitely of better quality than any standard issue pistol. Found on: Taris (Dueling Ring) Type: Blaster Pistol, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 2-7 Range: 23m Critical Threat: 20-20x2 Attack Modifier: +1 Upgrades: SC: +1 Attack Bonus IE: +2 Energy Damage BS: +1 Energy Damage HT: +1 Attack Bonus Fully Loaded: Damage: 5-10 Attack Modifier: +3 Comments: A pretty good weapon for the first part of the game if you've got the upgrade parts. Use it in addition to or as a replacement for Carth's Blaster. ==================== Carth's Blaster Carth's personal blaster is based on an old Arkanian design, but he has adapted it to incorporate all of the latest modular technology available to the Republic. Found on: Taris Type: Blaster Pistol, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 2-7 Range: 23m Critical Threat: 20-20x2 Attack Modifier: +0 Upgrades: SC: +1 Attack Bonus IE: +1 Energy Damage BS: +1 Energy Damage HT: +1 Attack Bonus Fully Loaded: Damage: 4-9 Attack Modifier: +2 Comments: Because this is the first upgradeable pistol you'll get, it's not very powerful. However, it's still much better than a regular blaster. ==================== Cassus Fett's Heavy Pistol Cassus Fett was rarely seen without this adaptable blaster. Famous for killing the captain of a flagship Republic frigate at the Battle of Jaga's Cluster, he is presumed dead. Bought on: Korriban Type: Blaster Pistol, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 4-11 Range: 23m Critical Threat: 20-20x2 Attack Modifier: +3 On Hit: Stun 25% chance, 6 seconds, DC 10 Upgrades: SC: +1 Attack Bonus, Keen IE: +1d4 Energy Damage BS: +1d4 Energy Damage HT: +1 Attack Bonus Fully Loaded: Damage: 6-19 Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Attack Modifier: +5 Comments: If any of your characters use blasters, BUY THIS PISTOL! It is almost certainly the best blaster pistol in the game. Tons of damage, keen, and they threw in a stun chance just for fun. ==================== Jamoh Hogra's Carbine This was the weapon of mercenart Jamoh Hogra, and was supposed to protect him against the many enemies he earned in his lifetime. Hogra's skill didn't match his potential, however. Type: Blaster Rifle Bought on: Tatooine Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 3-10 Range: 25m Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +1-4 Physical Attack Modifier: +2 Upgrades: SC: +1 Attack Bonus, +1 Energy Damage IE: +1d4 Energy Damage BS: +1d4 Piercing Damage HT: +2 Attack Bonus Fully Loaded: Damage: 7-23 Attack Modifier: +5 Comments: Does more damage than other blaster rifles. If you're into that sort of thing, I guess you might want to check this out. ==================== Jurgan Kalta's Assault Rifle Jurgan Kalta wanted to make a big noise in the galaxy. If it was the screams of his enemies, all the better. This weapon was his favorite because it shared his adaptability. Bought on: Dantooine Type: Blaster Rifle Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 1-8 Range: 28m Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +1-6 Ion vs. Droids Attack Modifier: +3 Upgrades: SC: +2 Attack Bonus IE: +1d4 Piercing Damage BS: +1d4 Ion Damage HT: +1d4 Energy Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 4-20 + 1-6 vs. Droids Attack Modifier: +5 Comments: Multiple damage types might help against energy shields or droids. Still, it is a blaster rifle, though; you might as well use two pistols. ==================== Zaalbar's Bowcaster This is Zaalbar's personal bowcaster. He has made modifications over the years, but it still tightly conforms to the traditions of his people. Found on: Taris (Sewers, near where you rescue Zaalbar) Type: Blaster Rifle Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 1-10 Range: 28m Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Attack Modifier: +1 Upgrades: SC: +1 Energy Damage IE: +1 Energy Damage BS: +2 Attack Bonus HT: Keen Fully Loaded: Damage: Energy, 3-13 Critical Threat: 17-20x2 Attack Modifier: +3 Comments: Really lame. I guess you might want to use it with the Sniper Shot feat, because of the 17-20 critical threat range. ==================== Ordo's Repeating Blaster This prototype heavy repeater was developed during the latter part of the Mandalorian War and never saw general production. Found on: Taris Type: Heavy Weapons Base Statistics: Damage: Energy, 2-11 Range: 28m Critical Threat: 20-20x2 Attack Modifier: +0 Upgrades: SC: +1 Attack Bonus IE: +1 Energy Damage BS: +1 Energy Damage HT: +1 Energy Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: Energy, 5-14 Attack Modifier: +1 Comments: The only upgradable repeating blaster, you might as well let Canderous use this and his Heavy Weapons Specialization until there's something better for him to do. _______________________________________________________________________________ [3.2] MELEE WEAPONS - LIST ---------------------------------------------------- Bacca's Ceremonial Blade The great Bacca was hunting the Shadowlands ages ago when an alien ship crashed through the forest. He saw that first contact as a warning of the destruction outsiders could bring. Made from the debris, this sword is a reminder for his people that trust must be given cautiously, and only to those who have earned it. Found on: Kashyyyk Type: Melee weapon, One-handed Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 4-14 Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +4 Energy Attack Modifier: +2 Upgrades: VC: +2 Attack Bonus, +2 Physical Damage DA: Massive Critical +2d6 EP: +2d6 Bludgeoning Damage vs. Droids Fully Loaded: Damage: 10-20 + 2-12 vs. Droids Critical Threat: 19-20x2 +2d6 Attack Modifier: +4 Comments: Massive damage for a melee weapon. If you plan on using Zaalbar or want to bust up droids with a non-lightsaber weapon, this is the sword to use. ==================== Mission's Vibroblade Working with few resources, Mission Vao turned this basic vibroblade into an exceptional weapon almost as adaptable as she is. Found on: Taris Type: Melee weapon, One-handed, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 1-10 Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +1 Physical Attack Modifier: +0 Upgrades: VC: +1 Attack Bonus DA: +1 Attack Bonus EP: +1 Energy Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 3-12 Attack Modifier: +2 Comments: Even when fully upgraded, it's barely better than a basic Vibrosword and not as good as the Prototype Vibroblade which you already picked up on the Endar Spire. Have fun using this one because it'll only be a short while until you find something better. ==================== Rakatan Battle Wand Weighted to fit a Rakatan grip, this item is most like a stun baton. It seems more adaptable than one of Republic issue, though similar high density cells make it unwieldy and unusable with weapons in the off-hand. Found on: Unknown World Type: Melee weapon, One-hand only Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 3-3 Critical Threat: 20-20x2 On Hit: Stun 50%, 6 seconds, DC 14 Attack Modifier: +2 Upgrades: VC: +2 Attack Bonus, DC 18 Stun for 2 rounds On Hit 100% DA: +2 Electrical Damage EP: +1d10 Ion Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 6-15 On Hit: DC 18 Stun for 2 rounds, DC 14 Stun for 1 round 50% Attack Modifier: +4 Comments: It's a shame that you can't use this and another weapon at the same time. If you're taking advantage of Mission's sneak attack ability, the double- stun feature of this might come in handy; plus it won't negate the Dueling feat. ==================== Sanasiki's Blade Sanasiki used this weapon to kill Nelinik, a Zabrak who assassinated the Echani High Protector with battle droids. Cortosis protects the blade against lightsaber sparring damage while energy cells disrupt droid opponents. Bought on: Dantooine Type: Melee weapon, One-handed, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 3-12 Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +3 vs. Droids Attack Modifier: +2 Upgrades: VC: +2 Attack Bonus DA: Keen EP: +1d6 Energy Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 4-18 + 3 vs. Droids Critical Threat: 17-20x2 Attack Modifier: +4 Comments: Acceptable damage and a 17-20x2 make this weapon good, but not great. ==================== Prototype Vibroblade This is a very adaptable model of vibroblade, made for the user on a budget that will be purchasing as resources or finances become available. Found on: Endar Spire Type: Melee weapon, One-handed, Balanced Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 1-10 Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Damage Bonus: +1 Physical Attack Modifier: +0 Upgrades: VC: +1 Slashing Damage DA: +1 Attack Bonus, +1 Slashing Damage EP: +2 Attack Bonus, +1 Slashing Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 5-14 Attack Modifier: +3 Comments: Your non-Jedi characters might be using this for a long time, especially if they aren't good enough to use double weapons. Considering you get this at the very beginning of the game, it's quite good. ==================== Yusanis' Brand Yusanis was the most famous of Echani warriors, fighting against oppression and villany until encoungering Darth Revan. Discovering that Revan had killed an Echani senator, Yusanis attempted to tell authorities but fell to the powers of the Sith Lord despite his own impressive abilities and the cortosis weave inherent in all vibroblades. Bought on: Tatooine Type: Melee weapon, Two-Handed Base Statistics: Damage: Physical, 4-18 Critical Threat: 20-20x2 Damage Bonus: +5 Ion vs. Droid Attack Modifier: +2 Upgrades: VC: +1 Attack Bonus, Keen DA: +1d4 Ion vs. Droids, DC 10 Stun for 4 rounds On Hit 50% EP: +3 Fire Damage Fully Loaded: Damage: 7-21 + 6-9 vs. Droids On Hit: DC 10 Stun for 4 rounds 50% Critical Threat: 19-20x2 Attack Modifier: +3 Comments: Comparable damage to some of the other rare double-weapons to be found, with a variety of special features (good stun, fire damage) means that you might want to consider picking this up. _______________________________________________________________________________ [3.3] ARMOR - LIST ------------------------------------------------------------ Calo Nord's Battle Armor Commissioned by Calo Nord, this armor was based on heavily modified Mandalorian designs. The maker was killed to appease Nord's ego, ensuring his suit would forever be unique. Found on: Varies (Calo Nord encounter) Type: Heavy Armor Base Statistics: Defense Bonus: 9 Max Dexterity: +1 Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Cold Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Fire Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Sonic Upgrades: AR: +3 Defense, Immunity (Critical Hits) MU: Immunity (Mind Affecting) Comments: Excellent. Even if your character has a high dex, you might as well give them this armor since 13 defense is just about as high as you can get. If you must use every force power, give this one to Carth or Canderous. ==================== Cassus Fett's Battle Armor The armor of Cassus Fett, the most wanted man in known space. Famous for killing the captain of a flagship Republic frigate at the Battle of Jaga's Cluster, he is presumed dead. Bought on: Dantooine Type: Heavy Armor Base Statistics: Defense Bonus: 10 Max Dexterity: +0 Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Cold Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Fire Damage Resistance: 10/- vs. Sonic Upgrades: AR: +4 Defense MU: +1 Strength Comments: The best armor in the game, besides the ultimate robes, Period. It's the only armor in the game that gives you 14 defense, regardless of your Dex bonus. You'd have to have a natural 38 dexterity to match it, and then you wouldn't get the fancy bonus to strength and resistances. Buy this armor. ==================== Darth Bandon's Fiber Armor Despite the unfortunate fate of Darth Bandon, this light armor remains a desirable asset for any warrior. The silvery polish reflects a pride in craftsmanship rarely seen today. Found on: Varies (Darth Bandon encounter) Type: Light Armor Base Statistics: Defense Bonus: 5 Max Dexterity: +5 Damage Resistance: 25/- vs. Fire Upgrades: AR: +2 Defense MU: Immunity (Mind Affecting) Comments: Slightly better than the Echani Fiber Armor, and cooler looking to boot. ==================== Echani Fiber Armor Many elite Echani duelists use armor of this type, though its adaptability has made it popular with professional soldiers and bounty hunters alike. Found on: Taris Type: Light Armor Base Statistics: Defense Bonus: 5 Max Dexterity: +5 Upgrades: AR: +2 Defense MU: Damage Resistance (20/- vs. Cold), Damage Resistance (20/- vs. Fire) Comments: I'm not quite sure why Bioware decided to put some of the best light armor in the game at the very beginning. Oh well, who's complaining? Any main character can benefit from this more than any other armor, at least until you become a Jedi. ==================== Republic Mod Armor The Republic has prospered militarily by keeping its troops well supplied with modular armor, ensuring they are always prepared for a variety of battle conditions. Found on: Taris Type: Light Armor Base Statistics: Defense Bonus: 5 Max Dexterity: +4 Upgrades: AR: +1 Defense MU: Immunity (Mind Affecting) Comments: I'm not sure where I stand on the Mod armor. It looks cool and gives an acceptably better-than-average armor bonus, but it's not really very exciting otherwise. Especially because Mind Affecting Immunity is barely useful until later in the game, when you've come across better light armor. ====================