Armor Upgrade Limit Removal raises the armor’s upgrade ceiling, allowing more defense to be added with armor spheres.
PC / Global, base game with Iceborne expansion systems
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Smithy’s armor upgrade and augment menus in Iceborne endgame progression.
Iceborne armor augmentation has a specific function: Upgrade Limit Removal. After unlocking the relevant endgame system, use the Smithy to inspect the armor’s recipe, raise its cap, and spend armor spheres on further upgrades. Costs depend on armor and progression, so follow the displayed requirements rather than a fixed material count.
Have the armor piece whose upgrade cap you intend to raise.
Check the Smithy’s listed materials and have armor spheres for subsequent upgrades.
At the Smithy, select Upgrade Equipment and choose the armor piece.
Upgrade it to its current displayed limit using armor spheres, if it is not already capped.
Open the armor augmentation option and select Upgrade Limit Removal.
Review the exact materials required for that armor piece.
Gather the listed materials and return to the Smithy.
Apply Upgrade Limit Removal to raise the cap.
Upgrade the armor further with armor spheres and compare its defense in the equipment screen.
Farming tips
Use the current Smithy recipe because armor rarity and progression affect requirements.
Prioritize pieces you plan to keep in your build before spending endgame materials.
Repeat, collect and use
Limit removal is a one-time augment per armor cap state; further defense upgrades consume armor spheres. Repeat the process separately for other armor pieces as needed.
Common mistakes
Searching for a health or affinity armor augment: armor’s listed option is Upgrade Limit Removal.
Applying the cap raise before checking requirements: confirm materials and armor choice first.
Forgetting the follow-up sphere upgrades: raising the cap alone does not add the extra defense.
When to stop or switch
Stop when the armor reaches the defense level your build needs, or when sphere cost outweighs the benefit for a piece you may replace.
