Convert an eligible build piece into Prototype quality
Upgrading an eligible level-40 item creates Prototype gear with stronger attribute potential and an Augment, while preserving the item you chose.
PC / Global, Year 8 Season 3: Red Horizon (Update Y8S3.2)
WHERE & HOW TO FARM
Where to farm
Prototype gear upgrade interface at the Base of Operations.
Prototype conversion is a targeted way to improve a chosen High-End, Named, or Gear Set item. The item must meet current eligibility rules and conversion costs a Prototype Core. Once converted, it cannot be optimized or recalibrated, so settle the base item first.
Eligible level-40 High-End, Named, or Gear Set item; Exotics are excluded under the current guide.
Expertise Level 30 on the item under the detailed Rise Up rules.
One Prototype Core; check the live interface for current eligibility and cost.
Choose the exact item and verify its level, quality, and Expertise eligibility in the upgrade interface.
Review its attributes, talents, and gear-set role; decide whether this is the copy you want to keep long-term.
Acquire a Prototype Core, primarily by dismantling Prototype gear or from the listed Raid and Incursion Prototype Core Cache.
Open the Prototype upgrade option at the Base of Operations and select the eligible item.
Confirm the Core cost and conversion result before accepting.
Inspect the new Prototype item and its Augment; equip it to progress the Augment through use.
Reroll the Augment only after reviewing the Core cost and deciding whether the possible change is worth it.
Farming tips
The detailed guide says full optimization is not required; conversion scales the upgrade as if the item were fully optimized. Confirm the current interface before spending.
Prototype items cannot be optimized or recalibrated after conversion, so avoid converting a temporary or poorly rolled copy.
Repeat, collect and use
Repeat for each eligible item when you have the required Core. Prototype Cores are limited resources obtained from dismantling Prototypes or specific caches.
Common mistakes
Treating maximum Expertise as unnecessary; confirm the required Expertise level shown by the current conversion interface.
Converting before checking the final attributes; you cannot optimize or recalibrate afterward.
Spending the only Core on a marginal item; reserve it for a piece central to your build.
When to stop or switch
Stop upgrading when the build’s chosen pieces are converted or you need to save Cores for a stronger candidate.
