Valor Mortis Guide | How to Upgrade Weapons

Upgrading weapons is essential for surviving the increasingly difficult encounters in Valor Mortis. As enemies become stronger and bosses introduce more challenging attack patterns, improving your melee weapons and firearms allows you to deal more damage and unlock additional combat enhancements.

However, weapon upgrades are not immediately available at the beginning of the game. Players must progress through the main story to unlock a dedicated upgrade station and collect the materials required to strengthen their equipment.

This guide explains how to upgrade weapons in Valor Mortis, including where to find the upgrade station, how to obtain upgrade materials, and the best weapons to prioritize during the early game.

How to Unlock Weapon Upgrades in Valor Mortis

Weapon upgrading becomes available during Chapter 2: Regroup, after defeating General Lothaire, the Eagle-Bearer, in the rematch outside the Abandoned Church.

Once the encounter is complete, proceed into the church and speak with James. After the conversation, you will unlock access to James's Iron Bench, the primary upgrade station for melee weapons and firearms.

To unlock weapon upgrades:

• Progress through Chapter 2 until reaching the Abandoned Church.
• Defeat General Lothaire outside the church entrance.
• Enter the church and speak with James.
• Locate James's Iron Bench inside his workshop.
• Interact with the bench to access the weapon upgrade menu.

The station remains accessible throughout the campaign, allowing you to return whenever you collect additional materials. 

How to Upgrade Melee Weapons and Firearms

Once James's Iron Bench becomes available, you can upgrade any melee weapon or firearm you have obtained.

To upgrade a weapon, interact with the bench and select the Upgrade option. Choose your preferred weapon, review the required materials, and confirm the upgrade.

Each upgrade increases the weapon's damage, while certain levels unlock additional Enhancements that provide passive combat bonuses.

Both melee weapons and firearms can reach Level 10, although they require different upgrade materials.

Melee Weapon Upgrades

Melee weapons, including the Sabre, Rapier, and Claymore, require Blade Materials.

There are four material tiers:

• Crude Blade Material: Levels 2–4
• Pure Blade Material: Levels 5–7
• Distilled Blade Material: Levels 8–9
• Quintessential Blade Material: Level 10

Upgrading melee weapons increases their damage and can unlock Enhancements that improve their effectiveness during combat.

Firearm Upgrades

Firearms, including the Pistol, Blunderbuss, and Musket, require Firearm Parts.

These materials are also divided into four tiers:

• Standard Firearm Parts: Levels 2–4
• Superior Firearm Parts: Levels 5–7
• Exquisite Firearm Parts: Levels 8–9
• Masterwork Firearm Parts: Level 10

Firearm upgrades increase damage and can unlock passive benefits, making them particularly valuable for players who regularly target enemy weak points

How to Get Weapon Upgrade Materials

Upgrade materials are primarily obtained by exploring the game's interconnected environments and collecting rewards from hidden locations.

Players can find Blade Materials and Firearm Parts inside chests, as environmental pickups, and occasionally through other exploration rewards.

Certain materials can also be purchased through the Trade option at James's Iron Bench using Catalysts.

However, higher-tier materials become available later in the campaign, while the rarest maximum-level materials must be discovered through exploration.

Since these materials are limited, thoroughly explore each area before progressing toward the next chapter.

Best Weapons to Upgrade First

Choosing which weapon to upgrade depends on your preferred combat style. However, investing in equipment you use consistently is generally more effective than spreading resources across multiple weapons.

The Sabre is an excellent starting choice because it offers balanced offensive and defensive capabilities. Players who prefer precise parrying can consider investing in the Rapier after obtaining it during Chapter 3.

For firearms, the Pistol is a reliable early investment, particularly when targeting enemy weak points from a distance.

Consider upgrading one primary melee weapon and one firearm before investing heavily in alternative equipment.

Weapon Upgrade Enhancements Explained

Weapon Enhancements are passive bonuses unlocked at specific upgrade levels.

Depending on the weapon, these bonuses can improve combat efficiency through effects such as restoring Endurance, recovering health, or increasing damage under certain conditions.

Some upgrade milestones also offer a choice between different Enhancements, allowing you to customize the weapon around your preferred fighting style.

Before selecting an Enhancement, consider whether it complements your existing combat strategy. 

Final Thoughts

Upgrading weapons in Valor Mortis is essential for improving damage output and preparing for challenging encounters. Once James's Iron Bench becomes available during Chapter 2, you can strengthen melee weapons and firearms using their respective upgrade materials.

Focus on upgrading your preferred equipment, explore thoroughly for rare materials, and select Enhancements that complement your combat style.

FAQ

Q. Where do you upgrade weapons in Valor Mortis?

A. You can upgrade melee weapons and firearms at James's Iron Bench inside the Abandoned Church.

Q. What is the maximum weapon level in Valor Mortis?

A. Both melee weapons and firearms can be upgraded to Level 10.

Q. Can you buy weapon upgrade materials in Valor Mortis?

A. Yes. Certain Blade Materials and Firearm Parts can be purchased through James's Iron Bench using Catalysts.

Q. Can you fully upgrade every weapon in Valor Mortis?

A. Yes. There are enough upgrade materials to fully upgrade all melee weapons and firearms, although the rarest materials require thorough exploration.