By john 
Crafting systems have become a staple of modern RPGs, but their origins were far simpler than the complex mechanics seen today. Early RPGs rarely included raja toto88 crafting at all, focusing instead on looting or buying gear. When crafting did appear, it was often limited to mixing potions or combining items, as seen in early Ultima titles or basic alchemy systems in PC dungeon crawlers.
The first major evolution came during the 1990s. Games like Secret of Mana and Vagrant Story experimented with weapon upgrades and material fusion, introducing customization beyond simple stat boosts. Meanwhile, PC RPGs like The Elder Scrolls II: Daggerfall offered early versions of enchanting systems, allowing players to personalize equipment with magical properties.
Crafting became mainstream in the 2000s as open-world RPGs gained popularity. The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Gothic expanded crafting through skills, professions, and resource gathering. Survival elements—cooking, smithing, potion-making—began influencing RPG design. MMORPGs like World of Warcraft established crafting economies, creating professions such as alchemy and blacksmithing that contributed to large online marketplaces.
The late 2000s and early 2010s saw crafting evolve into deeper progression systems. Dragon Age: Inquisition, The Witcher 3, and Skyrim incorporated resource gathering, recipe discovery, and modular gear creation. Crafting became not only optional but central to character growth. Meanwhile, action RPGs such as Monster Hunter introduced crafting loops tied directly to combat, encouraging players to hunt specific materials for powerful gear.
Modern crafting systems blend convenience, realism, and creativity. Games like Horizon Zero Dawn streamline crafting for accessibility, while Path of Exile features highly complex crafting mechanics built for advanced players. Indie RPGs often experiment with crafting as a narrative or thematic mechanic rather than purely technical progression.
Crafting has transformed from a simple accessory into a core gameplay pillar, giving RPGs depth, personalization, and long-term progression.