ForgeTax +99 Sword: High-Level Forging and Mastery Guide

In ForgeTax, reaching a +99 sword represents the extreme end of the game’s high-stakes forging loop. While the game officially recognizes "Mastery" at the +30 threshold through Steam achievements, players can continue to strike the anvil to reach "absurd fortunes," provided they can manage the escalating risk of the blade shattering into scrap. Pushing a weapon to these heights requires a deep understanding of the Frenzy mechanic and the strategic use of Relics to bend the odds of success.

The Forging Process and Shatter Risk

The core gameplay of ForgeTax revolves around a first-person simulation of blacksmithing. To begin an upgrade run:

1. Heat the Blade: Prepare the metal for the anvil.
2. Strike the Anvil: Each successful strike increases the sword's numerical value (e.g., from +1 to +2).
3. Risk Assessment: Every hit carries a probability of failure. If a strike fails, the sword shatters instantly, leaving the player with nothing but scrap and a lost investment.

According to the developer, GraveYardDev, the goal is to balance the desire for a high-value tribute against the "wrath" of the dragon that owns the forge.

Reaching +99: The Frenzy Strategy

To reach high levels like +99 without losing the blade to RNG, players must utilize the Frenzy system.

Charging Frenzy

Frenzy is a temporary state that grants immunity to shattering. To activate it:

• You must successfully forge the same sword 10 times to charge the meter.
• Once charged, you can unleash Frenzy on the subsequent strike.
• This opens a "brief, blazing window" where you can hammer the sword rapidly without fear of it breaking.

For players aiming for +99, the standard loop involves carefully reaching a safe threshold, charging Frenzy on lower-risk hits (or using relics to mitigate early failures), and then dumping as many strikes as possible during the Frenzy window.

Sword Mastery Thresholds (+30)

While +99 is a community-driven goal for maximum tribute value, the game officially tracks Mastery at +30 for various weapon types. Reaching +30 is a significant milestone that roughly 40-50% of the player base has achieved across different blade types.

The first major milestone players encounter is the "One More Hit?" achievement, which is awarded for forging any sword to +10.

Synergies and Relics

Reaching +99 is nearly impossible through raw luck alone. The Relic Machine allows players to sacrifice swords to gain permanent or run-based advantages.

• Synergies: By spending blades on relics, you can change your "draw tickets" and combine strange effects.
• Luck Manipulation: Certain relics are designed to "change what luck means," which likely involves increasing success percentages or extending the Frenzy duration.
• Resource Management: Every blade spent on a relic is one less blade available to meet the Dragon's Tribute. If you fail to meet the tribute, you face the dragon's wrath (tracked via "Rage stages").

The Dragon's Tribute

The ultimate purpose of a +99 sword is to pay the dragon. Players must lay their swords on the counter and ring the bell to see if their work satisfies the requirement.

• Overpaying: Paying at least 5 times the tribute requirement unlocks the "Keep the Change" achievement.
• Post-Contract Play: After defeating the dragon and completing the contract (the "Clocking Out" achievement), players can continue to pay tribute to unlock "A Job for Life."

Technical Specifications

ForgeTax was released on September 29, 2026. It features a dark fantasy aesthetic and first-person gameplay. The developer has disclosed the use of Generative AI for select promotional images, audio assets, and a limited number of 3D assets, though no live-generated AI is used during gameplay.

Minimum System Requirements

• OS: Windows 10 64-bit
• Processor: Intel Core i5-6600 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: GTX 960 / Radeon RX 560
• Storage: 2 GB available space