Phantom Blade Zero: How to Revert Weapon Upgrades & Get Materials Back

Updated October 29, 2026

Phantom Blade Zero weapon Revert guide showing Sanguine and White Serpent & Crimson Viper upgrade refunds, Remnant Dust, and Reforge Talismans.

Upgraded the wrong weapon in Phantom Blade Zero? You don't have to lose the Remnant Dust, Forged Metal, Solvent, or other upgrade materials you've already invested.

The game's Revert system lets you reset a weapon to its starting level and recover the resources spent on its regular upgrades. This is particularly useful when you find a better weapon, want to experiment with another fighting style, or need materials before a difficult boss fight.

However, higher-level weapons can require a Weapon Reforge Talisman or Phantom Reforge Talisman before you can reset them.

This guide explains how to revert weapon upgrades, what materials you get back, where to buy Reforge Talismans, and whether resetting a weapon affects its Soul Tempering skills.

Quick Answer: How to Get Weapon Upgrade Materials Back

To recover upgrade materials in Phantom Blade Zero:

  1. Interact with a Bell.
  2. Select Upgrade Equipment.
  3. Choose the weapon you want to reset.
  4. Open the Revert menu.
  5. Review the refund amounts and any required Reforge Talisman.
  6. Hold the displayed confirmation button to reset the weapon.

Your weapon returns to its starting level, and the materials and Remnant Dust spent on regular upgrades are refunded.

Important: Reverting a weapon does not remove its Soul Tempering skills. Reverts are free through weapon level 10, while higher-level weapons require the appropriate Reforge Talisman.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

How to Revert Weapon Upgrades in Phantom Blade Zero

You can access the Revert function through the equipment upgrade menu at a Bell after unlocking weapon upgrades.

Step 1: Visit a Bell

Find an accessible Bell and interact with it.

Select Upgrade Equipment from the menu.

If the option isn't available yet, continue the main story and check again after unlocking the equipment upgrade system.

Step 2: Select the Weapon You Want to Reset

Open the weapon upgrade screen and choose the weapon whose materials you want to recover.

Check its current level and make sure you've selected the correct weapon before proceeding.

Step 3: Open the Revert Menu

On PC, press T from the weapon upgrade screen to open the Downgrade menu.

The interface shows the weapon's current level and the level it will return to.

For example, reverting a level 18 weapon resets it to level 1.

Revert does not remove just one upgrade level. It resets the weapon to its starting level.

Step 4: Check the Refund Preview

Before confirming, examine the Owned and Refund columns.

These show how many materials you currently possess and how many will be returned.

Depending on the weapon, the refund can include:

  • Remnant Dust
  • Forged Metal or Twinned Metal
  • Solvent
  • Polished upgrade metals
  • Concentrated Solvent
  • Other materials invested in regular weapon upgrades

If the weapon requires a Reforge Talisman, check that requirement before proceeding.

Step 5: Confirm the Revert

On PC, hold Space when prompted. If you're playing with a controller, follow the confirmation button displayed on your screen.

After confirmation, the weapon returns to its starting level and the refunded resources become available for other upgrades.

You can reinvest them in another weapon or save them for later.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

What Materials Do You Get Back When Reverting a Weapon?

One of the biggest advantages of weapon reversion is that it refunds the resources invested in regular weapon upgrades.

This allows you to try different weapons without permanently committing those materials.

Example: White Serpent & Crimson Viper Level 18 → Level 1

Reverting the level 18 White Serpent & Crimson Viper dual-wield weapon returns:

Refunded Material Amount
Remnant Dust 99,450
Twinned Metal 78
Solvent 26
Polished Twinned Metal 57
Concentrated Solvent 19

That's a substantial supply of upgrade materials you can use on another weapon.

The exact refund depends on the selected weapon and the resources invested in it. Not every level 18 weapon returns the same materials.

Can You Get Forged Metal and Solvent Back?

Yes. If you invested Forged Metal and Solvent in regular weapon upgrades, reverting returns those resources.

For example, reverting a level 2 Sanguine weapon to level 1 returns:

  • 990 Remnant Dust
  • 2 Forged Metal
  • 1 Solvent

Different weapon categories require different upgrade materials.

One-handed weapons such as Sanguine and Jagged Steel use Forged Metal, while dual-wielded weapons such as Sanguine Twin use Twinned Metal.

If you're struggling to find more resources because defeated enemies aren't returning, see our Phantom Blade Zero Enemies Not Respawning? How to Get Upgrade Materials guide.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Are Weapon Reverts Free? Level Requirements Explained

Not every weapon requires a Reforge Talisman.

The requirement depends on the weapon's current upgrade level.

Current Weapon Level Revert Requirement
Level 1 Already at starting level
Levels 2–10 Free
Levels 11–20 Appropriate Reforge Talisman required
Levels 21–30 Check the additional talisman requirement in the Revert menu

Higher-level weapons may require more than one talisman. Before confirming a reset, check the exact quantity displayed in the Revert menu.

This makes early weapon experimentation easier. You can upgrade weapons through level 10 and recover their regular upgrade materials without spending a Reforge Talisman.

Once you start upgrading beyond that point, consider whether you intend to keep using the weapon.

Does Reverting Cost Remnant Dust?

The Revert system refunds Remnant Dust invested in regular weapon upgrades.

However, purchasing a required Reforge Talisman costs Remnant Dust.

For example, if you need to buy a Weapon Reforge Talisman for 2,000 Remnant Dust, that purchase is separate from the upgrade materials and Dust returned by the reset.

Check the talisman requirement before spending currency unnecessarily.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Where to Get Weapon Reforge Talismans

You can purchase Reforge Talismans from a Bell store.

How to Buy a Reforge Talisman

  1. Interact with a Bell.
  2. Select Store.
  3. Open Key Progression Materials.
  4. Find the appropriate Reforge Talisman.
  5. Check its price and availability.
  6. Purchase it using Remnant Dust.

The store lists the following prices:

Item Price
Weapon Reforge Talisman 2,000 Remnant Dust
Phantom Reforge Talisman 2,000 Remnant Dust

Both items serve the same general purpose: allowing you to reset upgraded equipment that requires a talisman.

However, they apply to different equipment categories.

Can You Find Reforge Talismans While Exploring?

Reforge Talismans can also be obtained through exploration.

Check optional areas, accessible rooms, and item pickups as you progress.

Because these items are useful for higher-level resets, avoid assuming that the Bell store provides unlimited restocks.

If you already have a talisman, check its type before buying another.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Weapon Reforge Talisman vs Phantom Reforge Talisman

There are two Reforge Talisman types, and they aren't interchangeable.

Weapon Reforge Talisman

This item is used when reverting regular weapons that require a talisman.

Examples include:

  • Sanguine
  • Sanguine Twin
  • Jagged Steel
  • White Serpent & Crimson Viper

Check the requirement displayed in the Revert menu before confirming.

Phantom Reforge Talisman

This item is used for Phantom Edge equipment.

For example, Hunter's Chain Sickle is a Phantom Edge rather than a regular weapon.

Reverting it resets its upgrade level and returns the materials and Remnant Dust invested in its regular upgrades.

Which Talisman Should You Buy?

Equipment Category Talisman Type
Regular weapons Weapon Reforge Talisman
Phantom Edges Phantom Reforge Talisman

If you're short on Remnant Dust, don't purchase both types unnecessarily.

Open the Revert menu first, check which item is required, and buy only what you need.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Does Reverting Remove Soul Tempering Skills?

No. Soul Tempering skills are retained when you revert a weapon.

Regular weapon upgrades and Soul Tempering are separate progression systems.

When you revert a weapon:

  • Its regular upgrade level resets to the starting level.
  • Remnant Dust invested in regular upgrades is refunded.
  • Regular upgrade materials are returned.
  • Soul Tempering skills remain unlocked.

For example, if you've unlocked a Soul Tempering skill and later decide to recover that weapon's regular upgrade materials, the reset does not remove the Soul Tempering skill.

However, this doesn't mean the materials originally used for Soul Tempering are refunded.

Revert resets regular weapon upgrades. It does not reset Soul Tempering.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Should You Revert a Weapon or Upgrade Another One?

Reverting is particularly useful when you find a weapon that better suits your preferred fighting style.

However, resetting every weapon immediately isn't always the best choice.

Revert a Weapon When:

  • You've stopped using it.
  • You've found another weapon you prefer.
  • You need the materials invested in your old weapon.
  • You're running low on Remnant Dust.
  • You want to experiment with another weapon without permanently tying up resources.

Keep a Weapon Upgraded When:

  • You still rely on it during difficult encounters.
  • Its current damage and combat properties are useful.
  • You have enough resources to upgrade another weapon separately.
  • Reverting would consume talismans you'd rather save.

Example: Switching Away From White Serpent & Crimson Viper

Suppose you've invested heavily in White Serpent & Crimson Viper but decide to use another dual-wield weapon.

Reverting the level 18 weapon returns a large supply of Twinned Metal, polished metals, Solvent, and Remnant Dust.

You can then use compatible materials to upgrade your new weapon.

However, material requirements depend on the weapon category.

If you switch from a dual-wield weapon to a one-handed weapon, the refunded Twinned Metal won't replace the Forged Metal needed for the new weapon.

Check the new weapon's upgrade requirements before reverting your current equipment.

Consider the Enemy You're Fighting

Some weapons are better suited to particular encounters.

For example, Jagged Steel can build Bleed against susceptible enemies, but its Bleed effect does not work against Puppets, Golden Bodies, or Phantom Bodies under normal conditions.

Against those enemies, consider focusing on direct damage, guard-breaking options, and defensive equipment rather than relying on Bleed.

If you're preparing for a difficult puppet encounter, our Phantom Blade Zero Three-Faced Puppet: Fight Now or Later? guide covers the encounter and preparation considerations.

The goal is to recover resources from equipment you're no longer using while keeping your current combat options effective.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Why Can't I Revert My Weapon?

If you can't complete a weapon reset, check the following before assuming the game is bugged.

1. Check the Weapon's Current Level

A weapon already at its starting level has no regular upgrade investment to recover.

Select an upgraded weapon and check its level.

2. Make Sure You're in the Revert Menu

The regular upgrade screen and Revert screen serve different purposes.

Open Upgrade Equipment, select your weapon, and switch to the Downgrade or Revert menu.

3. Check Whether a Talisman Is Required

Weapons upgraded beyond level 10 require the appropriate Reforge Talisman.

If the menu shows a missing item requirement, obtain that item before attempting the reset again.

4. Check the Talisman Type

A Weapon Reforge Talisman is for regular weapons, while a Phantom Reforge Talisman is for Phantom Edges.

Having one type doesn't mean you have the other.

5. Check the Required Quantity

Higher-level equipment may require more than one talisman.

Review the requirement displayed in the Revert menu and compare it with your owned quantity.

6. Hold the Confirmation Button

The reset requires holding the displayed confirmation control rather than simply tapping it.

On PC, the default prompt uses Space.

If you've remapped your controls, follow the prompt shown in your game.

7. Don't Confuse Revert With Soul Tempering

Soul Tempering uses separate materials and requirements.

If you're trying to undo regular weapon upgrades, use the Revert function instead.

These checks address common menu and item-requirement problems. They aren't a confirmed fix for every possible interface issue.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you reset weapon upgrades in Phantom Blade Zero?
Yes. Select an upgraded weapon at a Bell, open the Revert menu, and confirm the reset. The weapon returns to its starting level.

Do you get all your upgrade materials back?
Yes. Reverting refunds materials invested in regular weapon upgrades, including the relevant metals and Solvent.

Does Revert refund Remnant Dust?
Yes. Remnant Dust spent on regular weapon upgrades is included in the refund.

Is weapon reversion free?
Reverting weapons through level 10 is free. Higher-level weapons require the appropriate Reforge Talisman.

How do you get a Weapon Reforge Talisman?
You can purchase one from a Bell store under Key Progression Materials for 2,000 Remnant Dust. Reforge Talismans can also be found during exploration.

What's the difference between Weapon Reforge and Phantom Reforge Talismans?
Weapon Reforge Talismans are used for regular weapons. Phantom Reforge Talismans are used for Phantom Edge equipment.

Can you revert a level 20 weapon?
Yes. A level 20 Phantom Edge can be reverted to its starting level if you meet the applicable talisman requirement.

Do you lose Soul Tempering skills when reverting?
No. Soul Tempering skills are retained even when the weapon's regular upgrade level resets.

Can you revert only one weapon level?
No. Revert resets the selected weapon to its starting level rather than removing only its most recent upgrade.

Can you use refunded materials on another weapon?
Yes, provided the new weapon requires those material types. For example, Twinned Metal refunded from a dual-wield weapon can be used to upgrade another weapon that requires Twinned Metal.

Should you revert every weapon you're not using?
It can be worthwhile because it frees up Remnant Dust and materials. However, consider any talisman requirement and whether you might need the weapon again.

Why is my Revert option unavailable?
Check that the weapon has been upgraded, that you're in the correct menu, and that you have the required Reforge Talisman type and quantity.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Final Tips: Recover Materials Before Spending More

Weapon reversion is one of the most useful resource-management systems in Phantom Blade Zero.

Instead of leaving valuable materials invested in weapons you no longer use, you can recover them and redirect them toward equipment that better suits your current build.

Before confirming a reset, remember three things:

  • Check the refund preview. Make sure the materials you're recovering are useful for your next upgrade.
  • Check the talisman requirement. Higher-level resets can consume valuable Reforge Talismans.
  • Remember that Soul Tempering is retained. Resetting regular upgrade levels doesn't erase those skills.

If you've run out of materials and can't find more enemies, our Phantom Blade Zero Enemies Not Respawning? How to Get Upgrade Materials guide explains additional ways to obtain and recover resources.

If you're having trouble launching the game, see our Phantom Blade Zero Won't Launch on PC? Startup Crash & Denuvo Fixes guide.

With the Revert system, upgrading a weapon doesn't have to be a permanent commitment. You can experiment with different equipment, reclaim your investment, and focus your resources on the weapons you actually want to use.

⬆ Back to Table of Contents

Comments