For the first time in the series, Torchlight III allows players to put their own unique mark on the frontier by building their own fort their way. Though base building is not as imperative in a game like Torchlight III as it might be in a survival game, players can take advantage of this feature to show off their creativity and immerse themselves in the game. This is especially helpful given players can visit other players' forts at random in the game. Players can fully customize their base with both decorative and functional items to express themselves and their character. While most players will want to carefully curate the design of their fort, there are a few items they should invest in first to enhance their gameplay and make building the perfect space even easier.

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Some items players build at base, like the Class Buildings and crafting stations, are imperative first steps toward making a base functional. Other items are less urgent to get, but no less important to making a base feel like home and stand out when others come to visit. These might be things like gardens, luxury rugs and tapestries, and clutter. Players should prioritize the more functional items and then spend remaining gold on decorations. Here are the best things to build at base first in Torchlight III.

Best Items to Build First in the Fort in Torchlight III

The Forged enters the battlefield in Torchlight 3

Of the functional items players can build in Torchlight III, there are a few that stand out as the most useful early in the game. Players should try to begin with the Skill Stations for their characters' classes. These stations, the Arcanum, Automation Shop, and Workshop, can be upgraded to give characters access to learn new skills and obtain new traits. Any character in a player's game can use these upgraded stations, which will allow them to advance more quickly.

Players should consider crafting a Chiseled or Terracotta figure of any of their character classes next. This will store unused gear and can help free up inventory space, so it's a good idea to craft one of these as soon as possible. Players can have up to two at their base.

Players who bring a pet with them will also want to build the Pet Shelter to home and care for their pet while at the fort.

Torchlight 3 Giant Sword

Players should then prioritize the crafting stations, which will allow them to upgrade the fort itself along with all gear and help them build some decorations. The crafting stations available are:

  • Inert Mapworks Device: An inactive ancient map crafting device
  • Reliquary: Relic crafting and storage station
  • Sawmill: Station for crafting logs into wood planks
  • Smelter: Station for crafting metal nuggets into metal bars
  • Stonemason: Station for crafting rocks into blocks
  • Enchanter's Altar: Station to enchant items or break down gear

The player will want all of these at some point, though the Inert Mapworks Device can be a lower priority than the others. Having the Sawmill, Smelter, and Stonemason are essential to making a fort anything the player wants it to be and should be built as soon as possible.

Finally, players should consider building any of the available Monuments at their fort. These are places for players to sacrifice items dropped by enemies that can be used to gain permanent attributes and boosts to a character, like Poison Defense, Gold Find, and Fire Defense.

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Torchlight III is available for Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.