Quote Originally Posted by Kiara View Post
Hi Elros,

If you're just playing this game again after a long time off, you might not know about the changes with Optimal Rank / Optimal Class for all Items. Essentially, if you're not wearing Optimal Class / Rank Gear, you don't gain any of the bonuses they normally impart.

Some things to consider:

* Are you using a Rank-appropriate Tool? Using only the Weathered Tool (Rank 1) may be a reason you're struggling now.

* Are you using Optimal Rank / Class Crafting Gear? This helps, especially since 1.19 where Yoshida-san has made Stats matter more.

* Is any of your gear that is appropriate damaged? If it's in Yellow / Red, you should repair it.

* Lastly, to answer your question about the colors, White Orb is a safe time to use Standard Synthesis on for sure. If you get Flashing, you should consider "Wait"ing and seeing if you can get something safer.

* You should also equip Crafting Abilities that can help you.

Good luck.
To add upon this:

*Just because leve say lvl 15, it can actually be lvl 15-19.

*Did you get Facility buff? Do you have Training Book recommended? Almost all leves are still dated recipe so they still require those two, except certain leves like making Leather or Ingot are new.