Reverse engineering, often called deconstruction, is a process by which players break down crafted and sometimes other items into their basic components, returning some of the materials used, and giving them a chance to learn the schematic for an improved version of the item. Items created by reverse-engineered schematics often give additional attributes, but require additional materials, often acquired by mission skills. To reverse engineer an item, open the Inventory panel, click on the Deconstruction button in the top of the left panel, and then either drag items into the Deconstruction window or right-click items to add them.
Reverse engineering may only be done in certain areas. Areas where enemies spawn or other hostiles will cause the reverse engineering button to not display.
Pre-KOTFE reverse engineering table[]
Before the Knights of the Fallen Empire expansion, crafted item quality started from premium quality, and each time an item is reverse engineered, there are multiple items to choose from and craft in the next tier. The KOTFE update raised the starting quality for crafted items to prototype, while reverse engineering produces artifact item schematics.
| Premium | Prototype | Artifact |
|---|---|---|
| Base Gear | Critical Gear (+ Critical rating) | Endowment Gear |
| Fervor Gear (+ Accuracy) | ||
| Leadership Gear (+ Presence) | ||
| Supremacy Gear (+ Alacrity rating) | ||
| Tempest Gear (+ Shield rating) | ||
| Overkill Gear (+ Power) | Commander's Gear (+ Presence) | |
| Expert Gear | ||
| Hawkeye Gear (+ Accuracy) | ||
| Rampart Gear (+ Shield rating) | ||
| Vehemence Gear (+ Alacrity rating) | ||
| Redoubt Gear (+ Defense) | Anti-Armor Gear | |
| Exactitude Gear (+ Accuracy) | ||
| General's Gear (+ Presence) | ||
| Veracity Gear (+ Shield rating) |