Cracking strategy: from rank list to opening plan
This route is focused on opening relics, not farming them. It explains how to convert expected values into a concrete opening sequence based on traces, squad mode, and risk tolerance.
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How cracking differs from farming
Cracking optimization assumes you already own relics and want the best expected return from opening them now. The objective is decision quality per relic opened, not mission efficiency.
Ranked EV is useful, but your inventory distribution and refinement budget determine the best real-world sequence.
- Cracking decision: what to open first from your current stock.
- Farming decision: what to run to acquire future relic stock.
Refinement and risk profile
If your target value is concentrated in rare rewards, radiant refinement can materially improve expected results. If value is broad across common and uncommon slots, lower refinements may be more trace-efficient.
Use EV together with reward composition to avoid overpaying traces on relics with weak upside structure.
- High rare dependence often justifies radiant.
- Balanced drops can justify intact or exceptional.
- Close EV ties should be broken by reward stability and your sell-through speed.
Execution workflow
Start with a small batch to validate current market behavior, then scale if prices and demand remain stable. Re-check list order after each batch because market snapshots can shift.
For coordinated squads, align target relics first and avoid splitting traces across too many alternatives in one session.
FAQ
- Is the top relic always the one I should open first?
- Usually as a baseline, but inventory depth, refinement cost, and market liquidity can make rank 2 or 3 more practical.
- How big should a cracking batch be?
- Use small validation batches first, then scale. This reduces exposure to sudden pricing shifts.
- Does ducat value still matter on cracking routes?
- Yes. Ducat value is your downside control when trade exits are slower than expected.
Update Notes
- (2026-02-15): Added explicit cracking-specific workflow and risk-profile guidance.
- (2026-02-10): Expanded rules for choosing intact vs radiant based on reward composition.