NeverToo ExpensiveAgain
Avoid “Too Expensive” by merging books in an XP-smart order. Build a cheap combine tree first, then apply to your gear last.
Quick Answer
Quick answer: combine books into a balanced tree first, then apply the finished book to your item last to keep anvil XP low and avoid “Too Expensive”.
Popular Calculator Builds
Click any combo below to open it in the XP calculator (great for planning your “book tree” before you spend levels).
Why “Too Expensive” Happens
Every time an item (or book) is worked on an anvil, future merges get more expensive. If you keep chaining merges onto the same target, costs spike fast.
XP-Smart Combine Order
Start with clean books (no prior anvil work).
Combine the two cheapest books together.
Combine the next two cheapest books together.
Keep pairing similar-cost results (a balanced tree).
Only at the end, merge the finished book onto your gear.
Common Mistakes
Putting your item in the anvil too early.
Building a “mega-book” by chaining one book at a time.
Mixing a heavily-worked book with a fresh book repeatedly.
Renaming every step (save it for the end).
Pro Tips
If a merge looks expensive, swap the left/right inputs and compare.
Use the calculator to preview paths before spending levels.
Do your final rename on the last merge to minimize extra cost.