The quick answer
Rune of Shattering destroys the item and returns Affix Shards from its recoverable affixes. Confirm that you no longer need the equipment before using it.
Shatter safely
- Unlock the Forge through the new-character crafting tutorial. Open it with F by default and place the item to recycle inside.
- Select Rune of Shattering in the rune slot. Confirm that you selected Shattering rather than Removal or Ascendance, then inspect the item’s eligibility and the preview.
- Execute only after that check. The item disappears and its shards go automatically to Material Storage; they do not have to appear as loose items in your inventory.
How many shards return?
The official description gives a random amount for each recoverable affix, from 1 up to its tier. A T5 affix does not guarantee five shards.
Rune of Removal removes a random affix and returns shards equal to its tier. It is a different operation and does not let you guarantee which affix it chooses.
Do not assume base stats or every Unique-specific effect can be recycled as shards. If the Forge rejects an item, check the item and rune’s actual eligibility.
Shattering at zero FP
Zero Forging Potential stops ordinary upgrades, but it does not always prevent Shattering. The official corruption rules remove FP while allowing items that were already eligible for Shattering to be shattered. Check the item and rune requirements in the Forge before using it.