When can I start upgrading my weapons and going up levels?

[winterborn86]

Im now on chapter four and my characters are all still level 1 and have level 1 weapons, when can I start upgrading weapons and start to move up levels? I'm starting to get a bit worried. I've been using CP and doing well, pretty much completed the whats available.

[Dodie16]

The next levels in the Chrystarium should open up when you defeat certain bosses. I can't remember each one at the moment. Just keep truckin' and you'll eventually get more levels unlocked.

As for upgrading your weapons, when you get to a certain point in the Vile Peaks, you get the option to upgrade your weapons and accessories at save points. You should be close to getting there since you said you were in chapter 4, and I believe that's where the Vile Peaks are.

[Ralz]

I'd wait, if I were you. Until Chapter 7, to be precise.

Actually, don't do anything with any of them, if you haven't, already. Use this video to help you.

YouTube - Final Fantasy 13 - Endless FREE Gil, Phoenix Downs, and Free Weapon Upgrades

[Fate]

Not necessarily. Upgrading weapons and other equipments can be a big help at any stage in the game depending on what it is that you upgrade. The extra power is never a bad thing, either. But just...don't be like me and sell all the accessories you find (and thought were useless) for Gil in order to buy materials for upgrading. ^^' If I were to play again, I think I'd just upgrade with anything I find as I go along, just to make things easier.

And filling up the Crystarium to its current maximum is always a good thing, because even if it's that filled up, the battles aren't going to be a cake-walk. ^~

[winterborn86]

It has been tempting to sell the accessories cos I'm total broke, but managed to control the selling urges.
I was starting to worry that I had missed something at the start, thanks for all the advice I can stop freaking out now lol