Genshin Impact: Iron Sting - How to get it, stats and materials for ascension

The Iron Sting is a free 4-star weapon available to all players. While there is no special unlocking requirement, getting the weapon itself will require some grinding. This is because the sword requires a Northlander sword billet, which is only available via weekly boss launches or as quest / exploration rewards.

Once you have a Northlander sword billet, you can use it to forge Iron Sting or Prototype Rancour. You should make Iron Sting if you have a sword character who focuses on creating elemental reactions or uses Elemental Mastery in their kit.

Iron Sting stats

• Rarity: 4 stars
• ATT: 42 - 510
• Secondary Statistic: Elemental Mastery
• Secondary statistical levels: 36 - 165
• Passive: Infusion Stinger: Inflicting Elemental DMG increases all DMG by 6% for 6s. Maximum 2 batteries. It can only occur once every 1s.

Materials for Ascension

Level 20	x3 Aerosiderite Grain, x3 Fragile Bone Fragment, x2 Cornflower Nectar, x5.000 Blackberry
Level 40	x3 piece of aerosiderite, x12 fragment of brittle bone, x8 nectar of Whopperflower, x15.000 Blackberry
Level 50	x6 Chunk of Aerosiderite, x6 Sturdy Bone Shard, x6 Glistening Nectar, x20.000 Blackberry
Level 60	x3 Aerosiderite Chunk, x12 Robust Bone Fragment, x9 Glistening Nectar, x30.000 Blackberry
Level 70	x6 Aerosiderite Chunk, x9 Fossilized Bone Fragment, x6 Energy Nectar, x35.000 Blackberry
Level 80	x4 Aerosiderite Chunk, x18 Fossilized Bone Fragment, x12 Energy Nectar, x45.000 Blackberry

Is the iron sting good?

The Iron Sting is a niche weapon for sword users, as there aren't many sword users who benefit from the Elemental Mastery substat. Unfortunately, most of the free sword options available to forge aren't great for most characters.

Fortunately, Iron Sting has some characters who take advantage of it well. Kazuha in particular benefits greatly from Elemental Mastery. This is a great F2P option for him, as he wants as many EMs as possible. Bennett also has a niche DPS build that allows him to trigger elemental reactions and deal high damage, and Iron Sting would be his best 4-star option here.

Otherwise, it is recommended that you stick to the weapons you pull out of the standard or featured banners.