The Maelstrom Rod is the final and strongest rod introduced in the Fischmas update. It is locked behind multiple quests, rare drops, and a limited-time event, making it one of the hardest items to obtain in Fisch. If you want the best possible rod before Fischmas ends, this guide explains every requirement and step in the correct order. Also check out our Fisch Codes for more rewards!
What Is the Maelstrom Rod?
The Maelstrom Rod is a Fischmas-exclusive rod with extremely high stats and infinite weight capacity. It is designed for late-game players and cannot be unlocked after the event ends, so missing Fischmas means missing this rod permanently. Before attempting to unlock the Maelstrom Rod, make sure you have all of the following items ready:
- Santa’s Miracle Rod Obtained by completing the full Santa questline
- Festive Enchant on Santa’s Miracle Rod Applied using a Festive Relic
- Ever Frost Key Rewarded at the end of the Santa storyline
- Essence of Winter 1 in 1,000 chance while fishing anywhere in the village
- Essence of Star Frost 1 in 150 chance while fishing during a Frost Moon event
- Frost Moon Totem Purchased for 5,000 Bells from the igloo area
If you are missing even one of these, the vault will not fully open. Here are the full stats for the Maelstrom Rod:
- Lure Speed: 80%
- Luck: 85%
- Control: 0.15
- Resilience: 35%
- Max KG: Infinite
- Cost: 3,250,000
This rod also features a unique casting mechanic that rewards precise timing, making it even stronger in skilled hands.
How to Start the Frost Moon Event
To begin the unlocking process, you must activate Frost Moon in the village.
Ways to trigger Frost Moon:
- Use a Frost Moon Totem
- Wait for a natural Frost Moon
- Use a Weather Matrix (if available)
Important: All levers remain frozen unless Frost Moon is active.
Lever Locations During Frost Moon
Once Frost Moon begins, you must pull three levers in the village.
- Behind the merchant area
- Behind a house near the Christmas tree
- On top of a house accessed by a ladder
After all three levers are pulled, the vault door will unlock.
Entering the Vault and Using Essences
Step inside the vault once it opens. Inside, you must:
- Pour Essence of Winter into one serpent statue
- Pour Essence of Star Frost into the second serpent statue
- Use the Ever Frost Key to unlock the inner door
This summons the Cryoshock Serpent encounter.
How to Catch the Cryoshock Serpent
The Cryoshock Serpent must be caught and added to your bestiary. Important tips:
- You cannot skip this step
- Failing the catch means retrying
- Strong rods and patience help, but skill matters more
Once caught, the final path will unlock.
Purchasing the Maelstrom Rod
After completing the Cryoshock Serpent bestiary:
- Cross the falling platforms carefully
- Reach the final shop platform
- Purchase the Maelstrom Rod for 3,250,000
Important Notes and Warnings
- The Maelstrom Rod is only available during Fischmas
- It cannot be unlocked after the event ends
- Missing Frost Moon or essences will delay progress
- Prepare all materials before activating Frost Moon to avoid wasting the event
Unlocking the Maelstrom Rod in Fisch is a long and demanding process, but it offers the best reward the Fischmas update has to give. Focus on completing Santa’s questline early, farm your essences in advance, and only start Frost Moon when everything is ready. If done correctly, you will walk away with the strongest rod in Fisch before the event disappears.