The latest Fish It update has introduced a brand-new fishing rod called the Withering Rod. Unlike most rods that can be purchased directly with in-game currency, this one requires players to complete a special questline and gather several rare crafting materials.
The Withering Rod is tied to a mysterious ancient artifact discovered beneath Copper Canyon. To unlock it, players must explore The Mines, complete multiple quest stages, and collect unique components that become available as they progress.
If you’re looking to add this rare rod to your collection, here’s everything you need to know.
How to Start the Withering Rod Quest
The first step is traveling to The Mines, one of the newest areas added in the update. Once you arrive, locate and speak with Blacksmith Null. This NPC serves as the main quest giver for the Withering Rod and will guide you through the entire crafting process.
It is important to talk to Blacksmith Null before farming any materials. Certain quest rewards and item drops are locked behind progression requirements, meaning they won’t appear until you complete the earlier stages.
Materials Needed for the Withering Rod
To craft the Withering Rod, you’ll need to collect three special components:
- 1x Withering Reel
- 1x Withering Handle
- 1x Withering Core
These items cannot be obtained all at once. Each component becomes available after completing specific parts of the questline.
Part 1: How to Get the Withering Reel
The first objective is obtaining the Withering Reel.
After speaking with Blacksmith Null, you’ll begin the opening stage of the quest. Completing the required tasks will reward you with the Withering Reel and unlock the next phase of progression.
Since this is the starting material, most players should focus entirely on finishing Part 1 before worrying about the remaining components.
Part 2: How to Get the Withering Handle
Once the first stage is complete, you’ll gain access to the Withering Handle.
Unlike the Withering Reel, this item is not obtained through a direct quest reward. Instead, it can only be found inside Sunken Treasure Chests scattered throughout the game.
This means you’ll need to spend time searching for underwater treasure chests and opening them until the Withering Handle appears.
Keep in mind that the item will not be available from treasure chests until Part 1 has been completed.
Part 3: How to Get the Withering Core
The final component needed is the Withering Core.
This material only becomes available after both the Withering Reel and Withering Handle have been acquired.
Unlike the previous component, the Withering Core is obtained through fishing rather than treasure hunting. Players will need to cast their lines and continue fishing until they successfully obtain the item.
Because it serves as the final crafting material, many players expect it to be one of the rarest drops in the questline.
How to Craft the Withering Rod
After gathering all three required materials, return to Blacksmith Null in The Mines.
Make sure you have:
- 1x Withering Reel
- 1x Withering Handle
- 1x Withering Core
Once all requirements are met, interact with the crafting system and complete the process to receive your Withering Rod.
Tips to Complete the Quest Faster
Since the Withering Rod quest follows a strict progression path, following a few simple tips can save a lot of time.
Follow the Quest Order
Always complete objectives in the order given by Blacksmith Null. Skipping steps can prevent future materials from becoming available.
Finish Part 1 Quickly
The sooner you obtain the Withering Reel, the sooner you’ll unlock access to the remaining materials.
Farm Sunken Treasure Chests Regularly
The Withering Handle only comes from treasure chests, so make chest hunting part of your routine after unlocking Part 2.
Use Your Best Fishing Rod
When farming for the Withering Core, stronger rods can help improve efficiency and make the grind easier.
Explore The Mines Thoroughly
Several clues and quest-related elements are located throughout The Mines, making exploration worthwhile during the questline.
Is the Withering Rod Worth Getting?
The Withering Rod stands out from many other rods because of the effort required to obtain it. Instead of simply purchasing it with coins, players must complete a multi-stage quest and collect rare materials through different gameplay activities.
For collectors and dedicated anglers, the quest offers a rewarding challenge that encourages exploration, treasure hunting, and fishing.
The Withering Rod is one of the most interesting additions in the latest Fish It update. To unlock it, players must visit The Mines, speak with Blacksmith Null, and collect three special crafting materials: the Withering Reel, Withering Handle, and Withering Core.
Although the process takes time, completing the questline rewards you with a unique rod that showcases your progress through the new content. If you’re planning to tackle the latest update, make sure to start the quest as soon as possible and begin gathering the required materials.