Reel ‘Em In: Your No-Nonsense Guide to Catching Rusty Koi in Genshin Impact
So, you’re looking for Rusty Koi in Genshin Impact? Let’s get straight to it. You want “The Catch” polearm. Those slippery Rusty Koi are in your way. Don’t worry, we all stare at the water, wondering if fish exist in Teyvat. Spoiler: they do. We’ll help you catch them.
First Things First: Becoming a Genshin Angler
Before bait and fishing spots, unlock the fishing system. It isn’t complex. You just have a few steps to take.
- Get Your Serenitea Pot: Complete the Liyue Archon Quests. This unlocks your personal realm, the Serenitea Pot. It’s your customizable digital dollhouse, with fishing prerequisites.
- “Exploding Population” Quest: After you have your Pot, look for the “Exploding Population” quest. Completing this quest is your ticket into Genshin fishing. Think of it as your fishing license.
Rusty Koi Hotspots: Where to Cast Your Line
Got your fishing rod ready? Let’s discuss locations. Rusty Koi don’t swim everywhere. They prefer specific spots. Here’s the intel you need:
- Cider Lake (Mondstadt): A reliable classic lake in Mondstadt.
- Wangshu Inn (Liyue): West of the Inn, there’s a wooden walkway near a shack. That’s your spot.
- Guili Plains – Mingyun Village Bridge (Liyue): Cast your line from this bridge connecting Guili Plains and Mingyun Village.
- Luhua Pool (Liyue): Pretty Luhua Pool also hosts Rusty Koi.
- Koseki Village – Seikai Island (Inazuma): Teleport to the Statue of the Seven on Seikai Island. Rusty Koi are nearby.
Baiting the Hook: Fake Fly Formula
You wouldn’t go to a fancy restaurant in pajamas, right? Similarly, you can’t catch Rusty Koi with any old bait. They’re picky and prefer Fake Fly Bait.
This bait lures in Rusty Koi plus Golden Koi, Pufferfish, and Rays. Very versatile bait.
Crafting the Perfect Fake Fly: A Recipe for Success
How do you become a Fake Fly Bait craftsman? You’ll need the recipe first. It’s not locked behind a secret quest.
- Talk to Nantuck in Mondstadt: Find him. He represents the Mondstadt Fishing Association. Think of him as your bait dealer.
- Trade Medaka for the Formula: Nantuck sells the Fake Fly Bait formula for 3 Medaka fish. A small investment for your fishing future.
Medaka? They’re common and can be found in:
- Cider Lake (Mondstadt)
- Stormbearer Mountains (Mondstadt)
- Stormterror’s Lair (Mondstadt)
- Windrise (Mondstadt)
- Dragonspine (Mondstadt)
- Mt. Aocang (Liyue)
- Dihua Marsh (Liyue)
- Southwest of Qingce Village (Liyue)
- Nantianmen (Liyue)
- Tianqiu Valley (Liyue)
After getting the formula, gather crafting materials:
- Sakura Bloom: Found on Narukami Island in Inazuma, especially near the Grand Narukami Shrine. Use an Electro skill on floating petals to collect them.
- Horsetail: Located in shallow waters of Liyue. Check between northern Dihua Marsh and Stone Gate. Some can also be found in Guili Plains.
Timing is Everything: When Rusty Koi Come Out to Play
Rusty Koi are nocturnal or follow in-game time. Don’t expect them at midday. They appear only between 18:00 and 06:00 in-game time. Set your in-game clock and grab a nighttime snack. Prepare for fishing under the stars.
“The Catch” Polearm: Your Rusty Koi Reward
You’ve caught Rusty Koi. Now what? If you’re like most hunters, you want “The Catch” polearm. This weapon rewards your fishing efforts, and it’s quite good.
To get “The Catch,” find Kujirai Momiji. She’s near Inazuma City. Talk to her to trade your fish for the polearm and materials.
For “The Catch,” you need:
- 20 Rusty Koi
- 20 Golden Koi
- 6 Raimei Angelfish
Golden Koi and Raimei Angelfish: Rusty Koi’s Buddies (and Requirements)
You see Golden Koi and Raimei Angelfish in the exchange list? Let’s cover them fast since you need them too.
Golden Koi:
- Bait: They also love Fake Fly Bait.
- Location: They share fishing spots with Rusty Koi (Cider Lake, Wangshu Inn, Guili Plains, Luhua Pool, Koseki Village).
- Time: Unlike Rusty Koi, Golden Koi are daytime fish. They spawn from 06:00 to 18:00 in-game time. Fish for Golden Koi by day and Rusty Koi by night.
Raimei Angelfish:
- Bait: Requires False Worm Bait.
- Obtaining False Worm Bait Formula: Nantuck in Mondstadt sells the formula for more Medaka fish.
- False Worm Bait Materials: You need Slime Condensate and Berry to craft it.
- Location: Raimei Angelfish are east of Tatarasuna in Inazuma. Find them at a shipwreck area protected by an Electro barrier.
- Time: Raimei Angelfish, like Rusty Koi, are nighttime fish, appearing from 18:00 to 06:00 in-game time.
Pufferfish: Another Fake Fly Fan
Pufferfish also go for Fake Fly Bait. They spawn at night (18:00 – 06:00) and appear in various locations, sometimes with Rusty Koi. Plus, they’re needed for crafting certain items, a bonus catch.
Final Cast
There you have it! Your no-nonsense guide to catching Rusty Koi and getting “The Catch” polearm. You’re armed with knowledge of locations, bait, and timing. Go forth, cast your line, and reel in those treasures! Happy fishing!