Cool Steel is a reliable and accessible 3-star sword weapon in Genshin Impact, tailored for adventurers who face Hydro and Cryo foes during their travels. With an ATK% secondary stat and a passive that increases damage against water- and ice-affected enemies, Cool Steel represents an efficient early-game option for many sword users exploring the world of Teyvat. In this evergreen guide, discover everything you need to know about Cool Steel, including how to obtain it, its stats, suitable characters, ideal builds, and more.
Everything You Need to Know About Cool Steel in Genshin Impact
Weapon Type and Rarity
- Type: Sword
- Rarity: 3-star (★★★)
- Series: Bane Series
- Origin: Mondstadt
How to Obtain Cool Steel
- Wish: Common drop from all major weapon and character banners in the gacha system
- Exploration: Frequently found in Exquisite or higher chests throughout the Mondstadt region
- NPC Reward: Obtainable through dialogue with the NPC Harry at Stormbearer Point
Due to its 3-star rarity, most players will acquire multiple Cool Steel copies early on, easing refinement progress with little grind required.
Base Stats and Weapon Progression
- Base ATK at Level 1: 39
- Base ATK at Level 90: 401
- ATK% at Level 1: 7.7%
- ATK% at Level 90: 35.2%
Cool Steel’s ATK% bonus scales decently for early-game sword users, boosting direct attack power for both skills and normal attacks.
Unique Passive: Bane of Water and Ice
- Effect: Increases DMG against opponents affected by Hydro or Cryo by 12% (Refinement 1)
- Effect at Max Refinement (5): Increases DMG by 24%
The passive is highly situational – its value shines when fighting Hydro or Cryo enemies, or in team comps that apply these elements reliably (such as freeze teams).
Ascension Materials
To fully ascend Cool Steel, players need the following:
- Mora (up to 150,000 total)
- Regional weapon ascension materials from Mondstadt
- Enemy and monster drops found throughout Teyvat
This mirrors the ascension process for most early-game swords, making Cool Steel easy to level.
Recommended Characters and Usage
Any sword user can wield Cool Steel, but its true potential is unlocked in teams or domains populated with Hydro or Cryo enemies. Some effective pairings include:
- Kaeya: Synergizes well with Hydro supports like Xingqiu for continual freeze uptime
- Kamisato Ayaka: Early-game alternative before acquiring 4- or 5-star swords; works well in freeze teams
- Traveler (Anemo/Geo/Dendro/Electro): Useful for early domains or quests against Hydro/Cryo foes
Cool Steel is best suited for physical or basic ATK builds, since its ATK% sub-stat and situational damage bonus bolster such playstyles.
Team Synergy and Compositions
Cool Steel’s passive becomes especially valuable in:
- Freeze Teams: Combine with Hydro applicators like Barbara or Xingqiu to ensure enemies stay affected by Cryo/Hydro, maximizing Cool Steel’s bonus in extended fights.
- Domains with Hydro/Cryo Foes: Running sword DPS against enemies that remain wet or frozen can provide a steady DPS boost.
- Melt Comps: Take advantage of Cryo application, then follow up with Pyro for melt reactions while benefiting from Cool Steel’s bonus (when the enemy is still Cryo-affected).
Strengths and Limitations
- Pros:
- High availability and ease of refinement
- Straightforward stat focus (ATK%)
- Excellent for early-game Hydro/Cryo content
- Cons:
- Situational passive with limited versatility
- Low base ATK compared to 4-star or event swords
- Outclassed by other free weapons as you progress
For advanced players, consider transitioning to swords like Iron Sting, Prototype Rancour, or gacha-exclusive 4-star or 5-star weapons for more substantial long-term gains.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions about Cool Steel in Genshin Impact
What is Cool Steel in Genshin Impact?
Cool Steel is a 3-star sword weapon with an ATK% substat and a passive that increases damage against Hydro- and Cryo-affected enemies. It is widely available as an early- and mid-game weapon.
How can I obtain Cool Steel?
You can get Cool Steel from the gacha “Wish” system, Exquisite or higher chests in Mondstadt, and from NPC dialogue rewards like Harry at Stormbearer Point.
Which characters are best for Cool Steel?
Any sword user can equip Cool Steel, but it’s especially fitting for Kaeya, Ayaka (early game), and the Traveler during content with Hydro or Cryo enemies, or in freeze team compositions.
What is the passive ability of Cool Steel?
The passive, Bane of Water and Ice, increases your damage by 12% (at base refinement) against opponents affected by Hydro or Cryo. This effect reaches 24% at refinement level 5.
Is Cool Steel good for DPS roles?
Cool Steel provides some DPS benefit in freeze or Hydro/Cryo-heavy scenarios, but is generally considered a C-tier DPS weapon and is quickly outclassed by high-rarity alternatives.
What materials are needed to ascend Cool Steel?
You need Mora, Mondstadt weapon materials, and common enemy drops to ascend Cool Steel through its six phases up to level 90.
Is Cool Steel a good endgame weapon?
No, Cool Steel is outclassed by 4-star and 5-star swords in late game. It’s best used as a temporary, early-game weapon while building up your arsenal.
Can I refine Cool Steel easily?
Yes, since it is a 3-star weapon, you’ll frequently receive duplicates that allow quick max refinement at little cost.
Does Cool Steel work with elemental reaction teams?
It specifically benefits freeze, melt, and vaporize teams that consistently apply Hydro or Cryo, but offers little advantage in pure Pyro, Electro, or Geo compositions.
Where can I find more guides about Cool Steel?
For more details, you can visit the Genshin Impact Wiki, GameWith, or the Fextralife database for continuously updated community tips and technical data.
What weapons should I replace Cool Steel with?
Once available, upgrade to weapons like Iron Sting for elemental mastery, Prototype Rancour for physical damage, or any 4-star/5-star sword suited to your character’s build and playstyle.
