Okay, fellow Travelers, let's talk about the Fleuve Cendre Ferryman sword! 🗡️🔥 As a day-one Genshin player who's grinded more fish than a Liyue chef, I have to tell you – this 4-star weapon is an absolute game-changer for F2P players. Seriously, it dropped back in the 4.0 update (August 2024, feels like yesterday!), and it's STILL one of the most accessible yet powerful swords you can snag without spending a single Primogem. No quests, no gacha, just... fish. Lots and lots of fish. But trust me, seeing that Energy Recharge boost on your sub-DPS feels like finding an oasis in Sumeru's desert. Let's dive in!

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🎣 Step 1: Find the Fishmonger NPC (Delaroche)

First things first – you gotta meet Delaroche. She's not hanging out in the fancy Fontaine court; nah, she's chillin' like a true angler on a ruined island east of Fontaine proper, literally fishing off the edge. Spotting her feels like finding a hidden Electroculus behind a waterfall! Just teleport to the nearest waypoint and glide over. Talk to her to see her "shop," which is basically a fish-for-goodies exchange program. Her main attraction? Yup, the Fleuve Cendre Ferryman.

🐟 Step 2: The Great Fish Hunt (Bait & Locations)

Here's where the real grind begins. Delaroche demands a very specific seafood platter:

Fish Required Quantity Bait Needed Rarity Level
Maintenance Mek: Platinum Collection 4x Flashing Maintenance Mek Bait ★★★★☆ (Super Rare!)
Rippling Heartfeather Bass 10x Sour Bait ★★★☆☆
Blazing Heartfeather Bass 10x Sour Bait ★★★☆☆
Streaming Axe Marlin 12x Sugardew Bait ★★★☆☆

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Protips from a Fishing Veteran:

  • Craft Bait FIRST! You can't just use any worm. Hit up crafting benches:

  • Sour Bait: 1x Berry + 1x Horsetail (for Basses)

  • Sugardew Bait: 1x Sugardew Fruit + 1x Wheat (for Marlins)

  • Flashing Maintenance Mek Bait: 1x Iron Chunk + 1x Luminescent Spine (THIS is the Mek magnet!)

  • Patience is Key: These fish spawn in specific pools. The Platinum Meks? They're rarer than a polite Fatui agent. Check spots near Fontaine Research Institute ruins!

  • Time Cycles Matter: Some fish only appear day/night. If a spot's empty, open Paimon Menu → Adjust Time → Try again! ⏰

⚔️ Step 3: Claim Your Sword & Unleash Its Power!

Trade your hard-earned fish haul to Delaroche. Congrats! You now hold the Fleuve Cendre Ferryman! Let's break down why it's worth the effort:

Base Stats (Lvl 1):

  • Base ATK: 42

  • Substat: Energy Recharge +10.0% (HUGE for burst-reliant characters!)

Passive Skill - "Ironbone":

  • Boosts Elemental Skill CRIT Rate by 8%.

  • After using an Elemental Skill, Energy Recharge increases by 16% for 5s.

This sword turns characters like Xingqiu, Kaeya, or even Traveler (Hydro/Electro) into elemental burst MACHINES. Imagine spamming bursts like throwing confetti at a Mondstadt festival! 🎉

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🔝 Maximizing Your Ferryman: Ascension & Who Wields It Best

Don't let it sit at Lvl 20! Ascend it using Fontaine local specialties:

  • Ascension Materials:

  • Tidalga / Transoceanic Chunks (Fontaine enemies)

  • Mesmerizing Spring Water (Fontaine domain drops)

  • Newborn Phantasmal Cores (Fontaine bosses)

Best Users (2025 Meta):

  1. Xingqiu: ER substat + Skill CRIT boost? PERFECT for his rain swords. It’s like giving a librarian rocket boosters! 🚀📚

  2. Kaeya: Freeze teams love the extra ER and skill crits. His icy slashes become sharper than a Snezhnayan diplomat's tongue.

  3. Lumine/Aether (Hydro): Surprisingly solid! Great for F2P Traveler mains exploring Fontaine.

❓FAQ: Burning Questions Answered!

Q: Is this better than "The Catch" (polearm) for Energy Recharge?

A: Different weapon type! But for swords, its ER passive is top-tier for F2P. Think of it as "The Catch's" edgy sword cousin.

Q: I HATE fishing! Is there ANY shortcut?

A: Sorry, comrade. No shortcuts. Grinding for this sword is like trying to teach a Ruin Guard ballet – tedious but oddly satisfying when done. 💃🕺

Q: Can I refine it? How?

A: YES! Refinement materials are... more fish. Each refinement level boosts the CRIT Rate and ER% further. Delaroche is your only source!

Q: Is it worth for Ayaka/Hydro DPS?

A: For main DPS like Ayaka, weapons like Amenoma Kageuchi might edge out. But for sub-DPS/support? ABSOLUTELY. It’s like swapping a rowboat for a Fontaine speedboat! ⛵💨

So there you have it! Grab your rods, craft that bait, and go make Delaroche proud. That sword isn't just a weapon; it's a badge of honor proving you braved Teyvat's waters. Now go unleash some torrential fury! 💦✨

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