To get iron in Derelict on Roblox, you must raise your Mining skill to level 15 and head to the iron cave located in the Feeding Grounds. Iron ore nodes cannot be mined below Mining level 15 regardless of your pickaxe type, and smelting the ore into usable iron bars requires Crafting level 12.
Stat Requirements for Mining and Smelting Iron
Derelict gates resource gathering behind specific player skill levels rather than equipment alone. Before attempting to harvest or process iron, your character must meet specific milestone levels.
| Action / Item | Required Skill Level | Stat Requirements to Use | Materials Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mine Iron Ore | Mining Level 15 | None | Pickaxe |
| Smelt Iron Bar | Crafting Level 12 | None | 6 Iron Ore per bar |
| Equip Iron Dagger | None specified for crafting | Strength 13 | 2 Iron Bars (12 Iron Ore) |
If you have not yet reached Mining level 15, beginner walkthroughs recommend mining copper and tin deposits in the starting area around Gideon's Camp. Smelting those base metals into bronze and crafting bronze weapons (such as bronze swords) will simultaneously raise your Mining to 15 and your Crafting level to the required level 12.
How to Find the Iron Cave in Feeding Grounds
The primary location for harvesting iron ore is a cave situated in the Feeding Grounds. You can reach this zone after defeating the bridge guardian, Vagrant Sigvard (also referred to as Sigwart).
- Cross the stone bridge where you defeat Vagrant Sigvard to enter the Feeding Grounds.
- Follow the dirt path leading downward past the bridge.
- Look for large skeleton remains along the path and move past the left side of the bones rather than through them.
- Continue down the trail until you spot an open cave entrance along the rock wall on the right.
- Equip a lantern for visibility upon entering the cavern. The iron ore nodes and salt deposits are located deeper inside the tunnel.
A second player-documented entrance to the iron cave sits further in the zone near the giant snail encounters. Additionally, iron deposits can be gathered later in progression at the Subjugation Stronghold.
Smelting Iron Bars and Crafting Iron Gear
Once you collect raw iron ore, bring it to a smelter furnace to turn it into iron bars. Making 2 iron bars requires a total of 12 iron ore (a 6-to-1 conversion ratio). Smelting iron ore also grants Crafting experience, which players use to level up their crafting toward mid-game goals.
Iron bars unlock early-to-mid-game equipment upgrades:
- Iron Dagger: Forged at an anvil using 2 iron bars. Crafting the dagger does not have an elevated crafting skill requirement beyond making the bars, but wielding it requires 13 Strength. The weapon provides +52 Power, +12 Agility, 6 Range, and an Attack Speed of 1.8. It features the "Precise" skill, which increases damage by 30% on a riposte against paralyzed foes and inflicts 30% more stance break.
- Iron Tools and Weapons: Players can forge an iron pickaxe, iron axe, and iron sword once they have access to smelted iron.
- Steel Production: Later in progression, iron ore is combined with coal (harvested in Hollow's Pass) to forge steel bars, which are required for advanced weapons such as high-tier bows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What mining level do you need to mine iron in Derelict?
You need Mining level 15. The game checks your character's Mining skill rather than your pickaxe tier when attempting to break iron ore deposits.
How much iron ore is required for one iron bar?
Smelting requires 6 iron ore per iron bar, or 12 iron ore to make 2 iron bars at a smelter.
What crafting level do you need to smelt iron bars?
You must have Crafting level 12 to smelt iron bars.
Can iron ore be found outside of the Feeding Grounds?
Player gameplay confirms iron ore nodes also generate inside the Subjugation Stronghold area.
