Can You Buy Ores in Genshin Impact? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you can buy some ores in Genshin Impact, though not all of them. While the primary method of obtaining ores involves mining them from resource nodes scattered across the world of Teyvat, certain NPCs offer a convenient way to purchase specific ores, saving players time and effort. This feature is particularly helpful for those looking to quickly gather materials for crafting, forging, or character ascension. However, it’s crucial to note that the availability and types of ores sold are limited, making exploration and mining a still-essential aspect of the game.
Where Can You Buy Ores?
The primary location for purchasing ores is Liyue Harbor, specifically from two different merchants:
Shitou at the Jade Mystery
- Shitou is located slightly north of the Liyue Harbor’s alchemy booth.
- He sells a stock that refreshes every 3 days and includes:
- Iron Chunks
- White Iron Ore
- Noctilucous Jade
Changsun Near Mingxing Jewelry
- Changsun can be found slightly southeast of the Mingxing Jewelry store in Liyue Harbor, near some umbrellas and kites.
- She sells Cor Lapis.
Keep in mind that these merchants often sell limited quantities that refresh periodically, usually every few days. Therefore, while purchasing ores is a helpful supplement, it shouldn’t be relied upon as the only source for your mineral needs.
What Ores Cannot Be Bought?
While you can purchase some ores, it’s important to know what you cannot buy. This often includes some of the rarer or region-specific ores. For example:
- Crystal Chunks: These are primarily obtained by mining crystal ore deposits around the world. No vendor sells them.
- Starsilver Ore: Found exclusively in the Dragonspine region, Starsilver cannot be purchased from any merchant. Players must mine it or find it in chests.
- Archaic Stone: A rare ore found in The Chasm; it cannot be bought.
It is necessary to explore the world to get these materials.
Mining Ores: The Primary Source
Mining remains the most significant source for ores. Here’s how it works:
- Locate Ore Nodes: Ore nodes are easily identifiable in the game world by their sparkling appearance.
- Attack Nodes: Simply attack the nodes with your weapon until they break, releasing the ores.
- Use Claymores: Characters wielding claymores, like Diluc or Noelle, are particularly effective at breaking ore nodes quickly, saving time.
Understanding the respawn rates of these ore nodes is also essential for effective resource gathering:
- Iron Chunk deposits respawn every 24 hours.
- White Iron deposits respawn every 48 hours.
- Crystal Ore deposits respawn every 72 hours.
Why Buy Ores When You Can Mine?
While mining is the primary source, buying ores has several advantages:
- Convenience: Purchasing ores from vendors offers a quick way to get specific materials without spending time searching for resource nodes.
- Time-Saving: Especially useful when you need a specific ore urgently.
- Supplementation: Helps top-off your supply when you are short of a particular ore, bridging the gap between respawn times.
However, the limited quantities and refresh rates mean it cannot replace mining entirely, but it significantly helps in resource management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Which ores can I buy from Shitou in Liyue Harbor?
Shitou sells Iron Chunks, White Iron Ore, and Noctilucous Jade.
2. How often does Shitou’s shop restock?
Shitou’s shop restocks every 3 days.
3. Who sells Cor Lapis in Liyue Harbor?
Changsun, located near Mingxing Jewelry, sells Cor Lapis.
4. Is it worth buying ores when I can just mine them?
Purchasing is beneficial when you need a quick supply boost or want to save time, but it shouldn’t replace the act of mining as the primary method of ore acquisition.
5. Can I buy Crystal Chunks from any merchant?
No, Crystal Chunks cannot be purchased. You must mine them from ore deposits.
6. Where can I find Starsilver Ore? Can I buy it?
Starsilver Ore is found exclusively in Dragonspine, and it cannot be bought from any vendor.
7. What is the respawn time for Iron Chunk deposits?
Iron Chunk deposits respawn every 24 hours.
8. How often do White Iron deposits respawn?
White Iron deposits respawn every 48 hours.
9. How long does it take for Crystal Ore deposits to respawn?
Crystal Ore deposits respawn every 72 hours.
10. What is the rarest ore in Genshin Impact?
Archaic Stone, found in The Chasm, is considered a rare ore but it also cannot be purchased.
11. Which characters are most effective at mining ore deposits?
Characters wielding claymores, such as Diluc or Noelle, are very effective at breaking ore deposits quickly.
12. Can I purchase any rare ascension materials?
Some materials like Cor Lapis can be purchased, but many other ascension materials cannot be bought.
13. How can I get the Snow-Tombed Starsilver Claymore?
The Snow-Tombed Starsilver can be obtained by completing a hidden objective in Dragonspine or by forging it at the Blacksmith.
14. Is there any way to buy Glaze Lilies?
Glaze Lilies can be purchased from Ms. Bai for a high price of 50,000 Mora each.
15. Which characters use Cor Lapis for their ascension?
Chongyun, Keqing, and Zhongli all use Cor Lapis for their ascension.
Conclusion
While mining remains the primary method for gathering ores, the ability to buy certain ores from vendors in Genshin Impact provides a valuable shortcut for players looking to quickly obtain necessary materials. By understanding which ores are available for purchase, where to find these merchants, and the respawn times of ore deposits, players can optimize their resource gathering and make the most of their time in Teyvat. Remember that exploration and mining will always be essential, so continue to comb the world for those rare materials you cannot buy!