How to Craft and Use Black Steel Gear

Black Steel is the mod's mid-to-high tier metal, used for a full tool and weapon set plus the Black Steel Targe shield.

Getting Black Steel

Black Steel Ingots are smelted or crafted from Black Steel Nuggets, which drop from Cataclysm mobs and structures. Farm Draugr, Elite Draugr, and Aptrgangr in the mod's dungeons — they are the most reliable source of nuggets. Nine nuggets combine into an ingot.

What to Craft First

Priority order for most players: Black Steel Sword, then Black Steel Pickaxe, then Black Steel Targe. The sword outdamages diamond and the Targe blocks a wide arc, which matters against projectile-heavy bosses like the Ender Guardian. Black Steel Axe, Shovel, and Hoe round out the set for utility.

Using Black Steel Effectively

Black Steel gear has strong durability but is not unbreakable — bring an anvil and ingots on long dungeon runs. The Targe pairs well with the Ancient Spear or Black Steel Sword in the main hand. Do not waste Black Steel on hoes or shovels until you have spare ingots; save them for weapons and armor-tier gear first.