Progress in the Fisch Fischmas update can be halted by hidden mechanics, and finding the three levers to open the Fischmas underground vault is a crucial step. This vault is the only way to access the Cryoshock Serpent and advance toward obtaining the powerful Maelstrom Rod. This guide will show you exactly where to find all levers and the essential condition you must meet to activate them.
The Essential Requirement: Activate the Frost Moon
Before you search for any levers, you must meet one non-negotiable condition: The Frost Moon must be active.
Why? The levers are frozen and cannot be pulled unless the Frost Moon is lighting up the sky in Fischmas.
The levers will re-freeze once the Frost Moon event ends, so you must pull all three within its duration.
How to Activate It: You can trigger the Frost Moon by using a Frost Moon Totem. Alternatively, wait for a natural Frost Moon event or use a Weather Matrix if available in the game.
Do not attempt to find the levers without the Frost Moon active, as you will not be able to interact with them.
Fischmas Lever Locations: All Three Spots
All three levers are located within Fischmas Village. You must find and pull all of them to fully open the underground vault door.
Lever #1: Behind the Main Merchant Building
This is the most straightforward lever to find.
Go to the main merchant building in the village.
Walk around to the backside of the building.
Look on the rear wall; the lever will be clearly mounted there.
Lever #2: Behind the House Near the Christmas Tree
This lever is easy to miss if you only check the front of buildings.
Locate the house situated near the large Christmas Tree and greenhouse.
Go to the back area of this house (the side opposite the main entrance).
Search along the back wall or foundation to find the second lever.
Lever #3: On the Rooftop (Most Missed Lever)
This is the lever players most often overlook, but it is mandatory.
Go to the same house where you found Lever #2.
On the side of the house, you will find a ladder leading to the rooftop. Climb up.
Once on the roof, carefully navigate to the left-side section of the rooftop.
Search this area to find the third and final lever.
Important: You must pull all three levers while the Frost Moon is active. The underground vault will not open if you miss even one.
What’s Next? Accessing Cryoshock Serpent & Maelstrom Rod
After successfully pulling all three levers during the Frost Moon:
The Fischmas underground vault door will now be open.
Enter the vault to access the chamber containing the Cryoshock Serpent boss.
Defeating or interacting with the Cryoshock Serpent is a critical step to continue your progression on the questline that eventually leads to obtaining the Maelstrom Rod weapon.
FAQ: Fischmas Levers and Vault
Q: Why can’t I pull the levers in Fischmas?
A: You can only pull the levers when the Frost Moon is active. If they are frozen, you need to activate the Frost Moon using a Totem or wait for the event.
Q: I found only two levers. Where is the third?
A: The third lever is most commonly missed on the rooftop of the house near the Christmas Tree. Use the ladder on the side of that house to climb up and check the left side of the roof.
Q: Does the vault stay open forever after I pull the levers?
A: The vault should remain open for your character after the initial unlock. However, the levers themselves may re-freeze after the Frost Moon ends, requiring the event to be active again if you need to pull them for any reason.
Q: Is opening the vault necessary for the Maelstrom Rod?
A: Yes. Opening the Fischmas underground vault is a mandatory step to reach the Cryoshock Serpent, which is part of the essential progression path toward obtaining the Maelstrom Rod.
Q: Can I open the vault without the Frost Moon using glitches?
A: This guide covers the intended game mechanics. The designed method requires the Frost Moon. Relying on unintended glitches may break your quest progression.
Conclusion
Opening the Fischmas underground vault is a straightforward but precise task. The key is to first ensure the Frost Moon is active. Then, systematically find all three Fischmas lever locations: behind the main shop, behind the house near the Christmas tree, and on that same house’s rooftop. Missing a single lever or attempting this outside the Frost Moon will block your progress. By following this guide, you’ll gain access to the Cryoshock Serpent and continue your journey toward powerful endgame gear like the Maelstrom Rod.