Terraria (Wiki): Iron Shortsword
In this page, you will learn everything about the Iron Shortsword. That includes how the weapon works, ways of obtaining, some useful tips and tricks for maximized efficiency, and more.
Everything you need to know
General Information

The Iron Shortsword is an ore-based shortsword that deals damage to enemies. Upon character creation (Journey), an Iron Shortsword will spawn in the player's inventory (desktop, mobile, console, old-gen consoles).
The Iron Shortsword, like other shortswords, has limited range and stabs in any direction (desktop, mobile, console) / horizontally in front of the player instead of an arc (3DS, old-gen consoles).
Combat-wise, the Iron Shortsword is somewhat effective against weaker fighter-type enemies because of its high attack. However, it is useless against flying or jumping enemies because of its weak knockback and range.
The Iron Shortsword is best modified with Legendary to improve all stats.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Iron Shortsword
Strengths
- Easy to obtain.
- Great for slime-hunting.
- Effective to weaker enemies.
Weaknesses
- Short range.
- Least effective in combat.
- Better broadswords exist for waves of enemies.
How to get the Iron Shortsword
At an Iron Anvil or Lead Anvil, craft Iron Bar (6 (desktop, mobile, console) / Iron Bar (7 (3DS, old-gen consoles) to create an Iron Shortsword. It can be crafted as early as Pre-Hardmode.
Stats & Attributes of the Iron Shortsword
Related Items