Pickaxe Progression Guide
From Copper to Arcane. The optimal upgrade path to break every rock, maximize ore yield, and conquer the depths of The Forge.
Mining Damage Limitations
Why your starter pickaxe stops working.
In The Forge, rocks have a hidden "Armor" value. If your Pickaxe's Mine Power is lower than the rock's requirement, you simply cannot mine it. Upgrading isn't just about speed—it's about access.
Best Early Investments
Starter -> Iron Pickaxe
Skip the Wooden/Stone upgrades if you can. Rush for the Iron Pickaxe ($500) at Miner Fred's. It's the first tool that feels efficient for basic copper/iron runs.
Stonewake's Pickaxe
$3,333The undisputed king of early game. It sacrifices Speed (-30%) for raw 33 Mine Power.
- Breaks the 16 DMG barrier for Forgotten Kingdom entry.
- Much cheaper than Cobalt ($5000+).
- Allows early farming of Rare minerals.
Cobalt Pickaxe (Optional)
Once you reach the Forgotten Kingdom, the Cobalt Pickaxe is the entry-level local tool. It removes the speed penalty of Stonewake's, but many players skip it to save for endgame.
The Endgame Choice
When you have the money, only two pickaxes matter. Choose your path.
Arcane Pickaxe
Best for finding Galaxite and Uranium. If you want rare drops, this is the only choice.
Demonic Pickaxe
Instantly destroys any rock, including Volcanic Rock. Best for pure speed farming of common resources and XP.