Pickaxe Progression Guide
The optimal upgrade path from starter pickaxe to endgame mining power. Learn which pickaxes to buy, which to skip, and how to unlock the secret Arcane Pickaxe!
Quick Summary
This guide shows you the most efficient pickaxe upgrade path, helping you save money by skipping unnecessary purchases.
- Island 1: Bronze → Iron → Stonewakes Pickaxe (skip Gold & Platinum)
- Island 2: Cobalt → Mithril Pickaxe (skip Titanium, Uranium, Lightite)
- Endgame: Arcane Pickaxe (requires Bard quest)
Island 1 Progression
Bronze Pickaxe
Your first upgrade from the starter pickaxe. Cheap and necessary to start mining basic ores efficiently.
Location: Miner Fred's Shop - Island 1 Spawn
Iron Pickaxe
A solid early upgrade. Use this while saving up for the Stonewakes Pickaxe in the cave.
Location: Miner Fred's Shop - Island 1 Spawn
Gold Pickaxe
Not worth the investment. The Stonewakes Pickaxe in the cave has better stats for a similar price point. Save your money!
Platinum Pickaxe
Skip this entirely. The Stonewakes Pickaxe costs only $833 more but has significantly better stats.
Stonewakes Pickaxe
The best pickaxe on Island 1! Located inside the cave. This is your last purchase before moving to Island 2. Use this while grinding to unlock Island 2.
Location: Inner Cave - Island 1 (Go down, turn left, then forward)
Unlocking Island 2
To access Island 2, you need to:
- Complete the quest "End of the Beginning" (tutorial quest)
- Reach Level 10
Island 2 Progression
Cobalt Pickaxe
Your first Island 2 purchase. Really good stats for the price. Don't waste runes on this - save them for better pickaxes later.
Location: Pickaxe Shop - Island 2 (Turn left from spawn)
Titanium Pickaxe
You can skip this if you're patient. The jump from Cobalt ($10K) to Mithril ($67.5K) is big, so only buy Titanium if you're really struggling to save up.
Mithril Pickaxe
Worth the grind! This pickaxe will carry you until you can afford the Arcane Pickaxe. Skip directly from Cobalt to this.
Location: Pickaxe Shop - Island 2
Uranium Pickaxe
Skip this completely. Save your money for the Arcane Pickaxe instead - it's much better value.
Lightite Pickaxe
Don't buy this! The Arcane Pickaxe has better stats and is obtained through a quest, not purchased.
Endgame - Arcane Pickaxe
Arcane Pickaxe
One of the best pickaxes in the game! Requires completing the Bard's Guitar quest to unlock the secret area. The 50% luck boost and 3 rune slots make this incredibly powerful. Max it out with luck runes!
Location: Secret Cave Area - Island 1 (Requires Bard's Key)
How to Unlock the Arcane Pickaxe
Complete the Bard's Guitar quest to get the key that unlocks the secret area.
- Go to Island 1 and find the Bard at the campfire near spawn
- Talk to him - he'll ask you to find his lost guitar
- Enter the cave on Island 1
- Turn left immediately after entering
- Look in the grassy area - the guitar is hidden there
- Return the guitar to the Bard to receive the Secret Key
- Go back into the cave and head forward, then right
- Find the locked door with two lanterns on the sides
- Use the key to unlock the door and access the Arcane Pickaxe vendor
Money Making Tips
How to Save Up Faster
- Sell old pickaxes - Once you upgrade, sell your previous pickaxe for extra cash
- Check your Index - Press T or click the backpack, then Index. Claim rewards for discovering new ores, enemies, and forged items
- Do quests - Talk to all NPCs! Captain Rowan and the Masked Stranger give good quests
- Monkey Banana Quest - On Island 2, swim to the back island with the monkey. Collect 30 bananas (1/30 chance in Island 1 cave) for 10-15K reward!
- Mine in Ruin Cave - Use the cannon at Island 2 spawn to reach the cave with better ores
- Forge and sell - Craft weapons/armor and sell them, or sell raw ores at Greedy Cey's shop
Complete Progression Summary
| Pickaxe | Price | Location | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $50 | Island 1 - Fred's Shop | Buy |
| Iron | $250 | Island 1 - Fred's Shop | Buy |
| Gold | $1,000 | Island 1 - Fred's Shop | Skip |
| Platinum | $2,500 | Island 1 - Fred's Shop | Skip |
| Stonewakes | $3,333 | Island 1 - Inner Cave | Buy |
| Cobalt | $10,000 | Island 2 - Pickaxe Shop | Buy |
| Titanium | $22,500 | Island 2 - Pickaxe Shop | Optional |
| Mithril | $67,500 | Island 2 - Pickaxe Shop | Buy |
| Uranium | $150,000 | Island 2 - Pickaxe Shop | Skip |
| Lightite | $300,000 | Island 2 - Pickaxe Shop | Skip |
| Arcane | $250,000 | Island 1 - Secret Cave | Best |
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