Your pickaxe is the heart of your progress in The Forge. It decides how fast you mine, which ores you can reach, and how often you pull rare drops. Upgrading your pickaxe improves mining efficiency and helps you access rarer ores. This guide provides an overview of pickaxe progression based on current verified information.
Progress from basic to advanced pickaxes by purchasing upgrades from shops or completing quests in areas like Stonewake's Cross, Forgotten Kingdom, and new zones such as Frostspire Expanse and Volcanic Depths. Verified stats, costs, and rune slot details are now available from community sources.
Ore Mining Requirements
| Ore/Node | Min Mine Power | Zone |
|---|---|---|
| Basalt Veins | ~100+ | Volcanic areas |
| Volcanic Rock | ~200+ | Volcanic Crater/Depths |
| Ice/High-tier | 500+ damage equiv. | Frostspire/World 3 |
Pickaxe Progression and Usage
Pickaxes upgrade mining efficiency for rarer ores; specific stats are now documented by the community. For example:
- Iron Pickaxe: Basic starter upgrade, available early, low Mine Power ~10-20, Cost ~$150-$500.
- Bronze Pickaxe: Mine Power ~30-50, Cost $150, quick early buy before skipping to better.
- Stonewake’s Pickaxe: Early rune slots unlock, foundation for mid-game, available in Stonewake’s Cross/Cave
. - Snow Pickaxe: Mine Power 320, Mining Speed +10%, Luck Boost +58%, Rune Slots 3, Cost $750,000, available at Miner Fred’s Shop in Frostspire Expanse.
- Void Pickaxe: Mine Power 550, Mining Speed -5%, Luck Boost 68%, Rune Slots 3, Cost 1.35 million.
- Dinosaur Pickaxe: 320 damage, faster attack speed comparable to Void.
- Demonic Pickaxe: Mine Power 175, Luck +47.5%-51%, Rune Slots 3, Cost $500,000, found in Volcanic Depths
. - Arcane Pickaxe: Mine Power 115, Mining Speed +10%, Luck +50%, Rune Slots 3, Cost $125,000, available in Fallen Angel’s Cave
. - Mythril Pickaxe: Mine Power 80, Luck +55%, Rune Slots 2, Cost $67,500.
- Gold Pickaxe: Mine Power 25, Luck +24%, Cost $3,500.
- Prismatic Pickaxe: Top-tier, Mine Power 650, Mining Speed +20%, Luck +72%, Rune Slots 4, requires World 3 quests/selling prior pickaxes.
- Tungsten Pickaxe: World 3 high-tier, unlocked via quests.
- Aqua Pickaxe: Progression after Bronze, key for mid-World 3.
- Mist Pickaxe: Unlocked after quest 5, skippable.
- Frost Pickaxe: Unlocked after quest 7.
Upgrade via shops or quests in areas like Stonewake's Cross, Forgotten Kingdom, Frostspire Expanse, and Volcanic Crater. Island 3/World 3 quests require higher-tier pickaxes.
Progression Path
Progress by buying better pickaxes from shops in areas like Stonewake's Cross, Forgotten Kingdom, Frostspire Expanse, and Volcanic Depths to mine rarer ores. Community-verified tier lists exist as of December 2025 to help prioritize upgrades based on ore access and stats.
Recommended Progression:
Stonewake’s ➡️ Mythril ➡️ Arcane/Demonic ➡️ Snow ➡️ Void/Mist/Frost (skip inefficient like Mist) ➡️ Prismatic (World 3 endgame, Mine Power 650+, 4 rune slots).
Rune Slots and Enchantments
Runes and enchantments boost pickaxe stats like speed or luck; farm materials via enemies and apply via in-game systems.
When to Upgrade Your Pickaxe
Upgrade when unable to mine new ore types, found deeper in areas like Forgotten Kingdom, Frostspire Expanse, or Volcanic Crater.
Practical Tips
- Farm ores in batches.
- Complete quests for rewards.
- Use potions with upgrades to improve mining efficiency.
Focusing on your pickaxe progression in The Forge is the best way to keep your gameplay smooth and efficient. Upgrade thoughtfully, use your rune slots wisely, and enjoy mining your way to the top.
