Finding the Pickaxe in Sons of the Forest is a major milestone for players seeking to mine Solafite ore and advance their crafting capabilities. Unlike basic survival equipment found near crash sites, this specialized utility tool requires entering deep subterranean cave systems. Knowing the precise location and necessary preparations will save valuable time while keeping you safe from aggressive mutant encounters.
Prerequisites Needed Before Entering the Cave
Before heading out to retrieve the Pickaxe, you must ensure you have gathered essential gear to navigate the underground environment. The Rebreather is mandatory since the cavern containing the tool features submerged underwater tunnels. Having adequate light sources, weapon ammunition, and healing items will also ensure your survival during dark exploration phases.
Keeping up with survival updates and developer patches is crucial for players navigating shifting map mechanics over time. Many gamers rely on daily gaming news to stay informed about adjustments to item spawns and cave layouts. Preparing thoroughly before descending guarantees you will not be forced to backtrack due to missing equipment.
Locating the Solafite Cavern Entrance
The cave housing the Pickaxe is situated near the northern section of the island's central mountain range. Look for a small water stream that leads into a rocky opening marked by wooden barricades and abandoned equipment. Interacting with the entrance prompt allows your character to squeeze into the dark system below.
Once inside, navigate down the main shaft while maintaining your bearings against hostile cave dwellers. Following the flowing water channels will naturally guide you toward the deeper chambers where the tool rests. Keep your flashlight ready to identify environmental markers along the narrow stone ledges.
Navigating the Submerged Passages to the Pickaxe
After diving through the underwater section using your Rebreather, surface in the flooded cavern on the other side. Follow the linear path through the rocky tunnels until you encounter a large chamber featuring glowing Solafite mineral veins. The Pickaxe is found embedded inside a Solafite node near the center of this room.
Approach the glowing formation and press the interaction key to retrieve the tool into your active inventory. Clearing nearby enemies beforehand prevents taking damage while acquiring the item. Once secured, you can immediately test its functionality on adjacent mineral deposits.
How to Use the Pickaxe and Mine Solafite
The primary function of the Pickaxe is harvesting Solafite ore scattered throughout various late-game cave systems. Equipping the tool and striking mineral nodes yields raw Solafite chunks needed for advanced crafting recipes. These refined materials allow players to upgrade weapons and build higher-tier structures back at base.
Beyond mining, the Pickaxe can serve as an emergency melee option, though dedicated weapons remain far more efficient. Integrating Solafite harvesting into your routine opens up powerful enhancements for late-game survival challenges. Returning to the surface with your new tool completes an essential step in mastering the island.