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Gathering tools turn trees and mineral nodes into materials for crafting and building. Start with your Rock, then choose an upgrade for the resource you need most.
8 objects
Look up gathering tools, light sources and their acquisition routes.
Use the directory to compare the starting Rock and Torch, stone and metal hatchets and pickaxes, the Jackhammer and the Chainsaw. The Rock gathers basic resources and can be used in melee; the Torch provides light. Jackhammers and Chainsaws can also be found in player inventories.
A Stone Hatchet is a useful early upgrade when you need Wood: its description lists gathers trees ×2. That tool attribute is separate from your server's gathering multiplier. In an exposed area, crouching while gathering can reduce your exposure, although it does not protect you from attacks.
Equip your Rock and left-click a Stone Node to collect Stones. If you have a pickaxe, use it for stone and ore; a Metal Pickaxe can mine Stone Nodes. Aim for marked weak spots as you strike.
A Sulfur Node is a gray mineral node with yellow crystal protrusions. Strike it with your Rock or a mining tool to collect Sulfur Ore and Stones as the node's bar decreases. Keep the ore for processing in a Furnace; Sulfur Ore and processed Sulfur are separate inventory items. See resources and processing for material uses.
For places to search, see the Dome Military Crate route, Oil Rig guide and Trainyard route on a 10x server. Player inventories can also contain tools.
On Modded servers, the paid Starter Kit includes a Stone Hatchet and Stone Pickaxe; Survivor, Soldier and Warlord include a Metal Hatchet and Metal Pickaxe. See the kit comparison and claim rules before choosing one.
Select your starting Torch to light the nearby area at night or in dark interiors. Switch back to a gathering tool before striking a tree or node.
Your Rock can wear out and display BROKEN. A Repair Bench uses materials to repair worn tools, but repairs lower their maximum condition. Consider replacing the Rock or moving to a specialized tool if that better suits your next gathering trip. For the repair process, see crafting and repairs.
