Can a Platinum Pickaxe Break Hellstone in Terraria?
The short answer is no, a Platinum Pickaxe cannot break Hellstone in Terraria. While the Platinum Pickaxe is a respectable early-game tool, it lacks the necessary pickaxe power to mine this fiery ore. Understanding the limitations of your tools is crucial for progression in Terraria, and this is a key example. To help you navigate the world of Terraria mining, let’s delve deeper into why the Platinum Pickaxe falls short and what options you have.
Why the Platinum Pickaxe Isn’t Enough
The Platinum Pickaxe is a step up from the Silver and Tungsten pickaxes, offering increased pickaxe power and mining speed. It’s also a solid alternative to the Gold Pickaxe. However, Hellstone is a special ore found deep within the Underworld, the fiery depths of Terraria, and it requires a more powerful tool to mine it effectively.
Pickaxe Power is the primary factor determining what blocks and ores a pickaxe can break. The Platinum Pickaxe simply doesn’t have enough. Hellstone requires a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power, and the Platinum Pickaxe falls short of this threshold.
What Can the Platinum Pickaxe Mine?
While it can’t tackle Hellstone, the Platinum Pickaxe still has value. It is capable of mining a large range of blocks and ores, including:
- Most common blocks and ores: This includes dirt, stone, copper, tin, iron, lead, silver, and tungsten ores, and many others.
- Meteorite Ore: This allows players to access some powerful early-to-mid-game weapons and tools.
- Demonite Ore: Found in Corruption worlds, this is a vital crafting material.
- Crimtane Ore: Found in Crimson worlds, it is the equivalent of Demonite in the Corruption.
- Obsidian: While not a high-tier material, Obsidian is important for crafting certain items.
Pickaxes That Can Mine Hellstone
So, if the Platinum Pickaxe is insufficient, what tools can mine Hellstone? The following are your pre-Hardmode options:
- Nightmare Pickaxe (Corruption worlds): Crafted using Demonite Bars, this pickaxe is a viable option early on.
- Deathbringer Pickaxe (Crimson worlds): Made from Crimtane Bars, this is the Crimson counterpart to the Nightmare Pickaxe.
- Molten Pickaxe: Crafted from Hellstone Bars, it is one of the most powerful pre-Hardmode pickaxes, and an essential tool for early Hardmode.
- Reaver Shark: Obtained by fishing in the Ocean, it can mine Hellstone, even before the Molten Pickaxe.
It’s important to note that the Molten Pickaxe requires Hellstone bars to craft, so you’ll need to have one of the first three options to start mining Hellstone. The Reaver Shark is a good early option if you have access to the ocean.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
To further clarify the nuances of mining and tools in Terraria, here are some frequently asked questions:
1. What exactly is pickaxe power?
Pickaxe power determines which blocks and ores a pickaxe can successfully mine. Higher pickaxe power allows you to break more difficult and valuable materials. The percentage is relative to the base pickaxe power required to break blocks.
2. Can the Platinum Pickaxe mine Ebonstone or Crimstone?
No. Ebonstone and Crimstone, both corruption and crimson blocks respectively, require a pickaxe with higher pickaxe power than the Platinum Pickaxe provides. You’ll need either the Nightmare Pickaxe or the Deathbringer Pickaxe to mine them.
3. Can the Platinum Pickaxe mine dungeon bricks?
No, the Platinum Pickaxe can’t mine dungeon bricks. Those require the Nightmare Pickaxe or Deathbringer pickaxe.
4. Is there a pickaxe better than the Platinum Pickaxe but easier to get than the Nightmare/Deathbringer?
Yes. The Reaver Shark, obtained through fishing, is often considered the most powerful pre-Hardmode pickaxe available, and it’s very useful before getting the Molten Pickaxe.
5. How do I obtain the Reaver Shark?
The Reaver Shark can be obtained by fishing in the ocean with any fishing pole. It’s a relatively rare catch, so be prepared for some fishing.
6. How do I craft the Nightmare Pickaxe or Deathbringer Pickaxe?
The Nightmare Pickaxe requires Demonite Bars, which are obtained by smelting Demonite Ore, dropped from the Eater of Worlds boss. The Deathbringer Pickaxe requires Crimtane Bars, which are smelted from Crimtane Ore, dropped from the Brain of Cthulhu boss.
7. What is the easiest way to get Hellstone?
The easiest way to get Hellstone is generally by using the Nightmare or Deathbringer pickaxe. Alternatively, the Reaver Shark allows you to start mining Hellstone early, before defeating either the Eater of Worlds or Brain of Cthulhu, depending on your world’s evil.
8. What is the purpose of Hellstone?
Hellstone is a necessary material for crafting Molten armor, the Molten Pickaxe, and other powerful items. These items are essential for venturing further into the game and preparing for Hardmode.
9. Can I skip the Molten Pickaxe and go straight to Hardmode tools?
While technically possible by using dynamite or other means to mine Hardmode ores, you cannot skip obtaining a pickaxe that can mine Hellstone. Hardmode ores are too difficult to mine without it.
10. What can protect me from Hellstone burns?
The Obsidian Skull protects you from the burning damage of Hellstone blocks. Additionally, the Obsidian Skin Potion grants immunity to lava, Hellstone, meteorite, and the On Fire! debuff, but has a duration.
11. Is the Platinum Pickaxe worth getting?
Absolutely. The Platinum Pickaxe is a significant upgrade from the starter pickaxes, making mining much faster and more efficient in the early game. It’s a worthwhile investment before moving on to stronger tools.
12. How does the Platinum Pickaxe compare to the Gold Pickaxe?
The Platinum Pickaxe has more pickaxe power, deals 1 more damage, and is slightly faster in terms of mining speed compared to the Gold Pickaxe. This makes it a better option for mining.
13. What is the fastest pickaxe in the game?
The Shroomite Digging Claw is the fastest pickaxe in Terraria, available in Hardmode after defeating Plantera. It can mine nearly all blocks.
14. Can I use explosives to mine Hellstone?
Yes, explosives such as bombs and dynamite can be used to break Hellstone, though it is generally more inefficient than using a pickaxe. Dynamite can be useful if you don’t have access to the right pickaxes to mine hellstone.
15. How can I identify Platinum Ore in the world?
Platinum Ore is identifiable by its shiny, silvery appearance. It looks similar to Gold Ore but is noticeably lighter in color and more reflective. You can find it in the same areas as other early-game ores.
Conclusion
In summary, the Platinum Pickaxe, while a solid early-game tool, cannot break Hellstone. You’ll need to acquire the Nightmare Pickaxe, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Reaver Shark, or ultimately, the Molten Pickaxe to venture into the fiery depths and mine this valuable ore. Understanding the limitations of your tools is a vital part of progressing effectively in Terraria. Armed with the correct information, you can navigate Terraria’s mining challenges with confidence.