Can a Platinum Pickaxe Mine Crimson Blocks in Terraria?
The short answer is: no, a Platinum Pickaxe cannot mine Crimson Blocks in Terraria. While the Platinum Pickaxe is a valuable early-game tool, its pickaxe power is not sufficient to break through the tough material that makes up Crimstone blocks. This article will delve into why this is the case, exploring the properties of both the Platinum Pickaxe and Crimson Blocks, and address common questions surrounding mining in the Crimson biome.
Why the Platinum Pickaxe Falls Short
Pickaxe Power Explained
In Terraria, pickaxes have a stat called pickaxe power. This stat determines which blocks a pickaxe can mine. Every block in Terraria has a set minimum pickaxe power required to break it. The Platinum Pickaxe, while superior to Silver and Tungsten Pickaxes, simply doesn’t possess the necessary power to deal with Crimstone.
The Tough Nature of Crimstone
Crimstone blocks are a key component of the Crimson biome, much like Ebonstone in the Corruption. These blocks are significantly more durable than normal stone and require a more potent pickaxe to mine. Specifically, Crimstone requires at least 65% pickaxe power, or alternatively explosives, to be broken.
Platinum Pickaxe Capabilities
The Platinum Pickaxe is primarily useful in the early stages of the game. It is effective at mining common ores like Copper, Tin, Iron, Lead, Silver, Tungsten, Gold and Platinum as well as the respective bars formed from them. It can also mine Meteorite Ore, Demonite Ore and Crimtane Ore. However, its limitations become apparent when encountering blocks like Crimstone, Ebonstone, Hellstone, Obsidian, and dungeon bricks.
So What Can Mine Crimstone?
To effectively mine Crimstone, you’ll need a pickaxe with the required pickaxe power, or an alternate method. Specifically, you’ll need a pickaxe equivalent to, or better than, the Nightmare Pickaxe (from Corruption worlds) or the Deathbringer Pickaxe (from Crimson worlds). These pickaxes possess the necessary power to break through Crimstone.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify mining in the Crimson and the capabilities of various pickaxes:
1. What pickaxe can mine Crimson Ore?
Crimson Ore, specifically Crimtane Ore, can be mined with a Gold Pickaxe or better when below 0ft in elevation. Above 0ft, any pickaxe can mine it. It emits a faint red glow, similar to Demonite Ore. The ore is not the block itself but a resource found within the Crimstone.
2. What other pre-Hardmode pickaxes can mine Crimstone?
Besides the Nightmare Pickaxe and Deathbringer Pickaxe, the Molten Pickaxe and Reaver Shark can also mine Crimstone. These are the only pre-hardmode pickaxes capable of breaking it.
3. Is the Platinum Pickaxe better than the Tungsten Pickaxe?
Yes, the Platinum Pickaxe is better than the Tungsten Pickaxe. It boasts more pickaxe power, deals one more damage, and has a slightly faster mining speed.
4. Can I use explosives to mine Crimstone blocks?
Yes, explosives like bombs and dynamite can be used to mine Crimstone blocks. This is a good early alternative if you do not have the required pickaxe.
5. What is the best use of Platinum in Terraria?
Platinum Ore is primarily used to craft Platinum Bars, which are used to make the fourth tier of equipment, including armor, tools, and weapons.
6. Why can’t I mine in the Crimson?
If you’re having difficulty mining in the Crimson, you’re likely encountering Crimstone blocks, not Crimtane Ore. Crimstone requires a stronger pickaxe or explosives. Remember, Crimtane can be mined with a gold or platinum pickaxe at low elevation.
7. Is a Gold Pickaxe equivalent to the Platinum Pickaxe?
While they are alternatives, the Platinum Pickaxe is slightly better than the Gold Pickaxe. It has higher pickaxe power and mining speed, along with one more point of damage.
8. What pickaxe can break Crimson Hearts?
To break Crimson Hearts, you need a Deathbringer Pickaxe or better, explosives, or Purification Powder to convert the Crimstone blocks surrounding them.
9. What is the strongest pickaxe in Terraria?
The Luminite Pickaxes are the strongest pickaxes in Terraria, obtained in the end-game.
10. What is the fastest pickaxe in Terraria?
The Shroomite Digging Claw is the fastest pickaxe in the game. It is a Hardmode, post-Plantera pickaxe and axe combination.
11. Does Crimtane brick count as Crimson?
No, Crimtane brick does not spread the Crimson biome, making it safe for building NPC houses and other structures. Only the Crimstone block contributes to biome creation.
12. Is the Molten Pickaxe worth crafting?
Yes, the Molten Pickaxe is very worthwhile. It is the most powerful pre-Hardmode pickaxe, capable of mining nearly every block in one hit. It is essential for early Hardmode as it is able to break Cobalt Ore and Palladium Ore. It also emits light and can inflict the ‘On Fire!’ debuff.
13. What comes after the Platinum Pickaxe?
The next pickaxe upgrade in the Corruption world is the Nightmare Pickaxe, and in the Crimson World, it is the Deathbringer Pickaxe. The Reaver Shark is an alternative that is even stronger.
14. How many Crimstone blocks do I need to create a Crimson biome?
To create a new Crimson biome, you’ll need at least 300 Crimson blocks.
15. Can Hellstone be broken by explosives in Hardmode?
Yes, after entering Hardmode, Hellstone can be destroyed using Dynamite or Bombs. This change makes it easier to gather the resource if you don’t have a specific pickaxe.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the Platinum Pickaxe is a solid early-game tool for mining ores, it simply lacks the power to mine the tougher Crimstone blocks found in the Crimson biome. To effectively harvest Crimstone, players will need to upgrade to a Nightmare Pickaxe, Deathbringer Pickaxe, Molten Pickaxe or Reaver Shark in pre-hardmode, or use alternative methods such as explosives. Understanding the limitations of each pickaxe, the materials they can mine, and the requirements for mining blocks is essential for progress within Terraria. Knowing the correct tools for the job will ensure smooth exploration of the Crimson and other biomes.