How to Get Wood Without an Axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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So, you’re stranded (or perhaps just strategically challenged) in Animal Crossing: New Horizons without an axe and need some precious wood? Don’t panic! While an axe is the most straightforward tool for harvesting wood, there are ways to obtain this vital crafting material without one. The answer, in short, is you can’t directly obtain wood without an axe, but there are a few methods to acquire it without chopping a tree: collecting tree branches and buying it.
You will need a Flimsy Axe, at a minimum, before you can start getting wood by hitting a tree.
Obtaining Wood Without Chopping Trees
1. Gathering Tree Branches
The most basic way to “get” wood without an axe is to gather tree branches. These aren’t technically wood pieces for crafting, but they’re a crucial ingredient in crafting a Flimsy Axe, which then lets you obtain wood.
- Where to find them: Tree branches are often scattered on the ground beneath trees. Simply walk around your island and look for them.
- Shaking Trees: Another method is to shake trees. You’ll often find additional tree branches falling to the ground when you do this. Be careful though, sometimes wasp nests might drop as well.
- Purpose: Once you’ve collected enough tree branches (five to be exact), you’ll be able to make your Flimsy Axe after acquiring the recipe.
2. Buying Wood
Sometimes the easiest solutions are also the most obvious. Once you’ve progressed far enough into the game that you have a Nook’s Cranny shop established, it’s possible to buy different types of wood directly, though not in tree form.
- Cost: Wood will vary in price and availability, usually the standard wood is available every day while other wood types are not.
- Benefit: This method allows you to skip the initial crafting hurdle of making a Flimsy Axe. It’s also handy for when you need a specific type of wood.
3. Exploring Mystery Islands
Another method is visiting Mystery Islands using Nook Miles Tickets.
- How to do it: Once you visit an island, you can harvest materials including wood, if you have an axe.
- Benefit: You can acquire wood from these islands without needing to use up any of your main island’s resources.
4. Help from Villagers
Though it is not very common, your villagers may occasionally give you resources, including wood.
- How to do it: Talk to your villagers frequently.
- Benefit: This is passive resource collection that doesn’t require any direct action from you.
Why You Need Wood
Wood is one of the most fundamental crafting materials in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You’ll need it for a wide array of items, including tools, furniture, and even crucial structures. If you can’t seem to get enough wood, then it is most likely time to start shaking trees for more branches and crafting some axes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you get a Flimsy Axe?
To get a Flimsy Axe, you first need the recipe from Tom Nook. After giving him some bugs or fish, he will give you the DIY recipe for the Flimsy Axe. You’ll need five tree branches and one stone to craft it. Once made, it is recommended to craft the Stone Axe, which does not break as easily.
2. What are the different types of wood in Animal Crossing?
There are three main types of wood you can obtain by chopping trees: softwood, hardwood, and wood. These are differentiated by color and can be used for different DIY recipes.
3. How do I get hardwood?
Hardwood is obtained by chopping trees with an axe. While some tree types might have a higher chance, all trees except bamboo can drop hardwood. Hardwood has the darkest color of the three wood types.
4. Do all trees give the same amount of wood?
No, the amount of wood you get from a tree seems to be random, with most trees yielding 3 pieces of wood, with a chance of spawning different wood types.
5. Can I use a Flimsy Axe to chop down a tree?
No, a Flimsy Axe cannot chop down a tree. It can only hit the tree to harvest wood. You will need to upgrade to a Stone Axe, Axe or Golden Axe to chop down a tree.
6. Can I grow hardwood trees?
Yes, you can grow hardwood trees by planting a sapling, which you can buy at Nook’s Cranny, on any soil tile. You can also get hardwood trees from shaking down a money tree.
7. What happens when I chop down a tree?
When you chop down a tree, you’ll be left with a stump. To remove the stump, you can dig it up with a shovel, which will also give you a single piece of wood. This does not grow back.
8. Do trees grow back if I chop them down?
No, trees do not grow back if you chop them down. You will need to replant trees using saplings from Nook’s Cranny.
9. Are there limits to how many trees I can have on my island?
Yes, there is a limit of 220 trees on your island. This includes all types of trees like fruit trees, hardwood trees, cedar trees, and bamboo.
10. How do I find iron nuggets without an axe?
While an axe is used for other methods, you can acquire iron nuggets by shooting down balloons or talking to your villagers. However, the best way is to mine rocks with an axe or shovel.
11. What is the purpose of a flimsy tool?
Flimsy tools are the first tier tools you receive in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They are essential for progressing in the game, but they have low durability.
12. Why can’t I give Tom Nook fish?
You may be trying to give Tom Nook fish before the story has progressed enough. After you give him a few bugs or fish (2 to be exact), he will introduce you to the museum and start accepting donations.
13. Where can I get recipes for new tools?
New tool recipes are primarily obtained from Tom Nook as you progress, through special events, from villagers, in bottles, and by purchasing them at Nook’s Cranny.
14. Can I buy wood from other players?
Yes, you can trade or buy wood from other players through online or local play if you have a Nintendo Online membership.
15. What if I chop a tree and get an egg?
If you are playing during the Bunny Day Event, when you chop a tree, there is a chance to get a wood egg instead of regular wood. This is a seasonal item that can be used for crafting event-specific items.
By understanding these methods and tips, you can overcome the challenge of getting wood even without an axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy crafting!