How Long Does the Axe Last in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
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The lifespan of an axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons depends entirely on its type. There isn’t a single, universal answer, as each axe variety has a set durability. Here’s a breakdown:
- Flimsy Axe: This basic axe is the most fragile, lasting for only 40 uses.
- Stone Axe: A slight upgrade, the Stone Axe will endure for 100 uses.
- Axe (Iron Axe): The standard Axe, crafted with iron nuggets, also lasts for 100 uses.
- Golden Axe: The most durable axe, but not unbreakable, can last up to 200 uses, though exact numbers vary slightly.
It’s important to note that every type of axe is breakable in the game, including the highly coveted Golden Axe. Knowing the durability of each type can help you plan your resource gathering and avoid sudden tool failures.
Axe Durability and Functionality
It’s crucial to understand that not all axes are created equal in terms of both durability and function. The Flimsy Axe and Stone Axe can only harvest wood, softwood, and hardwood from trees; they cannot chop down a tree entirely. Only the Iron Axe and the Golden Axe possess the ability to completely remove a tree, leaving behind a stump.
Gathering Resources with an Axe
The primary function of any axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is to gather resources from trees. Each swing of the axe will yield either wood, softwood, hardwood, or bamboo pieces, or young spring bamboo depending on the season and tree type. In addition, the axe can also be used to hit rocks for materials; however, rocks will no longer provide materials after producing a set amount. It is also important to note that using the axe for purposes other than those intended (such as hitting the ground) will also result in a loss of durability.
The Golden Axe
The Golden Axe stands out as the most durable axe in the game. Crafted with an Iron Axe and a Gold Nugget, it offers twice the lifespan of a regular axe, though it is not indestructible. Acquiring the Golden Axe recipe requires breaking 100 axes, which will unlock the DIY recipe. The golden axe is one of the most valuable tools to craft, as it greatly reduces the hassle of having to re-craft your axe again and again.
Customization and Tool Life
While you cannot obtain unbreakable tools through regular gameplay, you can customize them once you unlock customization kits. Customization allows you to change the color of your tools, but it does not increase their durability. The durability of each axe type remains constant, even with customization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Axes in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
1. How do I get an Axe that can chop down trees?
You’ll need to purchase the ‘Pretty Good Tools DIY Recipe’ from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 3,000 Nook Miles. This recipe allows you to craft the standard Axe (made from iron nuggets), which is strong enough to cut down trees. The Golden Axe also has this ability.
2. Can you get a permanent, unbreakable Axe in Animal Crossing?
No, there is no method to obtain permanent, unbreakable tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons through normal gameplay. All axes, even the Golden Axe, will eventually break.
3. What tools don’t break in Animal Crossing?
Ladders, Vaulting Poles, and Wands are the only tools that do not break in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
4. How do I get the Golden Axe?
The Golden Axe is obtained by crafting, and requires an Axe and a Gold Nugget. The DIY recipe is obtained by breaking 100 axes.
5. Why can’t my Flimsy Axe chop down trees?
The Flimsy Axe and Stone Axe are not designed to chop down trees entirely. They are only meant to gather wood and other materials. You need a standard Axe or a Golden Axe to fully remove a tree.
6. What is the most durable tool in the game?
The Golden Tools are the most durable in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Among them, the Golden Axe is the most durable of all the axes, lasting twice as long as a regular axe. However, the golden axe is not unbreakable.
7. Does customizing my axe increase its durability?
No, customizing your axe only changes its color. It does not affect its durability.
8. Is the Golden Axe worth it?
Yes, the Golden Axe is worth the effort. It lasts significantly longer than any other type of axe, which reduces the time you will spend crafting new axes.
9. Is there any way to make my tools last longer?
Unfortunately, there is no way to increase the durability of tools beyond the preset number of uses. Customization kits do not provide any increase to durability.
10. How do I get the initial axe in the game?
Tom Nook will provide you with the crafting recipe for the Flimsy Axe at the start of the game.
11. What’s the difference between a Stone Axe and a regular Axe?
A Stone Axe is made with stone and is used to collect resources, but is unable to cut down a tree entirely. An Axe is made with iron nuggets and can collect resources as well as cut down trees completely. The Axe is also the base component for the Golden Axe. Both the Stone Axe and the Iron Axe have 100 uses.
12. Can I get more tools at Nook’s Cranny?
Nook’s Cranny will sell pre-made tools, such as the regular Axe. However, you can craft a Flimsy Axe, Stone Axe and Iron Axe using DIY recipes. It is recommended that players try and obtain the Axe via recipe as early as possible.
13. Does the Colorful Fishing Rod last longer than the standard one?
No, the Colorful Fishing Rod and the Fish Fishing Rod have the same durability of 30 uses each.
14. Does the Colorful Slingshot last longer than the standard one?
No, the Slingshot, Colorful Slingshot, and Outdoorsy Slingshot all last for only 20 uses. However the Golden Slingshot has 60 uses.
15. What are the prerequisites to obtain the Golden Tools?
The following are the prerequisites to obtain Golden Tools:
- Golden Axe: Break 100 axes.
- Golden Slingshot: Shoot down 300 balloons.
- Golden Fishing Rod: Catch every fish in the Critterpedia.
- Golden Watering Can: Achieve a 5-star town ranking.
By understanding the durability and functions of each axe, you can optimize your resource gathering and make the most of your time in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While no axe lasts forever, knowing how long each type lasts will help you plan ahead and keep your island thriving.