How Rare is the Picksaw in Terraria? A Comprehensive Guide
The Picksaw is a coveted item in Terraria, prized for its dual functionality as both a powerful pickaxe and axe, capable of mining any block in the game. Understanding its rarity is crucial for players aiming to acquire this valuable tool. Simply put, the Picksaw has a 1/4 (25%), 1/3 (33.33%), or 1/8 (12.5%) chance of being dropped by the Golem boss. This varying drop rate depends on specific game versions and platforms. While it isn’t the rarest item in the game, it’s certainly not a guaranteed drop, requiring players to farm Golem multiple times for a good chance to obtain it.
Understanding the Picksaw’s Significance
Before diving into its rarity further, it’s important to understand why the Picksaw is so sought after. It stands out as one of the few tools capable of breaking every block in the game, including the highly durable Lihzahrd Bricks. This makes it essential for exploration and building in the late-game stages. Furthermore, its dual pickaxe and axe functionality means you don’t have to switch between tools, streamlining gameplay.
The Golem Boss and Drop Rates
The Golem is the source of the Picksaw. This Hardmode boss, found in the Lihzahrd Temple, must be defeated to have a chance at the drop. The discrepancy in drop rates arises due to updates across different platforms and versions:
- Original PC version: The Picksaw had a 1/4 (25%) chance of dropping.
- Console versions: This was updated to a 1/3 (33.33%) chance, making it slightly more common.
- Mobile and later PC versions: The drop rate was reduced to 1/8 (12.5%), making it the most difficult version to obtain.
Therefore, the Picksaw’s rarity varies based on your platform. Players on mobile or the most recent PC versions will have to work harder for this tool.
Beyond the Picksaw: Other Notable Mining Tools
While the Picksaw is a fantastic tool, it’s not the only option in the Terrarian arsenal. Several other pickaxes and drills offer different benefits.
The Luminite Pickaxe and Shroomite Digging Claw
The Luminite Pickaxe and Shroomite Digging Claw are considered top-tier options. The Luminite Pickaxe is comparable to the Picksaw in mining power and speed and, like the Picksaw, can mine all blocks. The Shroomite Digging Claw is the fastest pickaxe in the game. However, it can’t mine Lihzahrd Bricks, making the Picksaw still relevant in some cases.
The Laser Drill
For players seeking an alternative with extended range, the Laser Drill is obtained from the Martian Madness invasion. While it shares the Picksaw’s ability to mine Lihzahrd Bricks and has a very high range, it is mined slightly slower and is also much rarer, having only a 1/800 (0.13%) chance of being dropped from Martian Madness enemies.
Early and Mid-Game Alternatives
During the early to mid-game, tools like the Chlorophyte Pickaxe and Adamantite Pickaxe are strong contenders. Although they cannot mine all blocks, they are excellent choices before tackling the Golem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Picksaw the Best Pickaxe in Terraria?
No, the Picksaw isn’t the outright “best.” While it can mine every block, pickaxes like the Luminite Pickaxe offer similar benefits and, unlike the Picksaw, are crafted rather than randomly dropped. The Shroomite Digging Claw is faster, but cannot mine all blocks. The “best” pickaxe largely depends on player preference.
2. What Comes After the Picksaw in Terms of Mining Power?
After the Picksaw, there are still stronger options. The Laser Drill has high range, the Luminite Pickaxe offers raw power, and the Shroomite Digging Claw prioritizes speed. These are considered the top picks for mining after obtaining a Picksaw.
3. Why Can’t I Mine Astral Ore?
Astral Ore can only be mined if you have defeated the Astrum Deus boss. Additionally, after its defeat, Astral Slimes will begin to drop Astral Ore.
4. What is the Best Axe in Terraria?
The Axe of Regrowth is considered the best axe, matching the power and speed of powerful post-Moon Lord axes. However, it’s obtained by finding the Staff of Regrowth, making it rather rare.
5. What are Some of the Rarest Pickaxes in the Game?
Some of the rarest pickaxes include:
- Raider’s Revenge
- AC/DC
- Permafrost
- Rainbow Smash
- Reaper
These are often tied to limited events or are extremely low drop rates.
6. What is the Fastest Pickaxe in Terraria?
The Shroomite Digging Claw is the fastest pickaxe in Terraria, capable of 15 hits per second, or 20 with the Legendary modifier.
7. Is the Tungsten Pickaxe Worth It?
The Tungsten Pickaxe is a decent early-game pickaxe, but the Gold or Platinum pickaxes are better in terms of pickaxe power and speed, so it may be a temporary solution.
8. What is the Best Sword in Terraria?
The Zenith is considered the most powerful sword, crafted from multiple blades throughout the game.
9. How do I Get the Possessed Hatchet?
The Possessed Hatchet, a post-Golem boomerang-type weapon, has a 1/7 (14.29%) or 1/8 (12.5%) chance of dropping from the Golem boss.
10. How Rare is Lucy the Axe?
Lucy the Axe is a pre-Hardmode axe with a 1/4 (25%) chance of being dropped by the Deerclops.
11. What are Some Cool Hardmode Swords in Terraria?
Some notable Hardmode swords include:
- Brand of the Inferno
- Influx Waver
- Keybrand
- The Horseman’s Blade
- Star Wrath
- Flying Dragon
- Meowmere
12. How Many Chainsaws are in Terraria?
There are currently 10 different chainsaws in Terraria, nine of which are Hardmode-exclusive.
13. What Pickaxe Can Break Chlorophyte?
You need a pickaxe or drill with at least 200% pickaxe power to mine Chlorophyte, such as the Pickaxe Axe or Drax.
14. Is Gold or Tungsten Better in Terraria?
Tungsten Ore is more common and the armor is typically a better early game option than Gold. Gold may be preferred for aesthetic or certain crafting recipes.
15. What is the Highest Pickaxe Power in Terraria?
The Picksaw has a pickaxe power of 210%, placing it among the top tools, but is matched by other late-game pickaxes.
Conclusion
The Picksaw is a powerful and versatile tool in Terraria, but its rarity is a real factor, especially on mobile and modern PC versions. Obtaining it requires patience and persistence, as players may need to defeat the Golem boss several times. While the Picksaw is highly coveted, it’s also worth exploring other powerful pickaxes and drills to find what best suits individual playstyles and needs. Remember to consider the nuances of each tool and the context of its application to maximize your mining efficiency and enjoyment in the game.