Drax or Pickaxe Axe: Which Tool Should You Craft in Terraria?

The age-old question among Terraria players after conquering the mechanical bosses: Drax or Pickaxe Axe, which tool should you craft? The simple answer is: it depends on your playstyle and priorities. Both tools boast the same 200% pickaxe power required to mine Chlorophyte ore, making them equally effective for post-mechanical boss mining. However, slight differences exist that may tip the scales in favor of one over the other.

The Drax functions as both an axe and a drill, offering a more streamlined tool that can handle both tree-cutting and mining duties. It is generally considered faster in terms of tool speed. The Drax also has a distinct drill sound, which some players may find more appealing.

The Pickaxe Axe, while having a slightly slower tool speed, generally boasts better mining speed modifiers. It also possesses a slight advantage in reach or range. Its best modifier is the Legendary modifier, although it is generally agreed that Light modifier is almost identical in speed.

Ultimately, the performance difference is marginal. It won’t make or break your progress. If you want a single, fast all-rounder tool, the Drax is a great option. If you prefer that extra bit of range and potentially better mining speed through modifiers, the Pickaxe Axe is the way to go. For most players, both are perfectly viable choices. The most important thing is to obtain one of these tools to unlock the ability to mine Chlorophyte ore and further your progression through the game.

Drax vs. Pickaxe Axe: A Detailed Comparison

To help you make a more informed decision, let’s dive deeper into the specifics of each tool:

Tool Speed and Mining Speed

The Drax has a slightly faster tool speed, allowing it to swing more frequently. However, the Pickaxe Axe benefits more from mining speed modifiers. It’s important to note that melee speed does not affect mining speed. Modifiers like Light and Legendary are critical in optimizing mining efficiency. While the Light modifier might show a seemingly higher percentage boost in speed, rounding effects means that Legendary and Light produce identical mining speeds on the Pickaxe Axe.

Range

The Pickaxe Axe boasts a slightly longer range than the Drax, allowing you to reach blocks further away. This is a minor advantage but can be useful in certain situations when mining large areas or if you prefer to stay at slightly greater distance from hazards. The Drax has similar pickaxe reach, but less of an axe reach.

Functionality

Both tools act as axes and pickaxes, capable of performing both chopping down trees and mining ores. The Drax, being a drill, has a distinct sound and animation that some players may prefer. The Pickaxe Axe has its own unique animation. These aesthetic differences are largely down to player preference.

Best Modifier

The best modifier for the Pickaxe Axe is the Legendary modifier. While the Light modifier might seem like it should be better due to the raw percentage increase, rounding effects mean that it is effectively the same. It’s crucial to remember that accessories that increase melee speed do not affect mining speed. For the Drax, modifiers that provide a speed boost are equally effective.

Crafting Requirements

Both tools require defeating all three mechanical bosses. The Drax is crafted with 18 Hallowed Bars, a Soul of Fright, a Soul of Might, and a Soul of Sight. The Pickaxe Axe requires the same crafting materials. Because of this, players will generally make the Pickaxe Axe or the Drax depending on their preference rather than focusing on different materials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions that delve further into the nuances of these tools and related items in Terraria:

1. What is the main advantage of the Pickaxe Axe?

The main advantage of the Pickaxe Axe is its slightly greater range and the potential for better mining speed through modifiers.

2. What is the main advantage of the Drax?

The main advantage of the Drax is its slightly faster tool speed and the fact that it combines an axe and drill into one tool.

3. Can the Drax mine Chlorophyte?

Yes, the Drax can mine Chlorophyte as it has the 200% pickaxe power required.

4. Can the Pickaxe Axe mine Chlorophyte?

Yes, the Pickaxe Axe can mine Chlorophyte because it also has the 200% pickaxe power required.

5. What materials are needed to craft the Drax and Pickaxe Axe?

Both tools require 18 Hallowed Bars, a Soul of Fright, a Soul of Might, and a Soul of Sight.

6. Does melee speed affect pickaxe speed?

No, melee speed buffs from accessories do not increase mining speed.

7. Which pickaxe is faster, Drax or Pickaxe Axe?

The Drax has a faster tool speed, but the Pickaxe Axe has a potentially higher mining speed with modifiers. The practical difference, however, is marginal.

8. Is the Chlorophyte Pickaxe better than the Pickaxe Axe?

No, the Chlorophyte Pickaxe has the same mining speed as the Pickaxe Axe with the only benefit of +1 range. It cannot function as an axe making it generally less useful than the Pickaxe Axe.

9. Is the Picksaw better than the Pickaxe Axe?

The Picksaw deals slightly less damage to enemies than the Pickaxe Axe, but the damage difference is generally not a huge concern and it is also slightly faster.

10. What is the best pickaxe in Terraria?

The Luminite Pickaxes, crafted after defeating the Moon Lord, are the best pickaxes in the game, followed by the Laser Drill.

11. Why can’t I craft the Drax before beating all three mechanical bosses?

The crafting recipe for the Drax and the Pickaxe Axe requires Souls of Fright, Might, and Sight, which are dropped by each of the mechanical bosses.

12. Can the Drax mine Lihzahrd Bricks?

No, the Drax and the Pickaxe Axe cannot mine Lihzahrd Bricks due to insufficient pickaxe power, and will require post-Golem mining equipment.

13. Is the Spectre Pickaxe worth crafting?

The Spectre Pickaxe is generally not worth crafting, as it does not allow you to mine any new blocks compared to the Drax or Pickaxe Axe. Its added range is useful, but does not outweigh its other deficiencies.

14. Is there any point to the Titanium Pickaxe?

The Titanium Pickaxe is an alternative to the Titanium Drill, with slightly slower mining speed but longer range. It is generally considered weaker than the Pickaxe Axe or the Drax.

15. Can the Reaver Shark mine Hellstone?

Yes, the Reaver Shark, a fishing item from the Ocean, can mine Hellstone in most versions of the game.

Conclusion

The choice between crafting the Drax or the Pickaxe Axe in Terraria ultimately boils down to personal preference. Both are powerful tools capable of mining Chlorophyte ore and are essential for progressing through the game. The Drax offers a sleek, combined tool with faster tool speed, while the Pickaxe Axe provides potentially better mining speed through modifiers and a slightly greater range. Experiment with both if you get the chance and see which one fits your playstyle the best. Either way, both tools will be of great assistance in your continued journey through Terraria.