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The Definitive Guide to Mining Tools in Terraria: Finding the Best Pickaxe and Beyond

The best overall mining tool in Terraria is, unequivocally, the Luminite Pickaxes. These pickaxes (specifically the Solar Flare Pickaxe, Vortex Pickaxe, Nebula Pickaxe, and Stardust Pickaxe) boast the highest pickaxe power in the game, enabling you to mine any block with unparalleled speed. They are crafted from Luminite bars, which are only obtainable after defeating the Moon Lord, the final boss. While technically the best, access to them is end-game. Therefore, the “best” pickaxe will vary depending on your progression. For earlier Hardmode, the Pickaxe Axe or Drax are excellent, and pre-hardmode, the Molten Pickaxe reigns supreme. This guide will explore all the top options.

Pickaxes vs. Drills: A Crucial Choice

The age-old debate: pickaxes or drills? In earlier versions of Terraria, drills were consistently faster but suffered from shorter reach. While the introduction of reforges and potions altered this, the basic principle remains:

Pickaxes: Typically have longer reach, allowing you to mine blocks further away without moving. They can be modified with modifiers that increase speed, such as Quick or Light.
Drills: Traditionally offered faster mining speed. However, most drills cannot be reforged to gain speed-enhancing modifiers.

Ultimately, the better tool comes down to preference and circumstance. If you value reach and the ability to fine-tune your speed, a pickaxe is ideal. For raw, unadulterated speed in a confined space, a drill might be preferred.

Top Pickaxe Contenders Throughout Your Terraria Journey

Pre-Hardmode Powerhouses

The Reaver Shark: Early game, found in the ocean biome. Can mine some early hardmode ores like Cobalt, although it is quite slow.
Molten Pickaxe: The pinnacle of pre-Hardmode mining tools. It is crafted with Hellstone bars obtained from the Underworld. Its high pickaxe power (100%) allows you to mine Cobalt and Palladium ores in early Hardmode, making it an essential upgrade.

Hardmode Heroes

Palladium Pickaxe/Drill: Made from Palladium ore, obtained in the initial stages of Hardmode.
Mythril Pickaxe/Drill: A further upgrade from the Palladium tier, allowing you to mine Orichalcum ore.
Adamantite Pickaxe/Drill: Yet another ore based upgrade from the Mythril tier.
Chlorophyte Pickaxe: A great option for mid-Hardmode players. Able to mine any block with a pickaxe power less than 200%.
Pickaxe Axe/Drax: Obtained after defeating all three mechanical bosses. Can mine all Hardmode ores, including Chlorophyte.

Late-Game and End-Game Excavators

Shroomite Digging Claw: While not a traditional pickaxe, this is ideal for obsidian generators.
Picksaw: A drop from Golem, offers decent pickaxe power and reach, although can be tedious to obtain.
Luminite Pickaxes (Solar Flare, Vortex, Nebula, Stardust): As mentioned earlier, these are the undisputed champions. Their exceptional pickaxe power enables you to mine any block with ease and speed.

Mining Speed: Breaking Down the Mechanics

Mining speed in Terraria is influenced by several factors:

Pickaxe Power: The primary determinant of how quickly you can mine a block. Higher pickaxe power translates to faster mining.
Use Time: Refers to how quickly the pickaxe can be swung. A lower use time means faster swings and, therefore, potentially faster mining, especially if you are using modifiers.
Modifiers: Modifiers like Quick or Light can significantly boost the speed of a pickaxe.
Buffs: Certain potions and armor sets grant mining speed bonuses. The Mining Potion provides a 25% mining speed increase, while the Mining armor set bonus adds 30%.
Accessories: Accessories like the Celestial Shell or Celestial Stone can further enhance mining speed.

Understanding these factors is key to optimizing your mining efficiency.

Other Important Tools

While pickaxes are the primary tool, there are also other tools that are essential for mining and exploration. These include:

Drills: A faster alternative to pickaxes.
Hammers: Used to destroy walls and alter terrain.
Explosives: Used to quickly mine large areas.
Grappling Hooks: Used to traverse chasms and reach high places.
Torches: Used to light up dark areas.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What pickaxe can break Chlorophyte?

You need a pickaxe or drill with at least 200% pickaxe power to mine Chlorophyte. The earliest options are the Pickaxe Axe and Drax, both crafted after defeating all three mechanical bosses.

2. What is the best pre-Hardmode pickaxe?

The Molten Pickaxe is the best pre-Hardmode pickaxe.

3. What is the strongest tool in Terraria?

While “strongest” is subjective, the Luminite Pickaxes are arguably the best due to their unmatched pickaxe power. For swords, the Zenith is the strongest.

4. Does melee speed affect pickaxes?

No, accessories with a melee speed bonus will only affect the weapon swing and not mining hits. Mining speed is affected by other modifiers.

5. What pickaxe is better than Molten?

The Deathbringer Pickaxe can mine certain blocks faster than the Molten Pickaxe, specifically those requiring one or three hits. However, the Molten Pickaxe can mine stronger blocks more quickly. So, it depends on the specific blocks you’re mining.

6. How rare is the Laser Drill?

The Laser Drill has a 1/800 (0.13%) chance of dropping from common Martian Madness enemies, rather than exclusively from the Martian Saucer.

7. Why can’t I craft the Drax?

You can only craft the Drax after defeating all three Mechanical Bosses. It requires Hallowed Bars, Soul of Fright, Soul of Might, and Soul of Sight.

8. What pickaxe can break Palladium?

The Molten Pickaxe is required to mine Palladium.

9. What is the fastest hitting weapon in Terraria?

The Fetid Baghnakhs are tied with the Psycho Knife for the fastest melee weapon in the game.

10. What is the hardest obtainable item in Terraria?

The Slime Staff has the lowest drop chance of any item in the game, making it the rarest.

11. Is there a max melee speed in Terraria?

The maximum increased attack speed (for melee) is +158.1%

12. Are drills or pickaxes better in Terraria?

Pickaxes usually have longer range, while drills usually have faster mining speed.

13. What is the best armor in Terraria?

The best armor in Terraria is the Solar Flare Armor.

14. What is the rarest pickaxe?

This depends on the definition of “rarest.” If you are talking about real world rarity, the Raider’s Revenge pickaxe takes the number one spot, being a promotional item.

15. How do you fight the Brain of Cthulhu?

Grenades and splash damage weapons are great for killing the creepers very quickly, as they will often bunch up. Weapons with high knockback can also keep the Brain of Cthulhu from closing the distance between teleports.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Selecting the right mining tool in Terraria depends on your current stage of progression and your specific needs. While the Luminite Pickaxes represent the ultimate goal, there are numerous viable options to consider along the way. Experiment with different tools, optimize your buffs and accessories, and find the setup that best suits your playstyle. Happy mining!

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What is the best mining tool in Terraria?