Axe vs. Stone Axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – A Clear Guide
The world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is filled with charming characters, relaxing activities, and a surprising amount of tool-based resource management. Among these tools, the axe and the stone axe stand out as vital for gathering materials. However, they serve distinct purposes. The primary difference is simple: the axe can chop down entire trees, while the stone axe only harvests wood without felling the tree. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective island management and resource collection. Let’s delve into the details and uncover everything you need to know about these essential tools.
Understanding the Axe
The axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a robust tool designed for serious island landscaping and resource acquisition. It is the only tool that will allow the player to chop down a tree.
Key Features of the Axe
- Tree Felling: Its primary function is to chop down trees entirely. Three hits with the axe will cause a tree to fall, leaving behind a stump.
- Resource Gathering: Like the stone axe, the axe can be used to harvest wood (softwood, hardwood, and regular wood) by hitting a tree up to three times per day.
- Durability: The axe has a durability of 100 uses, making it a moderately reliable tool.
- Crafting Recipe: Obtained by purchasing the “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” from the Nook Stop for 3,000 Nook Miles. This recipe requires a flimsy axe and wood.
When to Use the Axe
- Island Redesigning: When you need to clear space for new buildings, paths, or landscaping projects.
- Orchard Management: To remove fruit trees that no longer produce your desired fruit.
- Stump Collection: Some players like to collect tree stumps for aesthetic purposes or to attract specific insects.
Understanding the Stone Axe
The stone axe is a more gentle tool designed for sustainable resource gathering. It allows players to obtain wood without permanently removing trees from their island.
Key Features of the Stone Axe
- Resource Gathering (Only): The stone axe allows the player to harvest wood (softwood, hardwood, and regular wood) by hitting a tree up to three times per day.
- Tree Preservation: Unlike the regular axe, the stone axe will not chop down trees, ensuring the island’s greenery remains intact.
- Durability: The stone axe also has a durability of 100 uses.
- Crafting Recipe: Requires basic materials, making it easily accessible early in the game.
When to Use the Stone Axe
- Sustainable Wood Collection: When you need wood for crafting projects but want to maintain your island’s tree population.
- Early Game Resource Gathering: The stone axe is a readily available tool that allows players to gather essential resources from the beginning of the game.
- Aesthetic Island Design: To maintain a natural, forested look while still acquiring necessary materials.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Axe | Stone Axe |
|---|---|---|
| —————– | ——————————————- | ——————————————— |
| Tree Felling | Yes (chops down trees) | No (only harvests wood) |
| Resource Gathering | Yes (wood, hardwood, softwood) | Yes (wood, hardwood, softwood) |
| Durability | 100 uses | 100 uses |
| Crafting Recipe | Requires Flimsy Axe + Wood | Requires Wood + Stone |
| Island Impact | Reduces tree population | Preserves tree population |
Choosing the Right Tool
The best choice between the axe and the stone axe depends entirely on your current goals and needs. If you’re planning a major island renovation or need to remove trees for specific reasons, the axe is the way to go. However, if you’re simply looking to gather wood without permanently altering your island’s landscape, the stone axe is the more responsible and eco-friendly option.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can the flimsy axe chop down trees?
No, the flimsy axe cannot chop down trees. It is primarily used as a stepping stone to craft the standard axe.
2. How do I get the recipe for the axe?
You can obtain the recipe for the axe by purchasing the “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 3,000 Nook Miles.
3. What materials are needed to craft an axe?
To craft an axe, you will need one flimsy axe and three pieces of wood.
4. What is the durability of the golden axe?
The golden axe has a higher durability than the standard axe, but it will still break eventually. It is believed to last for around 200 uses.
5. How do I get the recipe for the golden axe?
The recipe for the golden axe is awarded after breaking 100 axes.
6. Can I use an axe or stone axe to hit rocks?
Yes, both the axe and stone axe can be used to hit rocks and obtain resources like stone, clay, iron nuggets, and gold nuggets.
7. Will hitting a rock with an axe or stone axe break the rock?
Yes, if you eat fruit beforehand, hitting a rock with any axe or shovel will break it. A new rock will appear somewhere else on your island the next day.
8. Is there a way to prevent tools from breaking in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
No, all tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons will eventually break after a certain number of uses. However, ladders, vaulting poles, and wands do not break.
9. What are the different types of wood I can get from trees?
You can obtain three types of wood: softwood, hardwood, and regular wood. The type of wood you get is random each time you hit a tree.
10. How many times can I hit a tree per day to get wood?
You can hit a tree up to three times per day to obtain wood. After three hits, the tree will not yield any more resources until the next day.
11. Is there a benefit to not chopping down all my trees?
Yes! Trees contribute to your island’s overall rating and provide a habitat for various insects. Also, maintaining a healthy tree population is essential for a balanced ecosystem.
12. What happens when I chop down all the trees on my island?
Chopping down all the trees can negatively impact your island’s rating and the availability of certain insects. It will also change the overall aesthetic of your island.
13. Where can I learn more about the impact of video games on learning?
To discover more on how games can impact learning, explore resources such as the Games Learning Society, or GamesLearningSociety.org, for research, articles, and community discussions.
14. Can I customize my axes?
Yes, you can customize your axes with various designs using customization kits at a workbench.
15. Is the stone axe the most environmentally friendly axe?
Yes, the stone axe is the most environmentally friendly axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons because it allows you to gather resources without chopping down trees, which helps maintain your island’s greenery.
In conclusion, both the axe and the stone axe are valuable tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, each serving a specific purpose. By understanding their differences and utilizing them strategically, you can effectively manage your island’s resources and create the perfect island paradise.