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The Definitive Guide to Mining Obsidian: What Pickaxe Do You Need?

So, you’re venturing into the dark depths of the earth or braving the fiery landscapes of the Nether? Chances are, you’re after obsidian, that dark, glassy volcanic rock coveted for its strength and unique properties in various games, most notably Minecraft and Terraria. But before you go swinging any old tool, let’s get one thing crystal clear: not just any pickaxe will do.

The short answer is this: In Minecraft, you need a Diamond Pickaxe or a Netherite Pickaxe to successfully mine obsidian and obtain the block. In Terraria, you need a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power. Now, let’s delve deeper into why and explore the nuances of mining this valuable resource in different gaming worlds.

Minecraft: Diamond or Netherite is the Only Way

In Minecraft, the rules are strict. Obsidian will only drop as a block if mined with either a Diamond Pickaxe or a Netherite Pickaxe. Any other pickaxe, including iron, gold, or stone, will chip away at the obsidian, but after a frustratingly long time, the block will simply break, leaving you empty-handed. It’s a test of patience and preparation, as you need to venture into the depths to find diamonds before you can even think about harvesting obsidian efficiently.

The Role of Enchantments

While a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe is essential, enchantments can significantly improve your obsidian-mining experience.

Efficiency: This enchantment dramatically increases mining speed. Efficiency V is highly desirable for those who want to farm obsidian quickly.
Fortune: This enchantment does not affect obsidian drops. You will only ever get one obsidian block per mined block, regardless of your Fortune level.
Unbreaking: This enchantment increases the durability of your pickaxe, allowing you to mine more obsidian before it breaks.
Mending: This enchantment allows your pickaxe to repair itself using experience orbs collected while mining.

Creating Obsidian: The Lava and Water Trick

If you’re short on obsidian, remember that it’s created when flowing water comes into contact with a lava source block. This allows you to create your own obsidian farms, though you’ll still need that Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe to harvest it.

Terraria: Power is the Name of the Game

In Terraria, the requirement is based on pickaxe power. To mine obsidian, you need a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power. This means you can’t just waltz in with any old tool.

Early-Game Options

The earliest pickaxes that meet this requirement are the Nightmare Pickaxe and its Crimson counterpart, the Deathbringer Pickaxe. These can be crafted after defeating the Eye of Cthulhu or the Brain of Cthulhu, respectively, and using Demonite or Crimtane Bars.

Progression and Endgame

As you progress through Terraria, you’ll find stronger pickaxes that can mine obsidian more efficiently. The Molten Pickaxe is another pre-Hardmode option, and Hardmode introduces even more powerful choices like the Pickaxe Axe, Drax, and eventually the Luminite Pickaxes, the ultimate tools for mining anything in the game.

Alternative Methods: Explosives

If you lack a suitable pickaxe in Terraria, there’s another option: explosives. Bombs and Dynamite can be used to break obsidian, although this method is less precise and may destroy other blocks in the process.

Why the Right Pickaxe Matters

Using the wrong pickaxe on obsidian is a recipe for frustration. In Minecraft, you’ll spend an agonizing amount of time only to have the block break without dropping anything. In Terraria, a pickaxe with insufficient power simply won’t work. Using the correct tool ensures efficiency, resource conservation, and a less infuriating gaming experience.

Obsidian in Different Games

The properties and uses of obsidian vary across games. In Minecraft, it’s crucial for building Nether Portals and powerful structures. In Terraria, it’s used in crafting various items, including armor and potions. Understanding its role in each game helps you prioritize its acquisition and use.

FAQs: Your Obsidian Mining Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of mining obsidian:

Can you mine obsidian with an Iron Pickaxe in Minecraft? No, you cannot collect obsidian with an Iron Pickaxe in Minecraft. You can break it, but it will take a very long time, and the block will not drop.
Can you mine obsidian with a Gold Pickaxe in Minecraft? Similar to the Iron Pickaxe, a Gold Pickaxe can break obsidian, but it is highly inefficient and will not drop the block. Gold pickaxes are generally weaker than iron in terms of durability and mining speed.
Can you mine obsidian with a Stone Pickaxe in Minecraft? No, much like iron and gold, a stone pickaxe will eventually break obsidian, but you won’t be able to collect it.
What’s the fastest way to get obsidian in Minecraft? The fastest way is to find a lava pool, pour water on it to create obsidian, and then mine it with a Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe enchanted with Efficiency V.
What is crying obsidian used for in Minecraft? Crying obsidian is primarily used to craft Respawn Anchors, which allow players to set a respawn point in the Nether. However, you cannot create a nether portal with it.
Can you make a Nether Portal with crying obsidian? No, you can only create a Nether Portal with regular obsidian. Crying obsidian serves a different purpose.
Is Netherite harder than obsidian in Minecraft? In terms of mining, no. Both Netherite and Obsidian have the same hardness. You need at least a Diamond Pickaxe to break both of them.
Can any other items break obsidian in Minecraft besides pickaxes? In older versions of Minecraft, end crystals could destroy obsidian. Now, the only way to collect it is with a Diamond or Netherite pickaxe.
What pickaxe can mine obsidian in Terraria in early game? The Nightmare Pickaxe and Deathbringer Pickaxe are the earliest available options, requiring you to defeat either Eye of Cthulhu or Brain of Cthulhu to gather the needed materials.
Can bombs break obsidian in Terraria? Yes, explosives like Bombs and Dynamite can break obsidian in Terraria. However, this method is not precise and may destroy surrounding blocks.
What is the best pickaxe in Terraria for mining obsidian? The Luminite Pickaxes are the strongest and best pickaxes in Terraria for all mining purposes, including obsidian. These are crafted using Luminite bars dropped by the Moon Lord.
What pickaxe power is needed to mine obsidian in Terraria? You need a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power to mine obsidian in Terraria.
Can I use a drill to mine obsidian in Terraria? Yes, drills function similarly to pickaxes and have a pickaxe power value. If a drill has 65% pickaxe power or higher, it can mine obsidian.
Is obsidian useful in Ark: Survival Evolved? While this article primarily focuses on Minecraft and Terraria, it’s worth noting that obsidian is indeed a valuable resource in Ark: Survival Evolved, used for crafting advanced tools and weapons.
Does enchantment level increase my chances of obtaining obsidian when mining in Minecraft? No, the fortune enchantment will not increase the amount of obsidian dropped, as it will only drop one block at a time.

Mining obsidian is a rite of passage in many gaming worlds. Understanding the specific requirements for each game ensures you’re equipped with the right tool for the job, saving you time and frustration. So, gear up with your Diamond or Netherite Pickaxe (or a Terraria pickaxe with sufficient power) and get ready to delve into the depths and claim your obsidian!

Learning more about the mechanics and nuances of gameplay can be both fun and educational. Resources like the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) explore the intersection of games and education, offering insights into how games can enhance learning and problem-solving skills.

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