What Pickaxe Can Mine Through Crimson? A Terraria Guide

The Crimson, a biome in the 2D action-adventure sandbox game Terraria, presents unique challenges to players, particularly when it comes to mining. The dominant block type within this biome is Crimstone, which requires specific tools to break. The short answer? You need a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power to effectively mine through Crimstone, which is necessary for exploring the depths of the Crimson and progressing in the game.

However, the journey through the Crimson is more nuanced than just reaching the minimum pickaxe power threshold. You’ll encounter Crimson Hearts, Crimtane ore, and other unique blocks, each requiring different approaches and understanding. Let’s delve deeper into the tools and strategies required for mining through the Crimson.

The Essential Crimson-Mining Pickaxes

Not all pickaxes are created equal in Terraria. Some are specifically designed to handle the tough blocks found in certain biomes. When it comes to the Crimson, several pre-Hardmode pickaxes rise to the occasion:

• Deathbringer Pickaxe: This is the Crimson’s counterpart to the Nightmare Pickaxe found in the Corruption biome. It has the necessary 65% pickaxe power required to mine Crimstone, Hellstone, and Ebonstone. It is typically the first pickaxe you’ll acquire capable of mining in the Crimson depths.

• Nightmare Pickaxe: While technically found in the Corruption, this pickaxe also boasts 65% pickaxe power, making it equally effective at mining Crimstone.

• Molten Pickaxe: Crafted from Hellstone bars (found in the Underworld), this pickaxe also has sufficient power and is often sought after for its superior speed and range compared to the Deathbringer or Nightmare pickaxes.

• Reaver Shark: This pre-hardmode pickaxe can be obtained from fishing in the ocean and has the required 65% pickaxe power, making it an alternate option for breaking through Crimstone, Ebonstone and Hellstone.

It’s crucial to understand that these are the pre-Hardmode pickaxes that can do the job. Once you defeat the Wall of Flesh and enter Hardmode, many other stronger pickaxes become available, rendering these early-game options less critical.

Beyond Pickaxes: Alternative Mining Methods

While pickaxes are the primary tools for mining, the Crimson doesn’t limit you to just these. You can also use:

• Explosives: Bombs and dynamite are also viable methods for breaking Crimstone, especially useful for clearing large areas or accessing tightly packed Crimson Hearts.

• Purification Powder: While it doesn’t mine blocks, it can convert the biome, which can be a useful method for removing crimson in the early game if a player does not have a strong enough pickaxe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Mining in the Crimson

Navigating the Crimson can be tricky, particularly for newcomers. Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you on your journey:

1. What is Crimstone, and why is it important?

Crimstone is the primary block type found in the Crimson biome. It lines chasms, surrounds Crimson Hearts, and forms the basis of the biome’s structures. It’s important because accessing the ore and items deep within the Crimson usually requires breaking through Crimstone.

2. How do I obtain the Deathbringer Pickaxe?

The Deathbringer Pickaxe is crafted using Crimtane Bars and a crafting table. You need to first mine Crimtane ore found in the Crimson and forge it into bars.

3. What pickaxe power do I need for Crimstone?

You need at least 65% pickaxe power to mine Crimstone. This is crucial for accessing the deeper areas of the Crimson and progressing in the game.

4. Can I mine Crimson blocks with a Gold Pickaxe?

No, a Gold Pickaxe does not have sufficient pickaxe power to mine Crimstone. It can mine Crimtane ore, but not the Crimstone blocks themselves.

5. What is Hellstone, and how do I mine it?

Hellstone is a valuable ore found in the Underworld. Mining it also requires at least 65% pickaxe power. The pickaxes that are sufficient to mine Crimstone can also mine Hellstone.

6. Can explosives break Crimstone?

Yes, bombs and dynamite can break Crimstone. This is a viable alternative to using pickaxes, particularly for clearing large areas quickly.

7. What are Crimson Hearts, and how do I access them?

Crimson Hearts are special structures found within the Crimson. They are often located at the ends of branching paths, surrounded by Crimstone. To reach and destroy them, you’ll need at least a Deathbringer Pickaxe (or equivalent), explosives, or Purification Powder to convert the blocks.

8. Is the Nightmare Pickaxe better than the Deathbringer Pickaxe?

Both the Nightmare Pickaxe and the Deathbringer Pickaxe have the same pickaxe power. The choice between them usually depends on the biome you happen to spawn in.

9. Can the Reaver Shark mine Crimstone and Hellstone?

Yes, the Reaver Shark, obtained through fishing, also has 65% pickaxe power, and so can mine Crimstone and Hellstone. It offers an alternative option for those who don’t want to immediately explore the Crimson or Corruption.

10. Is it possible to skip the Molten Pickaxe?

While the Molten Pickaxe is a strong and useful pre-Hardmode tool, it isn’t absolutely required to progress. However, it makes acquiring the Hardmode ores much faster and is generally advised.

11. What happens if I break Crimson Hearts?

Breaking Crimson Hearts is a crucial step in game advancement. It usually spawns the Eye of Cthulhu boss and other events and is also needed to open up specific events within the crimson.

12. How does Hardmode change mining in the Crimson?

In Hardmode, you gain access to new, much stronger pickaxes and the ability to use dynamite to mine hellstone. The Crimson itself will also spread more rapidly and present stronger enemies.

13. What’s the fastest way to remove the Crimson from my world?

To completely remove the Crimson after beating at least one mechanical boss, you will need the Steampunker NPC, the Clentaminator, and Green Solution. This is generally a post Hardmode activity.

14. Can I get the best pickaxe in the game?

Yes, the best pickaxes in Terraria are the Luminite Pickaxes, obtainable after defeating the final boss, the Moon Lord. These pickaxes have incredible speed and power but are very far into the game.

15. Can I use the Picksaw to mine Crimson?

Yes, the Picksaw has 210% pickaxe power, far exceeding the requirement to mine Crimstone. This is a Hardmode item and very effective at mining almost anything.

Mastering Mining in the Crimson

Successfully navigating the Crimson and accessing its riches hinges on having the right tools and understanding the mechanics of the biome. By equipping yourself with a pickaxe boasting at least 65% pickaxe power or utilizing explosives, you can effectively mine through Crimstone, access Crimson Hearts, and harvest valuable resources. Whether you opt for the Deathbringer Pickaxe, the Nightmare Pickaxe, or the Molten Pickaxe, the key to success in the Crimson is preparedness and a deep understanding of your tools. Remember to experiment and always keep an eye out for the next powerful upgrade, as your journey through Terraria’s biomes will lead you to many diverse adventures and discoveries.