Why Can’t I Mine Crimson Blocks in Terraria?
The frustration of encountering an obstacle you can’t immediately overcome is a common feeling in Terraria, especially when you’re trying to delve deep into the Crimson. The inability to mine those stubborn Crimstone blocks is a hurdle many players face early on. So, why exactly can’t you mine these seemingly simple blocks? The core reason boils down to your pickaxe power. Crimstone, like its counterpart Ebonstone in the Corruption, requires a certain level of pickaxe strength to break. Specifically, you need a pickaxe with at least 65% pickaxe power, or you need to resort to explosives. Without the right tool, the block will remain stubbornly intact, no matter how much you swing your pickaxe.
Understanding Pickaxe Power and Crimson Blocks
The Role of Pickaxe Power
In Terraria, not all pickaxes are created equal. Each pickaxe possesses a specific pickaxe power, which determines which blocks it can break. Lower-tier pickaxes, like those made from copper or tin, simply don’t have the oomph to chip away at tougher blocks such as Crimstone. You’ll notice that your swings will simply bounce off the block without any effect. This game mechanic is designed to control the player’s progression and to encourage exploration and crafting.
Pre-Hardmode Limitations
Before you enter Hardmode, your pickaxe options are limited. The pickaxes obtainable at this stage do not inherently possess the strength needed to mine Crimstone. However, there are exceptions; notably the Deathbringer Pickaxe, Nightmare Pickaxe, Molten Pickaxe, and Reaver Shark. These are the only pre-Hardmode pickaxes capable of mining Crimstone, Ebonstone, and Hellstone. You can usually obtain the Deathbringer Pickaxe by crafting it with Crimtane bars and defeating the Eye of Cthulhu, or the Nightmare Pickaxe by crafting it with Demonite bars and defeating the same boss in a Corruption world.
Alternatives to Mining
If you don’t yet have a pickaxe with the necessary power, you’re not entirely stuck. Explosives, such as Bombs acquired from pots or the Demolitionist, can destroy Crimstone blocks. You can also use Purification Powder from the Dryad to convert the Crimstone into regular stone, which can then be mined with basic pickaxes. This method, however, can be a bit slow and costly.
Mining Crimtane Ore
Another common source of confusion revolves around Crimtane ore. While Crimtane ore is found within Crimstone areas, it can only be mined using a Gold Pickaxe or better when it’s located below ground level. If the ore is above ground, then any pickaxe is sufficient. Similar to Crimstone, explosives can also be used for mining Crimtane Ore.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Mining Crimson Blocks
Here are some common questions players have about mining Crimson blocks, along with detailed answers:
1. Which pickaxes can mine Crimstone in pre-Hardmode?
The Deathbringer Pickaxe, Nightmare Pickaxe, Molten Pickaxe, and Reaver Shark are the only pre-Hardmode pickaxes that can mine Crimstone.
2. Can a Platinum Pickaxe mine Crimson blocks?
No, a Platinum Pickaxe does not have enough pickaxe power to mine Crimstone. You’ll need a pickaxe equivalent to the Nightmare Pickaxe or higher.
3. How do I mine Crimtane ore?
Crimtane ore requires a Gold Pickaxe or better when found below ground level. If it’s above ground, any pickaxe works. Alternatively, explosives can be used at any elevation.
4. Is Tungsten or Platinum pickaxe better?
The Platinum Pickaxe is better than the Tungsten Pickaxe because it has more pickaxe power, deals 1 more damage, and is slightly faster in terms of mining speed.
5. Is Tungsten better than gold in Terraria?
In general, Tungsten is considered better for armor, because it offers very similar defense compared to Gold, but is easier to obtain. For tools however, Gold has higher pickaxe power, but Tungsten will do the job for most basic early game tasks.
6. What is the rarest ore in Terraria?
Luminite ore, dropped by the Moon Lord, is the rarest ore in the game. Chlorophyte, found in the underground jungle after defeating Plantera, is the rarest naturally generating ore.
7. Is it better to sell Crimtane ore or bars?
It is more profitable to sell Crimtane bars rather than the raw ore. The bars yield extra profit, especially once you’ve crafted all the Crimson equipment you need.
8. What breaks Crimson blocks besides pickaxes?
Explosives like Bombs can break Crimstone blocks in addition to suitable pickaxes. Also, you can use Purification Powder from the Dryad to convert the Crimstone to normal stone.
9. How do you break a Crimson Heart?
Crimson Hearts can be broken using any hammer or explosives. Destroying these hearts is a key part of progressing in the game.
10. Can a Tungsten Pickaxe mine Crimtane?
No, a Tungsten Pickaxe cannot mine Crimtane ore. You need at least a Gold Pickaxe.
11. Does breaking Demon Altars spread corruption?
Yes, destroying Demon Altars (or Crimson Altars) has a chance to convert a random Stone Block in the Cavern layer to Ebonstone/Crimstone or Pearlstone, facilitating the spread of the evil biomes.
12. What is the hardest block to mine in Terraria?
Lihzahrd Bricks, found in the Jungle Temple, are the hardest blocks to mine. They are impervious to explosives and require a very high-tier pickaxe like the Picksaw.
13. Should I worry about corruption in Terraria?
Yes, the Corruption and Crimson biomes can spread quickly through soft blocks, potentially overrunning your world. You should take precautions to contain them.
14. What is the dirtiest block in Terraria?
The Dirtiest Block is actually a pet summoning item that looks like a Dirt block. It’s rare, and only 3 can be obtained in a small world, 6 in medium, and 12 in a large world.
15. Is Molten armor better than Platinum armor?
Yes, Molten armor is better than Platinum armor. It is the next strongest armor under it, and has much better defense and overall stats.
Concluding Thoughts
The inability to mine Crimson blocks early in Terraria is a deliberate game design choice that encourages players to explore and upgrade their tools. Understanding the mechanic of pickaxe power and utilizing alternatives like explosives and Purification Powder will help you overcome this initial obstacle. Eventually, you’ll obtain the necessary equipment to mine those stubborn Crimstone blocks with ease, but for now, you’ll need to take a methodical approach. Armed with the correct pickaxe and the knowledge from this article, you’ll be well-equipped to conquer the challenges that the Crimson throws your way. Happy mining!