The Forge is a treasure trove of epic tools and equipment, but few items rival the Arkane Pickaxe in terms of utility, power, and late-game value. For serious miners and collectors, this S-tier pickaxe is a must-have, combining raw mining efficiency with a substantial luck boost and three Rune slots for customization. If you’re aiming to maximize your mining output and gather rare materials faster, getting the Arkane Pickaxe should be a top priority.
This guide will walk you through everything—from starting the quest to purchasing the pickaxe—so you can secure this powerful item with ease.
What Makes the Arkane Pickaxe Special?
The Arkane Pickaxe is widely regarded as one of the most valuable tools in The Forge for several reasons:
- Mine Power: 115, allowing you to break high-tier rocks with ease
- Luck Boost: +50%, significantly increasing the chance of rare material drops
- Mining Speed: +10%, making resource collection faster than ever
- Rune Slots: Three slots, perfect for enhancing abilities or adding elemental effects
Because of this combination, the Arkane Pickaxe is ideal for late-game players who want to maximize efficiency in mining and exploration. However, obtaining it isn’t as simple as purchasing from a vendor—it requires completing a special questline that involves finding a hidden cave and solving a few in-game puzzles.
Step 1: Start the Bard’s Quest
The journey to the Arkane Pickaxe begins with a quest from the Bard NPC.
- Location: Near the campfire in Stonewake’s Cross, the main hub area of The Forge
- Task: The Bard has lost his guitar and asks for your help to retrieve it
Tip: Make sure to accept the quest before moving on, as this unlocks access to the secret key you’ll need later. Completing this quest is mandatory for reaching the Fallen Angel’s Cave, where the pickaxe is located.
Step 2: Locate the Secret Cave
Once the quest is active, your next goal is to find the hidden entrance:
- Head to The Cave, located in the main mining area of Stonewake’s Cross
- Move downhill and check the left wall near the bottom
- Look for a cluster of small plants that conceal a hidden passage—this leads into the Secret Cave
The entrance is subtle, so take your time exploring the area carefully. Missing this path is a common mistake among first-time players.
Step 3: Retrieve the Bard’s Lost Guitar
Inside the Secret Cave, you’ll find the Bard’s lost guitar.
- Collect the guitar and ensure it’s in your inventory
- Exit the cave by using the ladder, returning to the main area
Retrieving the guitar is a crucial step because the Bard will reward you with the Unknown Key, which is required to access the Fallen Angel’s Cave where the Arkane Pickaxe resides.
Step 4: Get the Unknown Key
Return to the Bard outside the Secret Cave and hand him his guitar.
- As a reward, the Bard will give you the Unknown Key
- This key is essential to unlock the gate leading to the Arkane Pickaxe
Pro Tip: Keep the key safe and do not lose it before entering the Fallen Angel’s Cave. Losing or discarding it will force you to restart the quest sequence.
Step 5: Unlock the Gate to Fallen Angel’s Cave
With the Unknown Key in your inventory:
- Return to The Cave and follow the right-hand path
- Look for a locked gate—use the key to open it
- Behind this gate lies the Fallen Angel’s Cave, the final location for obtaining the pickaxe
This is where the most coveted pickaxe in The Forge awaits, sitting atop a glowing altar.
Step 6: Purchase the Arkane Pickaxe
Once inside Fallen Angel’s Cave, the Arkane Pickaxe can be purchased.
- Cost: $125,000 Gold
- Ensure you have enough gold saved before attempting this step
After purchasing, the pickaxe immediately enters your inventory, granting you massive mining power, improved luck, and increased speed.
Optional Tip: Use the three Rune slots to enhance your pickaxe further, making it even more powerful for rare material farming or combat scenarios where mining tools are used as secondary weapons.
Additional Tips for Players
- Complete the Quest Early: While the pickaxe is a late-game tool, starting the Bard’s quest early allows you to prepare gold and plan Rune combinations.
- Explore Thoroughly: The Forge has many hidden paths. Missing small details, like the Secret Cave entrance, can waste hours of gameplay.
- Save Before Purchase: Ensure you don’t accidentally spend your gold elsewhere; the Arkane Pickaxe is worth the investment.
- Rune Optimization: Focus on Runes that boost resource drops, mining speed, or elemental damage for maximum efficiency.
Why the Arkane Pickaxe Is a Game-Changer
Players who obtain the Arkane Pickaxe notice immediate improvements in:
- Mining Efficiency: Rare ores and materials are harvested faster
- Material Yield: Increased luck translates into more valuable drops per mining session
- Late-Game Exploration: High Mine Power allows access to previously inaccessible areas
- Customization: Rune slots let you tailor the pickaxe to your preferred playstyle
For serious collectors and miners, the Arkane Pickaxe is not just a tool—it’s a status symbol and a strategic asset that enhances every aspect of late-game mining and crafting in The Forge.
Conclusion
Securing the Arkane Pickaxe in The Forge requires patience, exploration, and a clear understanding of the Bard’s questline. From starting at Stonewake’s Cross to locating the Secret Cave, retrieving the lost guitar, obtaining the Unknown Key, and finally purchasing the pickaxe in Fallen Angel’s Cave, each step is essential.
Once acquired, the Arkane Pickaxe gives unmatched mining power, luck boosts, and speed advantages, making it one of the most desirable S-tier items in the game. With the three Rune slots, you can further customize this pickaxe to suit your preferred playstyle, making it a must-have for any dedicated player.
Now that you know the full step-by-step process, it’s time to prepare your gold, follow the quest carefully, and claim the Arkane Pickaxe for yourself!
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