The highly anticipated 1.0 update for Sons of the Forest has revolutionized the gameplay experience, introducing an array of new content including cannibal and mutant variants, expansive caves, essential equipment, and advanced systems. As players progress through the storyline, securing key items becomes imperative for accessing restricted areas and gathering vital materials. Among these crucial tools, the pickaxe stands out as a late-game necessity. Embedded deep within the caves, the pickaxe is indispensable for mining Solafite, a resource crucial for weapon and suit upgrades, pivotal for conquering the main storyline.
Locating the Pickaxe Cave
Nestled inside a cave beside a small lake on the island's northeast side, the pickaxe is not easily accessible. Before embarking on the journey to retrieve it, players must first secure the rebreather. This essential piece of equipment, found near the beach spawn point within another cave, is necessary for navigating the underwater passages leading to the pickaxe cave. Additionally, ensuring a reliable light source such as a flashlight or torch is critical for safe cave diving.
Preparing for the Challenge
The pickaxe cave is notorious for its formidable mutant inhabitants. To survive the journey, players must stock up on weapons, ammunition, medicine, food, and drink. The entrance to the cave is marked by a human-made hole amidst large rocks, with a rope descending into the depths. Utilizing the rope to climb down is the initial step, but laying down a tarp and saving progress before venturing further is a prudent move.
The Path to the Pickaxe
Upon descending the rope, players should move forward until encountering a waterfall, which leads to another cascade pouring into a pool of dark water. Diving into the water activates the rebreather, enabling players to swim deeper into the cave system. Navigating through the underwater cave involves passing skeletons and squeezing through narrow pathways until reaching a small room. Continuing deeper into the cave, players will encounter planks blocking a door to the left and a drop-off to the right. Proceeding towards the drop-off and sliding down leads to the next stage of the journey.
Landing in a pool of water, players have the option to either equip the rebreather and dive further or exit the water to gather some loot. However, caution is advised as a spotty mutant lurks in the vicinity. Engaging this adversary is inevitable. After dealing with the mutant, swimming through the underwater cave will bring players to a small room, with pieces of wood visible through an opening in the wall and another water pool leading to a subsequent underwater cave.
Navigating through the narrow cave eventually opens up into a larger chamber where three workers' bodies hang from the ceiling. A light at the back of the room illuminates a wall of Solafite, where the pickaxe is found wedged into the mineral. Extracting the pickaxe from the Solafite signifies the culmination of this arduous quest.
To exit the cave, players should follow the path to the left of the pickaxe's location. This path is guarded by two more spotty mutants. Continuing past these foes, players will find a rope leading upwards. Ascending this rope and moving forward requires a jump down to a lower level. Following the cave's path to its end reveals another rope. Climbing this final rope leads to the exit, completing the challenging but rewarding journey.
Conclusion
The 1.0 update for Sons of the Forest not only expands the game's content but also intensifies the exploration and survival aspects with the introduction of key items like the pickaxe. The quest to retrieve the pickaxe is a testament to the game's depth and complexity, requiring strategic preparation, resource management, and combat skills. As players delve into the rich, immersive world of Sons of the Forest, mastering the challenges and securing vital resources like Solafite will be crucial for progressing through and ultimately conquering the main storyline. This update exemplifies Gameloft's dedication to enhancing gameplay, offering players a meticulously crafted and deeply engaging experience.
