Finding the pickaxe in Sons of the Forest is a major milestone for players seeking to access late-game upgrades and complete their survival journey. Introduced in Update 12, this specialized tool allows survivors to harvest Solafite ore and traverse frozen ice surfaces inside dangerous underground locations. Knowing where to look and preparing the necessary equipment beforehand will make your expedition into the depths much smoother.
Where to Find the Pickaxe Cave Location
The pickaxe is located inside a specific cave system situated in the northeastern region of the island, southeast of the golf course. Survivors can identify the cave entrance near two small lakes linked by a stream. Rather than a standard cave mouth, look for a hole in the ground featuring a climbing rope that descends into the darkness.
Navigating to this location requires careful preparation because the surrounding wilderness contains aggressive mutant threats. It is recommended to bring adequate light sources, weapons, and medical supplies to ensure you survive the trek across the island. Marking the coordinates on your GPS device will help keep your route organized before entering.
Required Equipment and Route Through the Depths
Before attempting to enter the cave, you must acquire the Rebreather from the northern coast cave. The route inside the pickaxe cave involves navigating long flooded passages that cannot be bypassed without underwater breathing gear. Having spare oxygen tanks in your inventory is also essential for safe diving.
Once inside, descend the initial rope and follow the underground stream until reaching a sharp drop. Swim through the flooded tunnels using your Rebreather, taking care to follow the correct pathways at junctions. Continue following the submerged chambers until you surface in a main room illuminated near three suspended workers, where the pickaxe is lodged directly in a Solafite deposit.
Primary Uses and Solafite Mining Mechanics
The primary function of the pickaxe is to mine bright golden Solafite ore deposits found along cave walls. You can carry up to 20 pieces of ore in your inventory, which can then be placed into a Solafite Upgrader to enhance your weapons. Upgrading weapons increases their combat effectiveness or gives them an impressive golden finish.
In addition to resource gathering, the pickaxe serves as a key tool for late-game navigation. It enables players to scale frozen ice walls, opening up access to the deepest and most challenging endgame areas. Securing this tool is therefore vital for anyone planning to fully explore the island's secrets and complete the storyline.
