An axe is one of the most essential tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Whether you’re gathering materials to craft furniture, redesigning your island’s landscape, or simply collecting resources for various projects, having an axe is absolutely crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining and upgrading axes in the game, from your very first flimsy tool to the coveted golden version.
The Importance of Axes in Animal Crossing
Before diving into how to get your hands on various axes, it’s worth understanding why this tool is so vital to your island experience:
- Resource gathering: Axes allow you to harvest wood from trees, which is essential for crafting many items and tools
- Landscaping: Regular axes let you remove trees completely, helping you redesign your island
- Material collection: Axes can be used to hit rocks for materials like iron nuggets and clay
- DIY recipe requirements: Many crafting recipes require wood that can only be obtained with an axe
Without an axe, your ability to progress through the game and develop your island will be severely limited. Let’s explore how to get your first axe and then upgrade to better versions.
Getting Your First Axe: The Flimsy Axe
When you first arrive on your deserted island, you won’t have access to any tools. Obtaining your first axe requires completing a few simple steps as part of Tom Nook’s island introduction.
Step-by-Step Guide to Obtaining Your First Flimsy Axe
- Speak with Tom Nook at the Resident Services tent
- Collect at least two different creatures (bugs, fish, or a combination) using the flimsy net and flimsy fishing rod that Tom provides
- Return to Tom Nook and select the dialogue option “I found a creature!”
- Donate your creatures to Tom Nook (he’ll mention sending them to his friend Blathers)
- Receive the flimsy axe recipe from Tom Nook after donating your creatures
To unlock the axe recipe, you’ll need to speak to Tom Nook in the Resident Services tent and give him fish or bugs. The specific ratio doesn’t matter, but you must provide at least two different creatures.
Crafting Your First Flimsy Axe
Once you have the recipe, you’ll need to gather the following materials to craft your flimsy axe:
| Material | Quantity | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Tree Branches | 5 | Shake trees around your island |
| Stone | 1 | Hit rocks with a shovel or another tool |
After collecting these materials, head to a crafting bench (there’s one in the Resident Services tent) to create your flimsy axe.
Buying a Flimsy Axe
If you’re not the first player on your island or you’d prefer not to craft one, you can also purchase a flimsy axe:
The flimsy axe can be bought from Nook’s Cranny for 800 Bells once you’ve unlocked the axe in the story. You can also purchase the recipe itself from Nook’s Cranny for 280 Bells if you want to craft multiple axes in the future.
Understanding the Different Types of Axes
Animal Crossing: New Horizons features four different types of axes, each with unique properties, crafting requirements, and uses. Understanding the differences is important for efficient resource gathering and island development.
Types of Axes Comparison Table
| Axe Type | Durability | Can Chop Down Trees? | Materials Needed | How to Obtain Recipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flimsy Axe | 40 uses | No | 5 tree branches, 1 stone | Tom Nook’s DIY Workshop |
| Stone Axe | 100 uses | No | 1 flimsy axe, 3 wood | “Pretty Good Tools” Recipe Pack |
| Regular Axe | 100 uses | Yes | 1 flimsy axe, 3 wood, 1 iron nugget | “Pretty Good Tools” Recipe Pack |
| Golden Axe | 200 uses | Yes | 1 regular axe, 1 gold nugget | Break 100 axes |
Upgrading to Better Axes
The flimsy axe will suffice for early gameplay, but it breaks quickly and cannot chop down trees completely. Here’s how to get better, more durable axes as you progress.
Getting the Stone Axe and Regular Axe
To upgrade from your flimsy axe to either a stone axe or a regular axe, you’ll need to:
- Pay off your initial loan of 5,000 Nook Miles to Tom Nook
- Access the Nook Stop terminal in the Resident Services tent/building
- Purchase the “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” package for 3,000 Nook Miles
- Learn the recipes for both the stone axe and regular axe
The “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” package is available at the Nook Stop terminal after you’ve paid your initial 5,000 Nook Miles loan. This package includes recipes for several upgraded tools, including both axe variants.
Stone Axe vs. Regular Axe: Which to Choose?
The stone axe and regular axe have the same durability, but they serve different purposes:
Both axes have their advantages. The stone axe is easier to craft as it doesn’t require iron nuggets, while the regular axe can fully chop down trees.
Stone Axe Advantages:
- Doesn’t require iron nuggets (which are harder to find early in the game)
- Won’t accidentally chop down trees when gathering wood
- Perfect for daily wood gathering
Regular Axe Advantages:
- Can fully remove trees (takes three hits)
- Necessary for major landscaping projects
- Required for crafting the golden axe
Crafting Materials for Upgraded Axes
Stone Axe:
- 1 flimsy axe
- 3 wood
Regular Axe:
- 1 flimsy axe
- 3 wood
- 1 iron nugget
The regular axe can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny for 2,500 Bells if you prefer not to craft it.
The Ultimate Upgrade: Getting the Golden Axe
The golden axe is the most durable axe in the game and is considered a prestigious tool to own. However, unlocking it requires significant dedication.
How to Unlock the Golden Axe Recipe
The golden axe recipe is learned by the player after breaking axes a total of 100 times. This might seem like a daunting task, but there are some strategies to make it more manageable.
Tips for Breaking 100 Axes Quickly:
- Craft and use flimsy axes as they break the fastest
- Hit rocks and trees repeatedly until the axe breaks
- Don’t use the tool ring to switch between axes (slows down the process)
- Keep track of how many you’ve broken
Crafting the Golden Axe
Once you’ve unlocked the recipe, you’ll need:
- 1 regular axe
- 1 gold nugget
The golden axe can be used 200 times before breaking, making it twice as durable as the regular and stone axes.
Using Your Axe Effectively
Now that you know how to obtain various axes, here’s how to use them effectively for different purposes.
Harvesting Wood Without Chopping Trees
If you want to gather wood resources without removing trees from your island:
- Use a flimsy axe or stone axe on a tree
- You can hit each tree up to three times per day
- Each hit will give you one of three types of wood: normal wood, softwood, or hardwood
Chopping Down Trees
To completely remove a tree:
- Use a regular axe or golden axe
- Hit the tree three times consecutively
- The tree will fall, leaving a stump
- Use a shovel to remove the stump if desired
Hitting Rocks for Resources
Axes can also be used to hit rocks for materials:
- Stand in a good position (dig holes behind you to prevent knockback)
- Hit the rock repeatedly with your axe
- You can get up to 8 items from each rock per day
- Potential resources include bells, clay, stone, iron nuggets, and rarely gold nuggets
In New Horizons, axes are essential for the crafting system, allowing you to collect different types of wood from trees and materials from rocks.
Troubleshooting Axe Issues
Some players encounter issues when trying to obtain their first axe or upgrade to better versions. Here are solutions to common problems:
“Tom Nook Won’t Give Me the Axe Recipe”
If you’re having trouble getting the axe recipe from Tom Nook:
- Ensure you’ve donated at least two different creatures (not duplicates)
- Try donating more creatures (up to five)
- Check if another player on your island has already unlocked the recipe
- If another player has unlocked it, you can purchase it from Timmy/Tommy
“My Axe Broke and I Can’t Craft a New One”
If your axe breaks and you’re unable to craft a replacement:
- Check if you have the recipe in your DIY recipe collection
- Gather the necessary materials (tree branches, stone)
- If you don’t have the recipe, purchase it from Nook’s Cranny
- If Nook’s Cranny isn’t available, ask Tom Nook for help again
“I Can’t Get the ‘Pretty Good Tools’ Recipe Pack”
If you’re unable to purchase the upgraded tool recipes:
- Verify you’ve paid off your initial 5,000 Nook Miles loan
- Ensure the Resident Services tent has been upgraded to a building
- Check the Nook Stop terminal under the “Redeem Nook Miles” section
Maximizing the Lifespan of Your Axes
To get the most out of your axes before they break:
- Only use axes when necessary – Don’t waste durability on unnecessary actions
- Choose the right axe for the job – Use stone axes for wood gathering and regular axes for tree removal
- Keep multiple axes in your inventory – Always have a backup ready
- Track durability – Pay attention to visual cues that indicate your axe is close to breaking
FAQ: Commonly Asked Questions About Axes in Animal Crossing
How many times can I hit a tree for wood each day?
You can hit each tree up to three times per day to collect wood. This will give you three pieces of wood per tree, which can be normal wood, softwood, or hardwood. This limit resets daily, and hitting the tree more than three times won’t yield additional wood.
Does the golden axe have any special abilities?
The golden axe possesses no unique attributes beyond its greater durability. Unlike previous Animal Crossing games where golden tools had special properties, in New Horizons, the golden axe simply lasts longer than other axes.
Can I use an axe on someone else’s island?
You cannot use an axe on another player’s island unless they have designated you as a “Best Friend” in the game. This restriction prevents visitors from chopping down trees or otherwise altering another player’s island without permission.
What’s the difference between a stone axe and a regular axe?
The main difference is that a stone axe cannot chop down trees completely, while a regular axe can. Both have the same durability (100 uses), but the regular axe requires an iron nugget to craft, making it slightly more resource-intensive. Choose a stone axe for gathering wood without altering your landscape.
How do I know when my axe is about to break?
As your axe nears the end of its durability, you’ll notice visual indicators. The axe will appear to have cracks or look worn in your inventory. Additionally, a small animation will show your character looking concerned when the tool is close to breaking. Always carry spare materials or a backup axe.
Conclusion
Axes are fundamental tools in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, essential for gathering resources and shaping your island paradise. Starting with the basic flimsy axe and working your way up to the golden version is a journey that parallels your overall progression in the game.
By understanding how to obtain each type of axe, their specific uses, and how to maintain them effectively, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of your island adventure. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to optimize your tool usage, mastering the axe will significantly enhance your Animal Crossing experience.
Remember that patience is key in Animal Crossing – collecting materials, upgrading tools, and developing your island is meant to be a gradual, relaxing process. Enjoy each step of the journey as you chop, craft, and create your way to your ideal island getaway.
