The Climbing Axe stands as one of the most crucial tools in The Forest, opening up entirely new areas for exploration and serving as an essential item for game progression. Understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest is vital for any player looking to fully explore the mysterious peninsula and uncover its darkest secrets. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from locating Cave 9 to successfully retrieving this invaluable tool.
Understanding the Climbing Axe’s Importance in The Forest
The Climbing Axe represents far more than just another tool in your inventory. This specialized equipment fundamentally changes how you navigate The Forest’s challenging terrain, allowing access to previously unreachable areas that contain valuable resources, story elements, and progression items. Without knowing how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, players will find themselves severely limited in their exploration capabilities.
What Makes the Climbing Axe Essential
The Climbing Axe serves dual purposes in The Forest’s survival mechanics. Primarily, it functions as a climbing tool that enables players to scale specific rocky walls and cave surfaces that would otherwise be impassable. As a secondary function, it can serve as a melee weapon, though with limited effectiveness compared to dedicated combat tools.
Key Functions:
- Enables climbing on designated wall surfaces
- Provides access to previously unreachable areas
- Serves as a backup melee weapon with fast attack speed
- Essential for story progression and game completion
- Cannot be upgraded like other weapons
- Required for accessing certain cave systems and elevated positions
Locating Cave 9: The Ledge Cave Where the Climbing Axe Awaits
Understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest begins with successfully locating Cave 9, also known as the Ledge Cave. This cave system serves as the exclusive location where players can obtain the Climbing Axe, making navigation to this specific cave system absolutely critical for progression.
Finding the Main Entrance to Cave 9
Cave 9 features multiple entrance points, but the primary entrance offers the most straightforward path to the Climbing Axe. Located northwest of the massive sinkhole that dominates the central area of the peninsula, this entrance can be identified by several key landmarks that make navigation easier for first-time visitors.
Primary Entrance Landmarks:
- Position: Northwest of the central sinkhole
- Visual markers: Abandoned tent near the entrance
- Terrain features: Hole in the ground leading downward
- Proximity indicators: Near the forest treeline
- Access method: Rope descent into the cave system
Alternative Cave 9 Access Points
For players seeking different approaches to how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, Cave 9 offers several alternative entrance points that can provide strategic advantages or shorter routes depending on your current location and equipment availability.
| Entrance Type | Location | Prerequisites | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Entrance | Northwest of Sinkhole | None | Easy |
| Sinkhole Ledge | Midway down Sinkhole | Rope access | Moderate |
| Cave 3 Connection | Through Cave 3 | Dynamite required | Hard |
| Eastern Shortcut | East of Canyon | Advanced navigation | Moderate |
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get the Climbing Axe in The Forest
Successfully obtaining the Climbing Axe requires careful navigation through Cave 9’s complex layout while managing potential enemy encounters and environmental hazards. This detailed walkthrough ensures you understand exactly how to get the climbing axe in The Forest without missing crucial steps or getting lost in the cave system.
Phase 1: Preparing for the Cave Expedition
Before attempting to retrieve the Climbing Axe, proper preparation significantly increases your chances of success and survival. Cave 9 contains several hostile cannibals and environmental challenges that require specific equipment and strategies to overcome effectively.
Essential Equipment for Cave Exploration:
| Item Category | Recommended Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Lighting | Flashlight, Lighter | Navigation in dark areas |
| Weapons | Bow with Arrows, Spear | Combat against cannibals |
| Medical | Medicine, Aloe Vera | Health restoration |
| Tools | Rope (backup) | Emergency climbing |
| Food | Berries, Cooked Meat | Stamina maintenance |
Phase 2: Entering Cave 9 and Initial Navigation
The journey to understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest begins with successfully entering Cave 9 and navigating its initial passages. The cave entrance presents immediately with a rope leading downward, marking the beginning of your descent into the cave system.
Initial Cave Navigation Steps:
- Locate the rope entrance – Look for the rope leading down into the cave opening
- Begin the descent – Use the rope to safely lower yourself into the cave
- Prepare lighting – Activate your flashlight or lighter upon reaching the bottom
- Assess your surroundings – Take note of the cave layout and potential pathways
- Choose your route – Head toward the left-side pathway following the wall
Phase 3: Navigating the Ledge System
Understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest requires mastering the complex ledge navigation system within Cave 9. This section of the cave presents multiple ledges, narrow passages, and potential fall hazards that must be carefully navigated to reach the Climbing Axe location.
Ledge Navigation Strategy:
- Stay left along the wall – Consistently hug the left wall for guidance
- Crouch when necessary – Use crouching to navigate narrow passages safely
- Watch for fall hazards – Avoid the deep central pit that can cause instant death
- Follow the natural path – The cave layout generally guides players toward the correct route
- Listen for audio cues – Waterfall sounds indicate proximity to the Climbing Axe area
Phase 4: Combat Encounters in Cave 9
Learning how to get the climbing axe in The Forest involves dealing with several cannibal encounters throughout the cave system. These hostile enemies pose significant threats but can be managed effectively with proper combat strategies and preparation.
Enemy Encounter Locations:
| Area | Enemy Types | Quantity | Combat Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Chamber | Regular Cannibals | 2-3 | Ranged attacks preferred |
| Ledge Areas | Starving Cannibals | 1-2 | Quick melee combat |
| Water Sections | Regular Cannibals | 2-4 | Positioning crucial |
| Final Chamber | Mixed Types | 3-5 | Combined tactics |
Effective Combat Strategies:
- Use ranged weapons when possible to maintain distance
- Employ stealth tactics to avoid unnecessary confrontations
- Conserve stamina for climbing and navigation challenges
- Target weak enemies first to reduce overall threat level
- Utilize environmental advantages such as elevated positions
Advanced Techniques for Climbing Axe Retrieval
Mastering how to get the climbing axe in The Forest extends beyond basic navigation to include advanced techniques that can make the retrieval process more efficient and safer. These strategies prove particularly valuable for experienced players or those facing difficulty with the standard approach.
Alternative Route Strategies
The standard route through Cave 9 isn’t the only method for how to get the climbing axe in The Forest. Several alternative approaches can provide tactical advantages or serve as backup options if the primary route becomes compromised or too challenging.
Cave 3 Dynamite Route:
- Requires dynamite to blast through connecting wall
- Provides direct access to Cave 9’s end section
- Reduces overall travel time and enemy encounters
- Demands additional preparation and resources
Sinkhole Ledge Approach:
- Utilizes existing ledge system within the sinkhole
- Offers multiple tent locations with supplies
- Hidden entrance behind tent area provides direct access
- Requires careful navigation to avoid fatal falls
Speed Run Techniques
For players seeking to optimize their approach to how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, several speed run techniques can significantly reduce the time required for retrieval while maintaining safety margins.
Optimization Strategies:
- Direct pathing – Memorize the most efficient route through Cave 9
- Enemy avoidance – Use stealth to bypass rather than engage cannibals
- Equipment streamlining – Carry only essential items to maintain mobility
- Landmark navigation – Use key visual markers for quick orientation
- Exit planning – Prepare climbing routes for immediate departure after retrieval
Understanding Climbing Axe Mechanics and Usage
Once you’ve successfully learned how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, understanding its mechanics becomes crucial for effective utilization. The Climbing Axe operates under specific rules and limitations that affect how and where it can be employed throughout the game world.
Climbable Wall Identification
The Climbing Axe only functions on specific wall types designed for climbing within The Forest’s game mechanics. Learning to identify these climbable surfaces ensures efficient use of the tool and prevents wasted time attempting to climb inappropriate surfaces.
Climbable Wall Characteristics:
| Feature | Description | Visual Indicator |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Texture | Flat, different from standard cave walls | Smoother appearance |
| Color Variation | Distinct coloring compared to surroundings | Lighter or darker tones |
| Rope Markers | Bits of rope attached to climbing surfaces | Visible rope remnants |
| Path Indicators | Rough outlines showing climbing routes | Faint trail markings |
| Interactive Prompts | “E” prompt appears when near climbable walls | UI indicator |
Climbing Mechanics and Controls
Successfully utilizing the Climbing Axe after learning how to get the climbing axe in The Forest requires understanding the specific control scheme and movement mechanics that govern wall climbing throughout the game world.
Basic Climbing Controls:
- Attachment – Press ‘E’ (or designated use key) when prompted
- Movement – Use standard directional keys to navigate up the wall
- Detachment – Look for rope markers or ledges to safely dismount
- Stamina management – Monitor stamina levels during extended climbs
- Camera adjustment – Manage first-person view limitations during climbing
Combat Applications of the Climbing Axe
Beyond its primary climbing function, understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest includes recognizing its potential as a combat weapon. While not the most effective weapon in the game, the Climbing Axe offers specific advantages in certain combat situations.
Combat Statistics and Performance
The Climbing Axe’s combat effectiveness falls between specialized weapons and basic tools, providing fast attack speeds at the cost of reduced damage output compared to dedicated combat equipment.
Combat Performance Metrics:
| Attribute | Rating | Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Attack Speed | High | Similar to Katana |
| Damage Output | Low-Medium | Less than Plane Axe |
| Durability | High | Cannot be upgraded |
| Versatility | Medium | Dual-purpose tool |
| Effectiveness vs Fast Enemies | Good | Excellent against starving cannibals |
Strategic Combat Usage
The Climbing Axe’s fast attack speed makes it particularly effective against specific enemy types, especially when dealing with quick, lightly-armored opponents that require rapid successive hits rather than heavy single strikes.
Optimal Combat Scenarios:
- Starving cannibals – Fast attacks counter their speed advantage
- Mutant babies – High attack rate handles multiple small targets
- Emergency situations – Always available as backup weapon
- Corpse dismemberment – Efficient for harvesting body parts
- Hit-and-run tactics – Speed allows quick engagement and disengagement
Common Mistakes When Learning How to Get the Climbing Axe in The Forest
Many players encounter specific challenges when attempting to locate and retrieve the Climbing Axe. Understanding these common mistakes helps avoid frustration and ensures successful completion of this crucial task.
Navigation Errors
The most frequent problems players face when learning how to get the climbing axe in The Forest stem from navigation mistakes within Cave 9’s complex layout.
Common Navigation Mistakes:
| Mistake Type | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong Cave Entry | Entering similar-looking caves | Verify tent landmark |
| Central Pit Falls | Falling into the main shaft | Hug walls consistently |
| Path Confusion | Taking wrong tunnels | Follow left wall strategy |
| Missing Hidden Entrance | Overlooking sinkhole tent entrance | Check behind tent structures |
| Inadequate Lighting | Poor visibility causing disorientation | Bring multiple light sources |
Combat and Preparation Failures
Insufficient preparation often leads to death or retreat when attempting to retrieve the Climbing Axe, forcing players to restart their expedition from the beginning.
Preparation Mistakes to Avoid:
- Inadequate weapon preparation – Entering without proper combat equipment
- Insufficient healing items – Lacking medical supplies for injury recovery
- Poor stamina management – Exhausting energy before reaching the Climbing Axe
- Equipment overload – Carrying unnecessary items that slow movement
- Route unfamiliarity – Attempting retrieval without understanding the path
Advanced Climbing Strategies and Locations
After mastering how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, players can explore numerous climbing opportunities throughout the peninsula that provide access to valuable resources, strategic positions, and hidden areas.
Essential Climbing Locations
The Climbing Axe opens access to multiple crucial areas throughout The Forest’s game world, each offering unique benefits and progression opportunities.
Key Climbing Areas:
| Location | Access Requirements | Rewards | Strategic Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cave Wall Sections | Climbing Axe only | Artifact pieces | Story progression |
| Coastal Cliffs | Basic climbing skills | Elevated viewpoints | Reconnaissance |
| Interior Cave Systems | Advanced navigation | Hidden chambers | Resource caches |
| Sinkhole Walls | Careful positioning | Alternative routes | Tactical movement |
| Mountain Passages | Cold weather preparation | High-altitude areas | Exploration content |
Expert Climbing Techniques
Advanced players can employ sophisticated climbing strategies that maximize the Climbing Axe’s utility while minimizing risks associated with high-altitude navigation and challenging terrain.
Advanced Climbing Methods:
- Route optimization – Planning climbs to minimize stamina usage
- Safety positioning – Identifying secure dismount points before climbing
- Emergency procedures – Strategies for handling climbing failures
- Environmental awareness – Using weather and time-of-day advantages
- Equipment coordination – Combining climbing with other tool usage
Troubleshooting Common Climbing Axe Issues
Players may encounter various technical or gameplay issues when learning how to get the climbing axe in The Forest or when attempting to use it effectively. Understanding solutions to these problems ensures smooth gameplay progression.
Technical Problems and Solutions
Various technical issues can interfere with Climbing Axe functionality, requiring specific troubleshooting approaches to resolve effectively.
Common Technical Issues:
| Problem | Symptoms | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Wall Detection Issues | No climbing prompt appears | Verify wall is climbable type |
| Control Responsiveness | Climbing controls don’t respond | Check key bindings configuration |
| Animation Glitches | Character stuck in climbing pose | Reload save or restart area |
| Invisible Walls | Can’t attach to apparently climbable surfaces | Update game version |
| Save Game Corruption | Lost Climbing Axe after reload | Verify game file integrity |
Gameplay Challenges
Beyond technical issues, players may face gameplay-related challenges that affect their ability to effectively use the Climbing Axe in various situations.
Gameplay Challenge Solutions:
- Stamina management – Practice efficient climbing techniques
- Visual orientation – Learn to work with first-person climbing limitations
- Route planning – Study climbing paths before attempting ascent
- Fall recovery – Develop strategies for handling climbing failures
- Emergency escape – Plan retreat routes when climbing becomes dangerous
Maximizing Your Climbing Axe Investment
Understanding how to get the climbing axe in The Forest represents just the beginning of maximizing this tool’s potential throughout your survival experience. Effective long-term usage requires strategic thinking about when, where, and how to employ climbing capabilities.
Resource Management Strategies
The Climbing Axe doesn’t consume resources like other tools, but effective usage requires careful management of related resources such as stamina, time, and positioning.
Resource Optimization:
- Stamina conservation – Plan climbs during high-energy periods
- Time management – Coordinate climbing with daily activity schedules
- Position planning – Use climbing strategically for base location access
- Route efficiency – Develop consistent climbing paths for regular areas
- Safety margins – Always maintain escape route options during climbs
Integration with Other Tools
The Climbing Axe works most effectively when integrated with other survival tools and weapons, creating synergistic combinations that enhance overall survival capabilities.
Tool Combination Strategies:
| Primary Tool | Secondary Tool | Combined Application |
|---|---|---|
| Climbing Axe | Rope | Emergency descent options |
| Climbing Axe | Bow | Elevated combat positions |
| Climbing Axe | Flashlight | Night climbing operations |
| Climbing Axe | Modern Axe | Combat backup during climbs |
| Climbing Axe | Rebreather | Water-to-climbing transitions |
Expert Tips from the Community
The Forest community has developed numerous advanced strategies for how to get the climbing axe in The Forest, along with optimization techniques that streamline the entire process.
According to comprehensive analyses from Game Rant, the Climbing Axe represents one of the most crucial progression items in the game, requiring careful planning and execution to obtain successfully. Professional gaming guides from Sportskeeda emphasize the importance of proper preparation and route planning when attempting Cave 9 navigation.
Detailed strategies from Games Fuze highlight the significance of understanding Cave 9’s layout before attempting the retrieval mission. The official Forest Wiki provides comprehensive technical information about the Climbing Axe’s mechanics and limitations that prove invaluable for effective usage.
Advanced techniques documented by Guided.news demonstrate how experienced players can optimize their approach to both obtaining and using the Climbing Axe throughout their survival experience.
Community-Developed Strategies
The Forest’s player community has contributed numerous innovative approaches to Climbing Axe retrieval and usage that extend beyond basic gameplay mechanics.
Community Optimization Techniques:
- Group coordination – Multiplayer strategies for Cave 9 navigation
- Speed run methods – Optimized routes for quick retrieval
- Challenge runs – Advanced difficulty approaches
- Base integration – Using climbing access for base construction
- Resource routing – Combining climbing with resource gathering
Safety Considerations and Risk Management
Learning how to get the climbing axe in The Forest involves understanding and managing various risks associated with cave exploration, combat encounters, and climbing activities.
Risk Assessment Framework
Successful Climbing Axe retrieval requires comprehensive risk assessment that accounts for multiple threat categories and mitigation strategies.
Primary Risk Categories:
| Risk Type | Threat Level | Mitigation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Encounters | High | Proper weapon preparation |
| Fall Hazards | Fatal | Careful navigation techniques |
| Navigation Errors | Moderate | Landmark-based routing |
| Resource Depletion | Moderate | Adequate supply preparation |
| Equipment Failure | Low | Backup tool availability |
Emergency Procedures
Despite careful planning, emergency situations can arise during Climbing Axe retrieval that require specific response procedures to ensure player survival and mission success.
Emergency Response Protocols:
- Combat overwhelm – Retreat strategies and safe areas
- Navigation loss – Reorientation techniques and landmark identification
- Equipment shortage – Resource conservation and prioritization
- Health emergencies – Medical response and evacuation procedures
- Technical failures – Troubleshooting and alternative approaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Where exactly is the Climbing Axe located in The Forest?
The Climbing Axe is located in Cave 9 (Ledge Cave), specifically at the end of the cave system illuminated against a wall. To reach it, enter Cave 9 through the main entrance northwest of the sinkhole, descend the rope, navigate through the cave system staying left along the walls, defeat several cannibals, and continue until you find the lit area where the Climbing Axe is embedded in the rock wall. The cave entrance can be identified by a nearby abandoned tent marking the location.
Can you use the Climbing Axe as a weapon in The Forest?
Yes, the Climbing Axe can be used as a melee weapon, but it’s not very effective for combat. It swings fast like the Katana but deals significantly less damage than dedicated weapons like the Plane Axe or Modern Axe. The Climbing Axe works best against fast, weak enemies like starving cannibals due to its high attack speed. However, it cannot be upgraded like other weapons, making it primarily useful as a backup weapon rather than a primary combat tool. It can also be used to dismember cannibal corpses but cannot chop down trees.
What preparation do I need before going to get the Climbing Axe?
Essential preparation includes bringing weapons (bow with arrows or spear), lighting (flashlight or lighter), medical supplies (medicine or aloe vera), and basic food for stamina. Cave 9 contains multiple hostile cannibals that must be defeated to reach the Climbing Axe, so combat readiness is crucial. The cave system is dark and complex, requiring reliable lighting for navigation. Additionally, bring rope as backup equipment and ensure you have adequate stamina for the journey through multiple ledges and narrow passages.
Are there multiple ways to access Cave 9 and get the Climbing Axe?
Yes, Cave 9 has several entrance points, but the main entrance northwest of the sinkhole is the most straightforward route. Alternative access includes entering through the sinkhole ledge system (where you can find a hidden entrance behind tents), connecting from Cave 3 using dynamite to blast through walls, or using the eastern shortcut near the canyon. However, the main entrance provides the most reliable and direct path to the Climbing Axe location for first-time retrievers.
What can you climb with the Climbing Axe in The Forest?
The Climbing Axe only works on specific climbable walls that have distinct visual characteristics. These climbable surfaces typically appear flatter than regular cave walls, have different coloring, often feature bits of rope attached as guides, and display an interaction prompt when approached. You can climb various rocky cliffs throughout the peninsula and specific walls within caves, but you cannot climb regular rock surfaces, trees, or walls in the snow biome. The tool is essential for accessing previously unreachable areas and progressing through certain story elements in the game.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about how to get the climbing axe in The Forest. Remember that patience and preparation are key to successfully retrieving this essential tool that will transform your exploration capabilities throughout the mysterious peninsula.
