A Guide on How to Farm the Pickaxe in Elden Ring

Nov-26-2024

 

In Elden Ring, players can find a plethora of weapons to suit various playstyles, from magical staves to greatswords. One such weapon, the Pickaxe, is a standout due to its unique blend of damage, speed, and utility. This guide explores the characteristics of the Pickaxe, its farming methods, and how to best utilize this striking weapon in Elden Ring.

 

 

Pickaxe Overview

The Pickaxe in Elden Ring is classified as a Great Hammer weapon, but it stands out for its Pierce Damage—a rarity among Warhammers. While most Great Hammers deal Strike damage, the Pickaxe's piercing capabilities make it particularly useful against heavily armored foes. Its high base damage, paired with its ability to penetrate defenses, allows players to break through even the toughest of enemy shields and armor.

 

The Pickaxe is not without its drawbacks, though. Like most Great Hammers, it lacks the reach and speed of lighter weapons, and its weight can make it cumbersome for players who are used to quicker, more agile playstyles.

 

However, for those who value Strength (and even some Dexterity), the Pickaxe provides a substantial payoff. Its default Weapon Skill, Endure, offers a unique tactical advantage. When activated, it allows players to brace for incoming attacks, reducing damage taken and increasing poise.

 

How to Farm the Pickaxe

Unlike many other weapons in Elden Ring, the Pickaxe is dropped by a specific type of enemy: Miners. These Miners can be found in several tunnels and caves throughout the Lands Between. It's important to note that not all Miners carry the Pickaxe; only the standard Miners (not the Glintstone Miners) will drop it. The Glintstone Miners are equipped with the Digger's Staff, which is a separate item entirely.

 

Fight with Miners is not an easy thing, here are some tips you can adopt. First of all, miners are notably resistant to physical damage, particularly against melee attacks. But if you’re fire-based damage, it is highly effective against them. Classes like Astrologer and Prisoner can easily take out Miners with their powerful sorceries, while Prophet and Confessor can use the Catch Flame incantation to deal with them quickly. Although Catch Flame is a close-range attack, its high damage output against Miners makes it an excellent choice for those looking to farm the Pickaxe.

 

For melee players, a weapon that deals both Strike and Elemental damage can be highly effective. The Mace and Club are two viable options for dealing with Miners. The Mace can be purchased from Twin Maiden Husks for 800 runes, while the Club is available from the Nomadic Merchant near Coastal Cave for 600 runes. Both are good budget options for farming.

 

Finally, Miners are slow-moving, they tend to be predictable in their attack patterns. Take advantage of their lack of mobility by keeping your distance when using ranged spells or elemental weapons. Be cautious of their stagger resistance, as they can absorb some of your attacks, especially with heavy weapons.

 

Farming Locations

Ruin-Strewn Precipice is ideal for characters of intermediate level. The farming route here is straightforward. From the Site of Grace, head southeast to a tunnel containing six Miners. After defeating the Miners, retreat to the Site of Grace to respawn and repeat the process. Be cautious of Vulgar Militia that might attack if you linger too long, but focus on the Miners for the Pickaxe.

 

Limgrave Tunnels is great for lower-level characters or players just starting their adventure. There are two farming routes in this area. In the first route, five Miners can be found, three on a wooden walkway and two on the ground below. After clearing them, return to the Site of Grace to respawn and repeat the process. Alternatively, you can take the second route deeper into the tunnels for another batch of Miners, but it requires a more careful approach and jumping down an elevator shaft.

 

Both of these locations are fairly close to Sites of Grace, making them convenient for efficient farming. It's highly recommended to use consumables such as Item Discovery boosts (e.g., Silver-Pickled Fowl Foot) to increase your chances of obtaining the Pickaxe.

 

Pickaxe in Combat

The Pickaxe excels in situations where high Pierce damage is required to break through enemy defenses. It works particularly well against heavily armored foes or enemies that rely on blocking with shields. Since the Pickaxe can only be paired with a Great Hammer moveset and not with other Great Hammers for powerstancing, it requires a unique playstyle.

 

The Endure skill allows players to absorb damage while still being able to retaliate with powerful strikes. This makes it a viable option for tanky builds or those who enjoy a more defensive approach to combat. The Pierce damage, coupled with the weapon's high physical attack, ensures that even the toughest enemies will eventually fall.

 

With its distinctive look and powerful characteristics, the Pickaxe offers players the chance to wield something truly different in the vast world of the Lands Between. So, gear up, seek out those Miners, and get ready to swing your Pickaxe into battle!