How to Get an Axe in Animal Crossing: A Complete Guide – Animal Crossing is a beloved life-simulation game that offers endless possibilities for creativity, exploration, and fun. One of the essential tools you’ll need early in your journey is an axe. Axes in Animal Crossing serve multiple purposes, from chopping wood to removing trees to harvesting materials for crafting. Whether you’re a new player or a seasoned island dweller, understanding how to get an axe and use it effectively is key to making progress.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about obtaining an axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its various uses.
Why Do You Need an Axe in Animal Crossing?
An axe is one of the most versatile tools in Animal Crossing. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Chopping Trees: Harvest wood (softwood, hardwood, or regular wood) for crafting furniture, tools, and decorations.
- Removing Trees: Cut down trees to clear space for landscaping or building projects.
- Harvesting Materials: Collect tree-based resources to sell for Bells or use in DIY recipes.
With an axe in hand, you’ll unlock new possibilities for customizing your island and crafting your dream home.
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, How to Get an Axe
1. Start Your Island Adventure
When you first arrive on your deserted island, you won’t have any tools. Tom Nook will provide you with basic instructions on setting up your tent and gathering resources. Follow his guidance to progress through the early stages of the game.
2. Meet Tom Nook and Complete Tasks
After setting up your tent, visit Tom Nook at the Resident Services tent. He’ll guide you through the basics of island life, including gathering materials like branches and fruit.
Tom Nook will eventually introduce you to DIY crafting, a system that allows you to create tools and furniture using materials you collect on the island.
3. Unlock the Flimsy Axe Recipe
To get your first axe, you’ll need to unlock the Flimsy Axe recipe. Here’s how:
- Talk to Tom Nook: After donating at least two unique creatures (bugs or fish) to Tom Nook, he’ll reward you with the recipe for the Flimsy Axe.
- Obtain the DIY Workbench: Nook will also give you access to a DIY Workbench, where you can craft tools and other items.
4. Gather Materials for the Flimsy Axe
The Flimsy Axe is the most basic version of the axe and requires the following materials:
5 Tree Branches: These can be found on the ground under trees or shaken loose by interacting with trees.
1 Stone: Look for stones scattered around your island or hit rocks with a shovel to gather this material.
5. Craft the Flimsy Axe
Once you have the necessary materials:
- Go to a DIY Workbench (available at Resident Services or a crafted personal workbench).
- Select the Flimsy Axe recipe.
- Craft the axe using the materials you’ve gathered.
Congratulations! You now have your first axe in Animal Crossing.
Upgrading Your Axe
The Flimsy Axe is a great starting tool, but it’s not very durable. As you progress, you’ll unlock stronger and more efficient versions of the axe.
1. Stone Axe
The Stone Axe is an upgraded version of the Flimsy Axe that doesn’t cut down trees but still allows you to collect wood.
How to Unlock: Purchase the “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” upgrade from the Nook Stop terminal at Resident Services.
Materials Needed:
- 1 Flimsy Axe
- 3 Wood
2. Regular Axe
The Regular Axe is a powerful tool that can chop down trees.
How to Unlock: You’ll gain access to the Regular Axe recipe after upgrading Resident Services to a permanent building.
Materials Needed:
- 1 Flimsy Axe
- 3 Wood
- 1 Iron Nugget
3. Golden Axe
The Golden Axe is the most durable axe in the game, capable of lasting much longer than other versions.
How to Unlock: Break 100 axes (Flimsy, Stone, or Regular). Afterward, you’ll receive the Golden Axe recipe.
Materials Needed:
- 1 Regular Axe
- 1 Gold Nugget
Using the Axe in Animal Crossing
Once you have your axe, it’s time to put it to use. What you can do with it is as follows:
1. Harvesting Wood
Stand next to a tree and press the A button to swing your axe. Each tree can yield up to three pieces of wood daily, including:
- Wood
- Softwood
- Hardwood
2. Cutting Down Trees
If you want to remove a tree, use a Regular Axe or Golden Axe. Chop the tree three times to cut it down. You’ll be left with a stump, which can be dug up with a shovel.
3. Managing Tree Growth
Use your axe to control the number of trees on your island. Clearing space can help you create new layouts, plant fruit orchards, or build structures.
Tips and Tricks for Using Your Axe
1. Avoid Breaking Tools Too Quickly
Axes have limited durability and will eventually break. To make your tools last longer:
- Use a Stone Axe for harvesting wood, as it won’t chop down trees.
- Save your Regular Axe for cutting down trees when necessary.
2. Keep a Backup Axe
Always carry an extra axe or the materials needed to craft one. This ensures you won’t get stuck without a tool while working on your island.
3. Watch Out for Wasps
When shaking trees to gather materials, be cautious of wasps. Always have a net equipped to catch them or run indoors to avoid being stung.
4. Use Axe Strategically
Plan your axe usage to maximize efficiency. For example:
- Harvest wood daily to build up a stockpile for crafting.
- Remove unwanted trees to free up space for new projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I sell axes in Animal Crossing?
No, axes cannot be sold to Nook’s Cranny. However, you can sell the materials you harvest with an axe, such as wood or fruit.
Q: How do I repair a broken axe?
Unfortunately, broken tools cannot be repaired. You’ll need to craft or buy a new one.
Q: Are there limits to how many axes I can carry?
Your inventory space determines how many axes you can carry. If your inventory is full, consider upgrading it at Resident Services.
Conclusion
The axe is an indispensable tool in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, enabling you to gather resources, customize your island, and progress through the game. From crafting your first Flimsy Axe to unlocking the powerful Golden Axe, mastering this tool is a rewarding part of island life.
With the information in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain and use axes effectively. Whether you’re building a woodsy paradise or managing resources for crafting, the axe is your ultimate ally in creating the island of your dreams.