
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated players worldwide with its charming gameplay, delightful characters, and endless customization options. One of the most essential tools in the game is the axe, which allows players to chop down trees, gather wood, and shape their island to their heart’s content. However, obtaining the axe recipe can be a bit of a mystery for new players. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to acquire the axe recipe, delve into the nuances of crafting, and discuss how this simple tool can transform your island life.
The Basics: Understanding the Axe in Animal Crossing
Before diving into how to get the axe recipe, it’s important to understand the role of the axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The axe is a versatile tool that comes in three varieties: the Flimsy Axe, the Stone Axe, and the regular Axe. Each type has its own durability and effectiveness, with the regular Axe being the most powerful and capable of chopping down trees.
The Flimsy Axe is the most basic version and can be crafted early in the game. It’s perfect for beginners but has limited durability. The Stone Axe is a step up, offering more durability and the ability to gather wood without chopping down trees. Finally, the regular Axe is the most robust, allowing players to chop down trees and gather wood efficiently.
How to Get the Axe Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
1. Starting Your Journey: The Flimsy Axe Recipe
The first step in obtaining the axe recipe is to acquire the Flimsy Axe recipe. This is typically one of the first recipes you’ll receive in the game. Here’s how to get it:
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Complete the Initial Tasks: When you first arrive on your island, Tom Nook will guide you through a series of tasks to get settled. One of these tasks involves gathering resources like wood and stone.
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Speak to Tom Nook: After completing the initial tasks, speak to Tom Nook again. He will provide you with the recipe for the Flimsy Axe, along with other basic tools like the Flimsy Fishing Rod and Flimsy Net.
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Craft the Flimsy Axe: Once you have the recipe, head to a DIY workbench to craft your first Flimsy Axe. You’ll need 5 pieces of tree branches and 1 piece of stone to make it.
2. Upgrading to the Stone Axe
The Stone Axe is a more durable version of the Flimsy Axe and is essential for gathering wood without destroying trees. Here’s how to get the Stone Axe recipe:
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Progress Through the Game: As you continue to play and complete tasks for Tom Nook, you’ll eventually unlock the ability to upgrade your tools. This usually happens after you’ve built Nook’s Cranny, the island’s first shop.
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Purchase the Recipe: Once Nook’s Cranny is open, you can purchase the “Pretty Good Tools Recipes” DIY pack from the cabinet inside the shop. This pack includes the recipe for the Stone Axe, along with other upgraded tools.
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Craft the Stone Axe: With the recipe in hand, you can now craft the Stone Axe using 1 Flimsy Axe and 3 pieces of wood.
3. Unlocking the Regular Axe
The regular Axe is the most powerful version and is necessary for chopping down trees. Here’s how to obtain the regular Axe recipe:
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Upgrade Resident Services: To unlock the regular Axe recipe, you’ll need to upgrade Resident Services from a tent to a building. This requires completing a series of tasks, including inviting new villagers to your island and building infrastructure.
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Speak to Tom Nook: Once Resident Services has been upgraded, speak to Tom Nook again. He will provide you with the recipe for the regular Axe as part of the “Test Your DIY Skills” quest.
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Craft the Regular Axe: The regular Axe requires 1 Flimsy Axe and 3 pieces of iron nugget to craft. Iron nuggets can be obtained by hitting rocks with a shovel or axe.
Advanced Tips: Maximizing Your Axe Usage
Now that you have the axe recipe, it’s time to make the most of this essential tool. Here are some advanced tips to help you maximize your axe usage:
1. Tree Management
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Selective Chopping: Use the Stone Axe to gather wood without chopping down trees. This allows you to maintain the natural beauty of your island while still collecting resources.
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Tree Removal: If you need to clear space for new constructions, use the regular Axe to chop down trees. Remember to replant saplings to keep your island lush and green.
2. Resource Gathering
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Daily Wood Collection: Make it a habit to gather wood daily. Different types of trees yield different types of wood (hardwood, softwood, and regular wood), which are used in various DIY recipes.
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Rock Farming: Use your axe to hit rocks and gather iron nuggets, clay, and stone. These materials are essential for crafting and building.
3. Customization and Durability
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Customizing Your Axe: You can customize the appearance of your axe using customization kits, which can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny. This allows you to personalize your tools to match your island’s theme.
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Durability Management: Keep an eye on your axe’s durability. When it’s about to break, craft a new one to avoid being left without a crucial tool.
Related Q&A
Q: Can I get the axe recipe from a villager? A: While it’s possible to receive DIY recipes from villagers, the axe recipe is typically obtained through Tom Nook’s guidance. However, you may receive other tool recipes from villagers as you build relationships with them.
Q: How do I get more iron nuggets for crafting the regular Axe? A: Iron nuggets can be obtained by hitting rocks with a shovel or axe. Make sure to hit each rock multiple times in quick succession to maximize your yield. You can also find iron nuggets in balloons or by trading with other players.
Q: Can I use the axe to gather fruit? A: No, the axe is not used for gathering fruit. Instead, you should use the Shaking technique to collect fruit from trees. Simply shake the tree, and the fruit will fall to the ground.
Q: What happens if my axe breaks? A: If your axe breaks, you’ll need to craft a new one using the appropriate materials. Always keep spare materials on hand to ensure you can quickly replace any broken tools.
Q: Is there a golden axe in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? A: Yes, there is a golden axe in the game. It is the most durable and powerful axe, but it requires a special recipe to craft. You can obtain the golden axe recipe by helping Gulliver, the seagull who occasionally washes up on your shore, multiple times.
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of axe crafting in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Whether you’re shaping your island’s landscape or gathering resources, the axe is an indispensable tool that will enhance your gameplay experience. Happy crafting!