To mine in Crimson Desert, you need a pickaxe, which you can buy from the Provisioner’s Shop in the City of Hernand during Chapter 1. Once you have it, equip the pickaxe from the equipment wheel using D-Pad Left (F3 on PC), approach any ore deposit with a light blue highlight, and press the action key to collect resources. Mining is essential for upgrading weapons, plate armor, metal shields, and jewelry at the blacksmith.
Here is a quick-reference summary of everything you need to know:
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Tool Required | Pickaxe (purchased from Provisioner’s Shop, Hernand) |
| How to Equip | Hold D-Pad Left (controller) or F3 (PC) to open equipment wheel |
| Mineable Rocks | Only rocks with a light blue highlight can be mined |
| Ore Locations | Mountainsides, caves, and cliff walls throughout Pywel |
| Alternative Mining Methods | Force Palm skill (R3 / Mouse Wheel on PC), Charged Shot skill |
| Upgrade Station | Blacksmith in Hernand (Refinement option) |
| Unique Mining Tool | Mining Knuckle Drill (from Marni’s Excavation boss at Karin Quarry) |
If you are just starting Crimson Desert and wondering how to gather crafting materials for your first weapon upgrades, this guide covers everything — from where to grab your first pickaxe, to advanced mining strategies, to every type of ore you can collect across the continent of Pywel. I have put together every useful detail so you do not miss a single resource node.
Where to Find Pickaxe and Mine in Crimson Desert
Mining is one of the most important life skills in Crimson Desert, and it all starts with getting your hands on a pickaxe. Unlike many open-world games where you might stumble upon a mining tool randomly, Crimson Desert requires you to purchase one from a specific vendor. Let me walk you through the entire process step by step.
How to Get a Pickaxe Early in Crimson Desert
The earliest and most reliable way to get a pickaxe is by visiting the Provisioner’s Shop in the City of Hernand. Hernand is the starting town you encounter during Chapter 1 of the main story, and it functions as your central hub for supplies, gear upgrades, and preparations throughout much of the game.
When you arrive in Hernand, open your map and look for the shop icons scattered around the city. The Provisioner’s Shop sells both the Pickaxe (for mining ore) and the Logging Axe (for felling trees), and I strongly recommend buying both at the same time since wood is equally important for certain upgrades.
Here is exactly what you need to do:
- Travel to the City of Hernand (you will arrive here naturally during the Chapter 1 storyline).
- Open the map and look for vendor/shop icons — the Provisioner’s Shop is one of these marked locations.
- Interact with the Provisioner vendor and purchase the Pickaxe.
- While you are there, also pick up the Logging Axe for gathering wood from trees.
Once purchased, the pickaxe goes into your tool inventory. You do not need to worry about it taking up a weapon slot — it is treated as a utility item that you can swap to whenever you need it.
Pro Tip: Hernand also has a blacksmith, a butcher, an equipment shop, and a tailor all within close proximity. I recommend stocking up on everything you need in a single trip since you will be visiting this city repeatedly throughout your adventure.
How to Equip the Pickaxe in Crimson Desert
Equipping the pickaxe is straightforward once you know the controls. Crimson Desert uses an equipment wheel system that lets you swap between your combat weapons and utility tools on the fly.
| Platform | How to Open Equipment Wheel | How to Select Pickaxe |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation | Hold D-Pad Left | Use L1/R1 to navigate, select pickaxe |
| Xbox | Hold D-Pad Left | Use LB/RB to navigate, select pickaxe |
| PC | Hold F3 key | Use mouse or scroll to navigate, select pickaxe |
Once you hold your pickaxe, you are ready to mine. Keep in mind that you must sheathe your weapon first before equipping tools. To sheathe your weapon, press D-Pad Left (T on PC).
How to Mine in Crimson Desert — Step-by-Step
Mining itself is one of the simplest mechanics in Crimson Desert, but there are some important details that many new players overlook. Here is the complete breakdown of the mining process:
Step 1: Find Ore Deposits
Ore deposits are found primarily in three types of locations across the continent of Pywel:
- Mountainsides — The most common location. As you travel between regions, keep an eye on rocky hillsides and cliff faces. Ore nodes appear as distinct rock formations on the surface of mountains.
- Caves — Head to the outskirts of any region to find cave entrances. The interior walls of caves are often rich with mineable deposits.
- Cliff walls and elevated surfaces — Some of the rarer ores spawn in hard-to-reach spots high up on walls, requiring creative approaches to collect.
Step 2: Identify Mineable Rocks
Not every rock in Crimson Desert can be mined. The game uses a clear visual system to help you distinguish mineable ore from regular terrain. Only rocks that display a light blue highlight when you approach them can be mined. If a rock does not glow with this highlight, it is just part of the environment and your pickaxe will not interact with it.
Step 3: Mine the Ore
With the pickaxe equipped, walk up to a highlighted ore deposit and press the action button to swing your pickaxe. After a few swings, the deposit will break apart and the ore will be automatically added to your inventory. There is no complex minigame or timing mechanic — just approach, swing, and collect.
Step 4: Check Your Inventory
After mining, open your inventory to see what materials you have gathered. Different deposits yield different types of ore, and you will need specific materials for specific upgrades. I will cover all ore types in detail below.
Important Note: Once you mine an ore deposit, it gets marked on your map and the deposit regrows over time. This means you can revisit the same spots later to farm the same materials again. This is a fantastic feature for players who want to stockpile resources for high-level upgrades.
All Ore Types You Can Mine in Crimson Desert
Crimson Desert features a robust crafting and upgrade system, and ore is the backbone of it all. Different types of ore appear more frequently in specific regions of Pywel, so knowing what you need and where to find it saves you a lot of time. Here is a complete list of every ore and jewel you can obtain through mining:
| Ore/Jewel | Primary Use | Region Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Iron Ore | Weapons, plate armor, metal shields | Common across most regions |
| Copper Ore | Early-game weapons and armor | Common, especially near Hernand |
| Bloodstone | Mid-tier weapons and jewelry | Found in specific regions |
| Scolecite Ore | Advanced equipment upgrades | Rarer, region-specific |
| Gold Ore | Jewelry and high-tier accessories | Uncommon, scattered |
| Silver Ore | Jewelry and accessories | Uncommon, scattered |
| Azurite | Specialized crafting | Region-specific, rarer |
| Garnet | Jewelry crafting | Region-specific |
| Epidote | Advanced upgrades | Rare, late-game regions |
| Diamond | Top-tier jewelry and accessories | Very rare |
Each of these materials plays a role in the Refinement system at the blacksmith. When you visit the blacksmith in Hernand and select the Refinement option, you will see exactly which materials are needed for each upgrade tier. Higher-level upgrades require rarer materials along with Abyss Artifacts, which function as the game’s skill currency.
Alternative Ways to Mine Ore Without a Pickaxe
One of the coolest things about Crimson Desert’s mining system is that you are not limited to just swinging a pickaxe. The game offers several alternative methods to collect ore, and some of these are actually more efficient in certain situations.
Force Palm (Skill-Based Mining)
The Force Palm skill is one of the first abilities you unlock during Chapter 1. While its primary purpose is combat, it doubles as a mining tool. You can use Force Palm to destroy ore deposits by pressing R3 (Mouse Wheel on PC).
This is particularly useful for ore deposits that are at ground level or slightly elevated — you can shatter them without switching to your pickaxe at all. Force Palm is also your best option for reaching ore in high-up places. You can climb up cliff walls and use Force Palm at the top to break apart deposits that would otherwise be unreachable with a standard pickaxe.
Advanced Technique: You can chain Force Palm in midair up to three times in a row to catapult yourself up high walls. Jump and press R3 three times rapidly to launch yourself upward. Combine this with the double jump skill for even more height. This is how veteran players reach the most remote ore deposits in the game.
Charged Shot (Ranged Mining)
If you have purchased the Charged Shot skill from the blue skill tree, you can use it to shoot ore deposits from a distance. This is especially handy for ores that are high up on walls where climbing would be dangerous or time-consuming.
To use Charged Shot for mining:
- Aim your bow at the ore deposit on the cliff wall.
- Hold R2/RT to charge your shot.
- Release to fire — the ore will shatter and the materials will drop to the ground for collection.
Turning Slash (For Trees, Not Ore)
While Turning Slash (R1+R2 / RB+RT) does not work on ore, it is worth mentioning here because many players confuse tree-felling with mining. Turning Slash is the combat skill equivalent of the Logging Axe — it lets you chop down trees without switching to a tool. Use this for gathering Timber and Fine Timber, which are needed for wooden shield upgrades.
The Mining Knuckle Drill — Crimson Desert’s Secret Mining Weapon
Here is something most guides do not tell you about: there is a hidden boss fight in Crimson Desert that rewards you with a unique weapon that also functions as a superior mining tool.
Marni’s Excavation Boss Fight
Located at the Karin Quarry, this hidden encounter is called Marni’s Excavation. The boss appears as a figure in a diving suit equipped with spinning drill arms — think of it as a mechanical mining mech that has gone rogue.
This fight is tough. The boss can inflict massive damage with its drill attacks, and you need to time your strikes carefully between its attack patterns. Here are my tips for defeating Marni’s Excavation:
- Bring plenty of food — at least 100 Grilled Meat. You will take hits, and healing through the damage is the standard Crimson Desert boss strategy.
- Dodge the drill charge attacks — these are the boss’s most dangerous moves. Watch for the wind-up animation and roll to the side.
- Attack during recovery windows — after the boss finishes a combo, there is a brief opening where you can land several hits.
- Use heavy attacks to break guard — if the boss blocks, switch to R2/RT heavy attacks to break through.
The Reward: Mining Knuckle Drill
After defeating the boss, you receive the Mining Knuckle Drill. This unique weapon serves a dual purpose — it is a combat weapon with its own moveset, and it also works as a mining tool that can replace your standard pickaxe. This makes it incredibly convenient because you do not need to switch between a weapon and a tool when exploring caves or mountainsides.
The Mining Knuckle Drill is one of the most satisfying rewards in the game for players who enjoy the resource-gathering side of Crimson Desert. It essentially lets you mine while staying combat-ready at all times.
What to Do With Mined Ore — The Upgrade System Explained
Mining ore is only half the equation. Knowing how to use those materials effectively is what separates a struggling player from a well-equipped warrior tearing through Pywel’s toughest content.
Visiting the Blacksmith
The primary use for mined ore is Refinement at the blacksmith. The first blacksmith you will encounter is located in the City of Hernand, right in the center of town near the equipment shop and tailor. The blacksmith is marked with a “?” icon on the map.
When you interact with the blacksmith, select the Refinement option to see your available upgrades. The system works like this:
- Low-tier upgrades require common materials like Iron Ore and Copper Ore.
- Mid-tier upgrades start requiring rarer ores like Bloodstone and Scolecite.
- High-tier upgrades need rare jewels (Garnet, Epidote, Diamond) plus Abyss Artifacts.
What Ore Upgrades
Here is a breakdown of what types of gear use mining materials:
| Material Category | Gear Types |
|---|---|
| Ores (Iron, Copper, etc.) | Weapons, plate armor, metal shields |
| Jewels (Garnet, Azurite, Diamond, etc.) | Jewelry, accessories, high-tier enhancements |
| Hides and Bones (from hunting) | Leather armor, jewelry |
| Wood (from logging) | Wooden shields |
| Cloth and Fleece | Cloaks, soft linen clothes |
Why Heavy Plate Armor Is the Best Choice
One tip that many beginners miss: there is no equipment weight system in Crimson Desert. This means wearing heavy plate armor does not slow you down at all. Since plate armor offers significantly more defense than leather or linen alternatives, you should always prioritize plate armor upgrades — and plate armor requires ore from mining.
You can buy plate armor from the merchant next to the blacksmith in Hernand, and then use the smithy to upgrade it as high as possible. This is one of the most impactful things you can do early in the game.
Mining for Money — A Surprisingly Efficient Strategy
Here is a tip that many players overlook: mining high-value ores and selling them is one of the fastest ways to earn money in Crimson Desert. If you are struggling with finances early on, spending an hour or two mining and selling excess ore can net you enough silver coins to last a long time.
The strategy is simple:
- Buy a pickaxe from the Provisioner’s Shop.
- Head to any mountainous region and mine every ore deposit you can find.
- Sell the ores you do not need for upgrades at any merchant.
- Repeat until you have around 100 silver coins — at that point, money stops being a concern for most of the game.
Combine this with flower picking (which is also surprisingly profitable) and you can build up a healthy financial cushion very early.
Pro Mining Tips and Advanced Strategies
After spending significant time with Crimson Desert’s mining system, here are my best tips for maximizing your efficiency:
Tip 1: Buy Charged Shot Early
The Charged Shot skill from the blue skill tree is a game-changer for mining. So many ore deposits are placed in high, hard-to-reach locations that having a ranged option to break them saves enormous amounts of time. Make this one of your early skill purchases.
Tip 2: Mine While Exploring, Not in Dedicated Trips
Rather than setting out on specific “mining runs,” I recommend mining opportunistically as you travel between quests and objectives. Ore deposits are everywhere along mountain paths and near cave entrances. Grab them as you go and you will naturally accumulate large stockpiles without feeling like you are grinding.
Tip 3: Ore Regrows — Mark Your Best Spots
Since ore deposits respawn over time and stay marked on your map after you mine them, you should mentally note (or physically mark on a physical map) the locations that are densely packed with the ore types you need most. You can then revisit these spots periodically for efficient farming.
Tip 4: Upgrade Your Pickaxe When Possible
As you progress through the game, better pickaxes become available from vendors in later towns and regions. These upgraded pickaxes have better stats and let you mine rarer minerals that basic pickaxes cannot access. Always check vendor inventories when you reach a new settlement.
Tip 5: Use the Grindstone and Anvil
Before heading out on a mining expedition (especially one that takes you into dangerous caves), make sure to sharpen your weapons at the Grindstone and repair your armor at the Anvil. These are found at the small bandit camp you visit during Chapter 2’s “Trial after Trial” mission. Bringing your Reinforcement stat to maximum gives you a significant edge if you encounter enemies while mining.
Tip 6: Merchants Restock at Midnight
If you need more crafting materials from the Provisioner’s Shop (or food from the butcher), remember that vendor inventories refresh every in-game midnight. You can rest at the cooking pot to the right of the butcher in Hernand to skip time forward to midnight, then immediately buy a fresh stock of supplies.
Tip 7: Focus Your Upgrades on Kliff
Crimson Desert features multiple playable characters, but Kliff is your main character for the vast majority of the story. The other characters are unavailable for most missions, so it is best to invest the bulk of your mined resources into upgrading Kliff’s gear. Do not spread your materials too thin across characters you rarely play.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mining
Even experienced players can fall into some traps with Crimson Desert’s mining system. Here are the biggest mistakes I see:
Mistake 1: Ignoring mining early on. Many players rush through the story without stopping to gather resources. This leads to a frustrating mid-game where bosses hit too hard and your gear is underpowered. Spend 20-30 minutes mining in the early chapters and you will be much better prepared.
Mistake 2: Trying to mine non-highlighted rocks. Remember, only rocks with a light blue glow can be mined. I have seen plenty of players waste time swinging at random boulders and wondering why nothing happens.
Mistake 3: Hoarding common ore. Once you have more Iron Ore and Copper Ore than you need for your current upgrade tier, sell the excess. Inventory space is limited (unless you expand it through faction quests and bag upgrades), and those common ores are worth decent money at merchants.
Mistake 4: Not using Force Palm for out-of-reach ore. If you see an ore deposit high on a cliff wall, do not assume you cannot reach it. Use the Force Palm midair chain (jump + R3 three times) to climb up, or use Charged Shot to break it from below.
Mistake 5: Forgetting about the Mining Knuckle Drill. The Marni’s Excavation boss at Karin Quarry is easy to miss since it is a hidden encounter. But the Mining Knuckle Drill reward is worth the effort — make sure you seek it out once you feel confident in your combat skills.
Understanding the Full Crafting Material Ecosystem
While this guide focuses on mining and the pickaxe, it is helpful to understand how mining fits into the broader resource-gathering system in Crimson Desert. The game has four main categories of materials:
1. Ores and Jewels (Mining with Pickaxe)
These are the materials covered in this guide. They come from ore deposits on mountainsides, caves, and cliff walls. They are used for weapons, plate armor, metal shields, and jewelry.
2. Wood (Logging Axe or Turning Slash)
Timber, Fine Timber, and Flawless Timber come from felling trees. These are used primarily for wooden shield upgrades. You can chop trees with the Logging Axe (bought at the same Provisioner’s Shop as the pickaxe) or with the Turning Slash combat skill.
3. Hides, Bones, and Fangs (Hunting Animals)
Different animals across Pywel drop different materials. Small animals drop small bones and thin hides, while large animals drop large bones and thick hides. These are used for leather armor and some jewelry.
4. Miscellaneous Materials (Various Sources)
Items like Cloth Pieces, Fleece, Feathers, Ivory, and Spider Webs come from a variety of sources — camp upgrades, enemy drops, or the Provisioner’s Shop. These are used for cloaks, soft armor, and accessories.
Understanding this ecosystem helps you plan your resource-gathering efficiently. If you need to upgrade your plate armor, you know you need ore (mining). If you need leather armor, you know you need hides (hunting). This targeted approach saves a lot of time compared to aimlessly gathering everything.
Abyss Artifacts and Higher-Tier Upgrades
As you push into the mid and late game, you will notice that blacksmith upgrades start requiring Abyss Artifacts in addition to ore and other materials. Abyss Artifacts function as the game’s universal currency for progression — they are used to purchase skills and to craft higher-level gear upgrades.
You earn Abyss Artifacts in several ways:
- Killing enemies — the yellow bar to the left of your minimap fills up as you defeat enemies. Each time it fills completely, you earn one Abyss Artifact.
- Completing Challenges — these optional objectives reward Artifacts upon completion.
- Quest rewards — some main and side quests give Artifacts as rewards.
- Sealed Abyss Artifacts — hidden collectibles found along roads throughout Pywel. These also unlock Challenges when collected.
The combination of mining ore and earning Abyss Artifacts creates a satisfying gameplay loop: mine ore to get materials, fight enemies to get Artifacts, then combine both at the blacksmith for powerful upgrades.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you need to mine in Crimson Desert?
You need a pickaxe to mine in Crimson Desert. The basic pickaxe can be purchased from the Provisioner’s Shop in the City of Hernand. Alternatively, you can use the Force Palm skill or Charged Shot skill to break ore deposits without a pickaxe.
Where can you find a pickaxe in Crimson Desert?
The best place to find a pickaxe is the Provisioner’s Shop in Hernand, the starting city from Chapter 1. As you progress, additional vendors in other settlements may also sell improved pickaxes with better stats.
Can you mine without a pickaxe in Crimson Desert?
Yes, you have two alternative options. The Force Palm skill (R3 / Mouse Wheel on PC) can destroy ore deposits at close range. The Charged Shot skill lets you break ore from a distance by shooting it with a charged bow attack.
What is the Mining Knuckle Drill in Crimson Desert?
The Mining Knuckle Drill is a unique weapon that doubles as a mining tool. You obtain it by defeating the hidden boss Marni’s Excavation at the Karin Quarry. The boss wears a diving suit with spinning drill arms and puts up a tough fight.
What ores can you mine in Crimson Desert?
You can mine Iron Ore, Copper Ore, Bloodstone, Scolecite Ore, Gold Ore, Silver Ore, Azurite, Garnet, Epidote, and Diamond. Each material is used for different types of equipment upgrades at the blacksmith.
How do you reach ore deposits on high walls?
You have three main options: climb the wall using the Force Palm midair chain (jump + R3 three times), use Charged Shot to break the ore from below with a ranged attack, or climb up to the ore and use Force Palm at close range to shatter it.
Does ore respawn in Crimson Desert?
Yes, ore deposits regrow over time after you mine them. They also remain marked on your map after the first time you mine them, making it easy to revisit productive locations for repeat farming.
Where is the blacksmith in Crimson Desert?
The first blacksmith is in the City of Hernand, located in the center of town near the equipment shop. He is marked with a “?” icon on the map. Select the Refinement option to upgrade your weapons and armor using mined materials.
Is mining good for making money in Crimson Desert?
Absolutely. Mining high-value ores and selling the excess at merchants is one of the most efficient money-making strategies in the early game. Combined with flower picking, you can quickly accumulate around 100 silver coins, which is enough to sustain you for a long time.
Should I upgrade plate armor or leather armor?
Always prioritize plate armor for defense. Crimson Desert has no equipment weight system, so heavy plate armor provides the best protection with zero movement penalties. Plate armor requires ore from mining, making your pickaxe one of the most important tools in the game.
This article was last updated in October 2026. Bookmark this page — I will continue updating it as new information becomes available about pickaxe locations, ore deposit maps, and mining strategies in Crimson Desert.