Before you go
Prerequisites
- Keep the tool you are replacing in your inventory.
- Smelt three bars of the target metal.
- Visit Ridge during Howling Hammer's weekday availability.
Exact route
Step by step
- 1
Prioritize the Pickaxe because higher ore tiers unlock the materials for most other upgrades.
- 2
Buy Copper Pickaxe with the Rusty Pickaxe, three Copper Bars, and the price shown in Ridge's current shop; checked sources agree on 1,000 coins.
- 3
For Iron, bring the Copper Pickaxe and three Iron Bars. The current official-Wiki table lists 4,000 coins; GameSpot lists 2,000.
- 4
For Gold, bring the Iron Pickaxe and three Gold Bars. The current official-Wiki table lists 16,000 coins; GameSpot lists 3,500.
- 5
The current community consensus lists the Premium Fishing Rod at 16,000 coins plus the original rod and three Gold Bars; GameSpot reports 3,500. Verify the live shop before saving an exact amount.
When it does not work
Common blockers
The upgrade is not in Ridge's first shop screen.
Move to the dedicated upgrade tab rather than the furniture or blueprint listings.
The purchase is unavailable despite enough coins.
Carry the previous-tier tool and all three required bars; the upgrade consumes the old tool.
Ridge is not at the counter.
Return on a weekday during Howling Hammer's open period and check the map for his current position.
My shop price differs from this page.
Price tables conflict across release guides. Trust the price shown in your current game build and use the source links below to identify which table changed.
Fast answers
FAQ
Which tool should I upgrade first?
The Pickaxe is the strongest progression choice because ore tiers feed the rest of the upgrade chain.
Do upgrades consume the old tool?
Yes. The listed purchases require the previous-tier tool plus coins and three matching bars.