Essential Tools Guide: From Wood to Netherite

Overview

Tools are the foundation of every Minecraft survival playthrough. Without them, you cannot mine stone, chop trees efficiently, or defend yourself. This guide covers the complete tool progression from your first wooden pickaxe to endgame Netherite gear.

Each tool material tier unlocks faster mining, higher durability, and access to better resources. Understanding when and how to upgrade saves hours of grinding.

Tool Progression: Wood to Netherite

The standard progression: Wood (starter), Stone (mine iron), Iron (mine diamonds), Diamond (endgame standard), Netherite (ultimate).

Wood mines at 2x speed, Stone at 4x, Iron at 6x, Diamond at 8x, Netherite at 9x. Priority chain: punch wood, wooden pickaxe, stone pickaxe, iron pickaxe, diamond pickaxe.

Pickaxe Guide

Wooden pickaxes mine stone and coal. Stone adds iron and lapis. Iron adds diamonds, emeralds, gold, redstone. Diamond/Netherite mine obsidian and ancient debris.

Carry two pickaxes: one with Efficiency V + Fortune III, one with Silk Touch.

Sword vs Axe

Swords: higher attack speed (1.6), sweeping edge, better DPS. Axes: higher single-hit damage, double as woodcutting tools. Carry both for general survival.

Shovel and Hoe

Shovel breaks dirt, sand, gravel instantly with Efficiency V. Hoe breaks leaves, hay bales, nether wart blocks. Both benefit from Unbreaking III and Mending.

Shield Crafting

Crafted with 1 Iron Ingot + 6 Wood Planks. Blocks 100% of incoming damage including arrows, melee, and creeper explosions. The best defensive item in the game.

Enchant with Unbreaking III and Mending. Right-click to raise, counter-attack when enemy is stunned.