The Antler Pickaxe is the first pickaxe you can obtain in Valheim and becomes available after defeating Eikthyr in the Meadows.
Getting one marks an important progression point, as you can finally break apart the terrain and begin mining the ores needed for metal equipment.
While it is eventually replaced by stronger pickaxes, the Antler Pickaxe is all you need to begin exploring the Black Forest and working toward Bronze.
How to Get a Antler Pickaxe?
The Antler Pickaxe becomes available after defeating Eikthyr, who drops 3 Hard Antlers along with his trophy when killed.
Once you have a Hard Antler, head to a Workbench where you can craft the Antler Pickaxe using 1 Hard Antler and 10 Wood.
Since Eikthyr drops three Hard Antlers per defeat, you will have enough to craft multiple Antler Pickaxes if you want spares for longer mining trips.
What Can a Antler Pickaxe Mine?
The Antler Pickaxe can break regular rocks and mine Copper Deposits and Tin Deposits, both of which can be found throughout the Black Forest.
It can also mine Muddy Scrap Piles for Scrap Iron later in the Swamp, despite being the weakest pickaxe available in Valheim.
Higher-tier resources such as Obsidian and Silver cannot be mined with the Antler Pickaxe, requiring an Iron Pickaxe or better instead.
How to Mine Copper and Tin?
Copper is obtained from large Copper Deposits scattered around the Black Forest, with much of each deposit extending beneath the surrounding ground.
Tin deposits are much smaller and can commonly be found near the shores and riverbanks of the Black Forest, making them easier to identify and mine.
Both ores eventually become essential for producing Bronze, making Copper and Tin your main mining targets after obtaining the Antler Pickaxe.
Antler Pickaxe Durability
The Antler Pickaxe has 100 durability, which can run out fairly quickly when digging terrain or working through larger Copper Deposits.
Fortunately, it can be repaired for free at a regular Workbench, unlike later metal pickaxes that require access to a Forge for repairs.
We recommend placing a temporary covered Workbench near large mining areas, allowing you to repair the Antler Pickaxe without repeatedly returning to your main base.
Can You Upgrade the Antler Pickaxe?
The Antler Pickaxe cannot be upgraded, leaving it with the same mining damage and durability regardless of how far you progress.
Instead, your next direct upgrade is the Bronze Pickaxe, which becomes available once you begin processing the Copper and Tin gathered in the Black Forest.
This makes the Antler Pickaxe primarily an early progression tool, although its ability to be repaired at a basic Workbench can remain convenient later.
Verdict
The Antler Pickaxe is one of the most important early tools in Valheim, providing your first reliable way to mine Copper, Tin, and other resources.
Its durability is limited, but cheap Workbench repairs make it practical for your first mining expeditions throughout the Black Forest.
Once you start gathering Copper and Tin, the Antler Pickaxe has done its main job by opening the path toward Bronze equipment and further progression.
