What is the Rusty Axe, and what is it used for?
If you are trapped out in the middle of the jungle with nothing but your hands and wits to protect yourself, finding a modern hatchet, even a very rusty one, lying around an abandoned structure is a huge boon. While likely not as useful in Green Hell as in real life, the Rusty Axe can still help you establish your base and even defend yourself in the early game.
This guide will walk you through how to find a Rusty Axe and offer some tips on how it can best be used.
Where to find a Rusty Axe in Green Hell
Rusty Axes cannot be crafted but must be found at one of several points of interest around the map. Because of this, only a few are present in any game, making it non-renewable.
This tool can only be found at an abandoned modern structure such as the Fishing Dock, Drug Facility, or Illegal Gold Mine. Check a structure’s support beams, as this axe can typically be found leaning against its base or stuck into its surface.
How to equip the Rusty Axe
The Rusty Axe can be found in the tools tab of the inventory and occupies one of the four standard tool slots (numbered 1-4). It can be equipped at any time by pressing the number key corresponding to the slot this tool occupies.
Tips and tricks for using the Rusty Axe
This tool is best used for early-game woodcutting and self-defense.
Though not the strongest axe in the game, this tool is much more useful than low-tier craftable alternatives such as the Stone Axe, Axe, or Bone Axe. The Rusty Axe deals more damage and is sturdier than all three of these primitive tools.
The greatest benefit gained from finding a Rusty Axe is its high durability. Rusty Axes are always found with 100% durability and thus last significantly longer than crafted tools in the early game. Despite this, the axe will degrade faster than you may expect, so don’t get too used to it.
In terms of damage, the Rusty Axe is a solid above-average choice. While it easily outperforms early axes, this tool is still outdone in terms of damage by the Obsidian Axe and Blade Axe and both damage and sturdiness by the Aztec Weapon and Metal Axe.
When being used in combat, this axe offers low reach and average damage. While other specialized weapons are typically a better option, the Rusty Axe can be effectively used to defend oneself.
This tool can also be effectively thrown as a ranged weapon. A thrown axe that strikes an enemy in the head will deal much more damage than a blow to the body. It should be noted that damage from a thrown axe relies on the player’s Throwing skill rather than their Axes skill.
Final thoughts on the Rusty Axe
This item is probably the one tool every survivor dreams of finding lying around in the wild. Creepy Jar likely included this axe to help players get settled in the early game and provide an additional reward for seeking out points of interest. It won’t be your last axe, but it makes for a very good first.
Looking for some more pointers to help you survive Green Hell? Check out our 10 Tips for Getting Started or our walkthrough on How to Survive Your First Day.
