What is the Rusty Machete, and what’s it used for?
At some point, all jungle explorers have been pushing their way through the undergrowth and wished they had a big blade to slice their way through. Thus the machete was born. The Rusty Machete isn’t the newest or shiniest, but it’ll still get the job done when it comes to jungle survival tools in Green Hell. Whatever that job may be.
This guide will walk you through how to find a Rusty Machete and offer some tips on how it can be used.
Where to find a Rusty Machete in Green Hell
Rusty Machetes cannot be crafted and 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 them non-renewable.
This tool can only be found at an abandoned modern structure such as the Fishing Dock or Drug Facility, where they spawn randomly, or the Anaconda Island Camp, where one is guaranteed to spawn.
When searching for this tool, make sure to check support pillars and flat surfaces, as machetes can often be found stuck into wooden objects or lying on furniture such as benches, tables, or even boats. The anaconda island machete always spawns stuck into a bamboo tree at the edge of the camp.
How to equip the Rusty Machete
The Rusty Machete 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. Note that while technically a blade, it cannot be stored in the knife slot like other members of its category.
Tips and tricks for using the Rusty Machete
A very versatile tool, the Rusty Machete is great for early to mid-game woodcutting, herb gathering, and combat.
Though it is a member of the blade family, the Rusty Machete cannot be used to harvest animals. It can, however, be used to chop down trees, slash through the undergrowth, harvest herbs, crack open coconuts, and generally do anything an axe can.
It is the only tool in its category that functions well as a woodcutting tool and outclasses a few early-game axes, such as the Stone Axe, Axe, and Bone Axe.
Lacking the restricted reach that most blades suffer from, this tool is the only member of its class that isn’t especially dangerous to wield in combat. However, with longer-reaching attacks comes a slower attack speed, more akin to an axe than a blade.
In terms of damage, the Rusty Machete is a solid, above-average competitor. Easily outperforming most early blades such as the Stone Blade and Bone Knife, it stands up well against mid-tier blades and is only beaten outright by the high-tier Metal Blade.
When thrown, the Rusty Machete will not fly as far or as fast as other blades. When aiming this weapon, think of its range more in terms of a one-handed axe.
The greatest advantage these tools offer to early-game players is their durability. All Rusty Machetes spawn with 100% durability, meaning they will last much longer than weapons crafted with a low Crafting skill.
Final thoughts on the Rusty Machete
It’s rusty, chipped, and probably dull. But that doesn’t stop this from being one of the most powerful and versatile tools players can get their hands on in the early game. As awesome as it is that Creepy Jar included a usable machete, it’s clear they didn’t want players relying on it for long, so make sure to have a replacement ready for when this tool snaps.
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.
