What is the Tactical Axe, and what’s it used for?
In Sons Of The Forest, players find themselves suddenly thrust into an unforgiving wilderness. However bleak things may seem, you will not be without tools. The Tactical Axe is the first real weapon the player has access to and will be your best friend through the beginning stages of the game.
The Tactical Axe is a military-grade tomahawk used for chopping down trees, splitting logs, sharpening stakes, fighting enemies, and much more. The Tactical Axe remains an invaluable tool throughout the entire game.
How to get the Tactical Axe in Sons Of The Forest
Immediately after the player wakes up from the opening cutscene, they retrieve their backpack and a small emergency pouch. Inside this pouch, alongside a handful of other vital tools, is the Tactical Axe.
To open the emergency pack, open the inventory and pan to the right of the crafting mat. Add the pouch to the crafting mat and click on the gear icon to unpack it. Now you have your first axe.
Tips and tricks for using the Tactical Axe
The Tactical Axe is best used as a weapon in the early game since faster and harder-hitting weapons will become available as you explore the island.
The Tactical Axe is capable of dismembering an enemy in combat. Try aiming for an enemy’s arms, legs, or neck. Decapitating an enemy will kill them instantly while cutting off arms or legs can prevent pursuit or further attacks. Performing a successful parry with the Tactical Axe can also dismember the arm an enemy used to attack you. Note that this only applies to cannibals.
The Tactical Axe can be used to adjust the length of logs or split them into planks. Aim the axe at a log and look for a dotted red line to indicate how you will be splitting it. You can also use the axe to sharpen logs into defensive walls or sticks into damaging stakes.
How to equip the Tactical Axe
Once you’ve retrieved the axe, you can equip it as your active weapon by:
- Opening your inventory
- Panning the mouse to the right of the crafting mat
- Selecting the axe by left-clicking on it
- The inventory will close, and you will have the axe in hand
How to add the Tactical Axe to the quick-select menu
Alternatively, if you’ve added the Tactical Axe to your backpack, you can access it through the quick-select menu. Briefly hold down the inventory key to pull out the quick-select bag.
This is much faster than panning the inventory screen whenever you want to switch weapons. If you have the axe on your quick-select bag, you can find it in the short weapon slot.
The Tactical Axe is considered a short weapon and can only be added to the appropriate slot on the backpack. The short weapon slot is located on the front left side of the backpack and holds weapons such as the Crafted Club, Stun Baton, Torch, and more.
To add the Tactical Axe to the quick-select bag:
- Open the inventory screen
- Add the backpack to the crafting mat by right-clicking on it
- If there is an item in the short weapon slot, right-click on it to remove it
- Right Click on the Tactical Axe to add it to the quick-select bag
How to assign the Tactical Axe to a hotkey
If you’d like quick access to your axe, you can assign it a hotkey in the inventory screen.
- Open the inventory
- Mouse over the Tactical Axe to the right of the crafting mat
- With your mouse over the axe, press one of the ten available hotkeys (1-0) to assign it to that key
- Now when you press the assigned key, the axe will automatically be equipped to your hands
FAQs
No. The Chainsaw and Modern Axe are much better for chopping down trees.
In most scenarios, no. Several weapons found throughout the island can easily outclass the Tactical Axe in speed, damage, and blocking ability.
No. You cannot drop or trade the Tactical Axe in Sons Of The Forest.
No, the Tactical Axe cannot be upgraded; however, stronger axes can be found throughout the game.
Final thoughts on the Tactical Axe
It might not be the most devastating weapon or the best at knocking down trees, but the Tactical Axe holds a solid position among both weapons and tools.
The Tactical Axe serves as the player’s first line of defense against the island’s dangers, allowing players to start building as soon as they land and defend themselves while at it. So whenever you head out, don’t forget your axe.
