Even in V2.x/V3.0, the fundamentals of ore mining come down to “reading the clues on the surface.” Rather than digging holes at random, searching for surface markers and then digging straight down is overwhelmingly faster, letting you reliably secure resources with a single pickaxe from day one.
First, Look for Surface “Markers”
Directly above an ore vein, corresponding rocks or ore blocks often poke out at the surface.
- Iron and Coal: Large boulders scattered across the forest and wasteland. If striking one drops iron ore or coal bit by bit, that’s a bingo.
- Potassium Nitrate (gunpowder material): Common inside caves and underground. Grab it while you’re out exploring caves.
- Lead and Shale Oil: Concentrated in the desert biome. Just remember their locations for late-game ammo and gasoline.
Once you’ve mined out the surface boulder, dig straight down beneath it and you’ll hit the main ore vein.
Digging Tips
- Diagonal Stair Mining: Dropping straight down risks fall death and enemy spawns. Descend safely by making a “stair mine,” cutting one block-step at a time.
- Place Torches/Lights: Darkness doesn’t change your mining speed, but it slows your response to enemies that spawn. Light is essential.
- Secure an Escape Route: Cap the entrance of your dug hole with a dirt block, or angle it so enemies can’t come at you in a straight line.
Conclusion
Just by sticking to “marker rock → stair-dig straight down,” you’ll gather early-game iron and coal in surprising amounts. Learn the biome-by-biome distribution as well, and you’ll be able to pinpoint exactly the resources you need.