Items, loot, modifiers and repairs - FAQ

Where can I find an iron or steel axe?

Check tool loot, traders and rewards. You can also craft one after unlocking its recipe. Better equipment availability depends on progression and world rules; no single shop guarantees an axe.

Read more: Iron Fireaxe, Steel Axe.

Are axes, pickaxes and shovels good for the same materials?

No. Axes mainly cut wood, pickaxes break hard materials and shovels dig soil and similar ground. The right tool normally saves time and stamina.

How do I install a weapon or tool modifier?

Select the item, open Modify and place a compatible modifier in a free slot. Not every modifier fits every item. Slot counts and mutually exclusive modifiers limit combinations.

Why will a modifier not fit even though I have a free slot?

It may be intended for another item type or conflict with an installed modifier. The separate dye slot is not a normal modifier slot. Check both item descriptions and the Modify screen.

Does dye increase damage or vehicle speed?

No. Dye changes the appearance of a supported item. Install it in the dedicated dye slot. A color change does not replace a functional upgrade.

Is higher quality equipment always better?

Not in every statistic. Item type, quality, random stats, modifiers and character skills matter. Compare damage, stamina cost and attack speed as well as quality.

What do the star and colored percentages on an item mean?

An orange marker indicates a specially boosted parameter in the Magnitude system. A turquoise percentage alone does not necessarily indicate that boost. Check which parameter the bonus affects.

How does the Combine Station work?

It combines compatible items of the same type, retaining the better relative parameters. Insert the items, inspect the preview and confirm with the button. Version 3.2 changed the preview and confirmation controls.

Will combining two 10% bonuses produce a 20% bonus?

No. The station selects the better value for a parameter instead of simply adding identical percentages. Combine items when the second improves a useful parameter or meets repair requirements.

Why does my weapon show different damage after comparing or combining it?

First compare the same ammunition, modifiers and active character bonuses. Displayed damage can reflect those differences. If the conditions are identical, investigate the particular item rather than assuming one cause for every report.

What do I use to repair damaged weapons and tools?

The item description lists its repair material. Basic equipment may use a simple resource, while advanced equipment may need a repair kit. Repair methods and maximum durability loss can also depend on world settings.

Why does maximum durability decrease after repair?

Permanent repair degradation may be enabled in the world. It is separate from ordinary wear during use. Check Repair Method and Repair Degradation before treating it as a bug.

What affects loot quality?

Loot stage, container type, biome, location, character bonuses and world settings all matter. Better conditions improve potential outcomes but do not guarantee a specific item in every chest.

Why do my lockpicks keep breaking?

Lockpicking carries a chance of breaking a pick. Relevant perks and bonuses help but usually do not remove all randomness. Bring spare picks or suitable tools to break into the container.

Where can I get glue, duct tape and acid?

Find or craft glue, then combine glue and cloth to make duct tape. Look for acid in suitable loot and trader inventories. Some unlocks add ways to obtain acid through salvaging. These resources do not all share one recipe.