The Pickaxe is a small sharp bladed tool found in The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. It is used to mine ore and dig through rock.
Location
Pickaxes can be found in caves and ruins where excavations are taking place or in/near mines.
Fixed locations
- A pickaxe may be found at Embershard Mine. After passing The Guardian Stones, there will be a dirt path with wooden steps leading up to the mine.
- Several pickaxes can be found in Cidhna Mine.
- A pickaxe can be found on the table upon entering the Bthardamz Upper District in Bthardamz.
Usage
Pickaxes are required for mining. It can either be equipped as a weapon and swung at the ore vein to extract the ore, or the ore can be mined automatically by activating the vein with a pickaxe in the inventory.
Improving
Pickaxes can be improved at a grindstone with an iron ingot. However, they are not affected by any Smithing perks. This means that the highest quality that can be achieved is flawless, unless the smithing skill is boosted passed 100 through enchanted apparel or potions of Fortify Smithing.
Variants
- Notched pickaxe: A unique pickaxe only found at the very top of the Throat of the World. It can be only obtained during or after "The Throat of the World".
- Ancient Nordic pickaxe: A variation of the pickaxe that can only be found in the add-on The Elder Scrolls V: Dragonborn. It is the only pickaxe variant that is capable of mining stalhrim, but functions like a normal pickaxe on other minerals.
- Hoarfrost: Another variation found in Dragonborn, it can be looted from Ralis Sedarys after killing him or taken from his inventory as a follower.
Notes
- With Dragonborn, the player can keep a weightless ancient Nordic pickaxe by taking the Retrieve the Ancient Nordic Pickaxe quest from Glover Mallory and refusing to complete it.
- Miners will use the pickaxe as a weapon in combat, as it is the only weaponized item in their inventory.
- A pickaxe swings at the same speed as a sword.
- Dual wielding pickaxes yields ore twice as fast as using one.
- A pickaxe will be present at a homestead, once bought.
Bugs
- PC 360 PS3 If the pickaxe is equipped as a weapon and you begin mining, it will show both on the Dragonborn's side and in their hand at the same time.