Tier 2 · Iron

Iron Progression

The real mid-game tier. Iron unlocks Israel Hands progression, the Brigantine hull, and most of the heavy-duty crafting in the campaign.

🟡 Goal: beat Israel Hands⏱️ 6–10 hours of play📍 Foothills
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Hit pickaxe-marked caves in Foothills

Most iron lives in Foothills caves. Watch out for boars and roaming pirates on the way in.

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Mountain rock nodes hold rare iron

Rocky outcrops on the Foothills slopes occasionally drop iron without entering a cave.

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Upgrade Furnace to handle iron

Iron requires a higher Furnace tier than copper. Plan the upgrade before your first big haul.

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Craft an Iron Pickaxe ASAP

Iron Pickaxe unlocks sulfur and higher-tier nodes. The single biggest gathering upgrade in mid-game.

Checklist before fighting Israel Hands

  • Iron Pickaxe (unlocks sulfur)
  • Iron Axe + improved Workbench
  • Iron Rapier or Iron Greatsword
  • Iron Musket / Pistol (ranged opener)
  • Iron Armor set (full)
  • Stock of repair kits for the Brigantine

← Previous tier

Copper Progression

Boss at the end

Israel Hands

Next tier →

Steel Progression