In the expansive world of Aloft, gathering essential resources is key to survival and progression. One such vital resource is charcoal, a blackened wood used for various purposes, including fueling fires, filtering water, and writing. Unlike some materials that can be crafted or harvested directly, charcoal requires specific methods to obtain. This guide will walk you through the steps to acquire charcoal efficiently and utilize it effectively in your adventures.
Locating Charcoal Sources
Charcoal in Aloft cannot be crafted; it must be found and collected from specific sources within the game world. The primary method to obtain charcoal is by locating and chopping down blackened tree stumps scattered across the floating islands. Here’s how to find them:
- Explore Larger Islands: Charcoal stumps are more commonly found on larger islands. These stumps appear as blackened remnants of trees, often grouped in clusters of one to three. Keep an eye out for these distinctive stumps during your explorations.
- Starting Island: New players can find their initial supply of charcoal on the starting island. Notably, areas near the abandoned house and the cave where your journey begins often contain charcoal stumps. These early resources can provide a crucial advantage as you begin crafting and building.
Tools Required for Harvesting
To collect charcoal from these stumps, you’ll need a Stone Axe. This tool is essential for chopping down the blackened stumps to yield charcoal pieces. If you haven’t acquired a Stone Axe yet, you can craft one using the following materials:
- Sharp Stone: Combine two stones at a Workbench Station to create a Sharp Stone.
- Wood: Gather wood by collecting branches or chopping down small trees.
Once you have these materials, combine one Sharp Stone and one piece of wood at the Workbench Station to craft a Stone Axe. With this tool in hand, approach a blackened stump and chop it down to collect charcoal.
Uses of Charcoal
Charcoal serves multiple functions in Aloft, making it a valuable resource to gather. Some of its primary uses include:
- Fuel for Fires: Charcoal is an essential component for building and maintaining campfires and fireplaces. For instance, constructing a campfire requires five pieces of wood, six stones, and three pieces of charcoal. Similarly, a fireplace needs three pieces of wood, twelve stones, and three pieces of charcoal. Once built, adding a piece of charcoal will light the fire, providing warmth and a means to cook food.
- Water Filtration: In survival situations, access to clean water is crucial. Charcoal can be used to purify dirty water, making it safe for consumption. By combining one unit of dirty water with one piece of charcoal, you can produce clean water, ensuring you stay hydrated without the risk of illness.
- Crafting Tools and Items: Charcoal is a component in crafting various tools and items that aid in your survival and exploration:
- Torch: Combining one piece of wood with one piece of charcoal creates a torch, an invaluable tool for illuminating dark areas such as caves or during nighttime exploration.
- Sketchbook: To document and replicate building components found during your journey, you can craft a sketchbook using two pieces of wood, one piece of paper, and one piece of charcoal. This allows you to plan and execute complex structures, enhancing your building capabilities.
- Leaf Lanterns: For portable lighting solutions, crafting a leaf lantern requires one piece of wood, five units of leaf cloth, and one piece of charcoal. These lanterns can be placed around your base or carried to light your path during exploration.
Additional Tips
- Resource Management: While exploring, always be on the lookout for charcoal stumps to maintain a steady supply. Given its various uses, keeping a stockpile of charcoal ensures you’re prepared for crafting and survival needs.
- Tool Durability: Regularly check the condition of your Stone Axe and other tools. Repair or replace them as needed to avoid being caught without essential equipment during critical moments.
- Efficient Exploration: Prioritize exploring larger islands, as they offer a higher probability of finding charcoal stumps. Additionally, these islands may house other valuable resources and items to aid in your survival.
By understanding how to locate and utilize charcoal effectively, you can enhance your survival experience in Aloft. This resource not only supports basic needs like warmth and hydration but also expands your crafting options, allowing for greater creativity and efficiency in your journey. Stay vigilant during your explorations, and make the most of the resources available to thrive in the floating islands of Aloft.
