The Forge Iceite Mining (December 2026) Pro Tips & Expert Guide

Welcome to the most dangerous and rewarding biome in Last Oasis. If you are reading this, you are likely ready to leave the mid-game resources behind and dive into the high-tier economy. Iceite is the gateway to late-game technology, essential for crafting advanced walkers, upgrading your weapons, and dominating the server.

However, mining in The Forge isn’t as simple as walking up to a node and hitting it. The environment is actively trying to kill you, and the players you encounter there are likely looking for blood, not ore.

In this comprehensive guide, I’m going to walk you through everything I’ve learned from dozens of mining runs. We’ll cover the exact gear you need, the safest routes to take, how to manage the freezing temperatures, and how to protect your loot from hostile clans.

Quick Reference: Iceite Mining Overview

Before we dive into the deep details, here is a quick snapshot of what you are getting yourself into.

Attribute	Details
Resource Name	Iceite
Location	The Forge (High-level biome)
Required Tool	Iron Pickaxe (Slow), Steel Pickaxe (Recommended)
Primary Threats	Freezing (Cold), Blizzards, PvP Players, Spiders/Wolves
Main Uses	T3/T4 Walker crafting, Weapon Upgrades, High-tier Armor
Best Transport	Tadpole (Stealth) or heavy hauler (Volume)

Preparing for the Trip: Gear and Essentials

You cannot survive The Forge with the same gear you used in the Desert. If you step into the snow wearing a basic hide vest, you will freeze to death in minutes.

The Right Armor

Insulation is your stat of choice here. You need armor that offers high cold resistance.

• Fur Armor: This is the standard for The Forge. It provides the best cold protection while allowing decent mobility.
• Alternative: If you don’t have full Fur yet, you can mix and match, but never go in without a mask or headgear that covers the face. Frostbite drains your health rapidly if your head is exposed.

The Tools of the Trade

Do not make the mistake of bringing an Iron Pickaxe.

• Steel Pickaxe: This is mandatory. Iceite nodes have high health. Mining with an Iron pickaxe takes so long that you become a sitting duck. With a Steel Pickaxe, the gathering rate is significantly faster, allowing you to grab the ore and move before enemies spot you.
• Shovel: Bring a shovel. While Iceite is your goal, you will find Clay and Soil around the nodes. These are needed for cement, which you’ll likely need for repairs or base building back home.

Consumables and Survival Kits

The cold is a passive enemy that constantly drains your temperature bar.

• Heat Packs: Bring at least 10-15 high-tier heat packs. These are your lifeline during blizzards or if you fall into water.
• Food: High-calorie food (like cooked meat) helps regenerate stamina, which you will burn through quickly while sprinting between nodes or fighting off mobs.

Understanding The Forge Environment

The Forge is unique in Last Oasis. It is not just a cold version of the map; it has specific mechanics designed to challenge you.

The Temperature Mechanic

In The Forge, your “Temperature” bar replaces your standard hydration worry to some extent. If the bar empties, you start freezing. When you freeze, your stamina drains faster, and eventually, you take damage.

• Pro Tip: Keep moving. Standing still reduces your natural heat generation. Sprinting generates heat, but burns food. Find the balance.

Blizzards

Randomly, a blizzard will sweep through the area. Visibility drops to near zero, and the temperature plummets.

• Strategy: Do not fight a blizzard. If you see the screen turn white and the wind howl, find cover immediately. Hide under a rock overhang or, if you are in a Walker, position it against the wind. If you are caught out in the open on foot, pop a heat pack immediately and crouch to reduce wind resistance.

Navigating the Terrain

The Forge is mountainous and full of narrow canyons. Using a large, bulky Walker (like a Woodie or Dragon) is a bad idea for the actual mining trek. They get stuck easily and present a massive target for raiders.

• Recommended Walker: Use a Tadpole or a Heron for the initial trip. They are agile, fit in narrow spaces, and can escape quickly.

Best Iceite Mining Routes and Locations

Finding Iceite is one thing; mining it efficiently is another. The nodes are usually clustered in specific areas.

1. The Canyon Clusters

The most reliable spot for Iceite is along the canyon walls that run through the center of The Forge.

• Why here? The narrow canyons provide natural cover from the wind, slightly raising the ambient temperature.
• The Strategy: Park your Walker at the mouth of the canyon. Scout on foot. The nodes are usually high up on the walls, so you may need to do some parkour to reach them.

2. The Frozen Riverbed

In the southern part of The Forge, you will find a dried-up riverbed.

• Why here? This area is flatter, making it easier to spot nodes from a distance.
• Risk Factor: Because it is flat, you are exposed. Players flying overhead on large Walkers can easily spot you here. Only mine here if the server population is low or if you have a lookout.

3. The Ruins

Scattered throughout The Forge are ancient ruins.

• Why here? Iceite often spawns inside the ruins or clipped into the structures.
• Bonus: These ruins often contain loot chests with high-tier items or rare blueprints, adding extra value to your trip.
• Best Walkers for High-Tier Transport
• How to Craft Steel Tools Efficiently

Advanced Mining Techniques

Just hitting the rock isn’t enough. You need to mine smartly to maximize your haul per hour.

The “Hit and Run” Method

In The Forge, greed gets you killed. I never stay at a single node for more than 30 seconds if I’m on a PvP server.

1. Approach the node.
2. Mine about 50-70% of the ore.
3. Look around (scan 360 degrees).
4. Finish the node or leave the rest if you hear footsteps or see a Walker. This leaves a small amount for someone else, but it ensures you stay alive. A dead miner keeps 0% of their ore.

Using Third-Person Wisely

When mining, toggle your camera view frequently. Do not stare at the rock. Stare at the horizon behind you. Most players will attack you while you are swinging your pickaxe because you are stationary and defenseless.

Smelting on the Go

If you have a portable smelter (or a Walker with a smelting unit built-in), smelt the Iceite immediately. Raw Iceite takes up a lot of inventory space. Smelted ingots stack higher, meaning you can carry more value in a single trip. Just be aware that smelting makes noise and creates smoke, which can act as a signal flare for enemies.

PvP Survival in The Forge

Let’s be real: The Forge is a war zone. You are competing for the most valuable resource in the game.

Stealth is Your Best Weapon

I prefer mining during off-peak hours for my server. Early morning or late night runs usually result in zero PvP encounters. The servers are quieter, and the “tryhards” are usually asleep.

Choosing Your Battles

If you see another player:

• If they are in a Tadpole: They are likely a miner like you. Wave, keep your distance, and move to a different node. Fighting is a waste of durability for both parties.
• If they are in a Dragon/Woodie: They are hunting. Hide. Do not engage. If you are on foot, run perpendicular to their movement path. They likely have a harpoon gun ready.

Base Building for Safety

If you plan on farming The Forge for a long session, consider building a small, hidden shack.

• Location: High up on a cliff side that is hard to access.
• Function: Use it to store excess ore and act as a respawn point if you die. Place a bed inside so you don’t respawn at a neutral city 5km away.
• PvP Tips for Solo Players
• Base Defense Strategies for Last Oasis

Common Mistakes to Avoid In 2026

I’ve made these mistakes so you don’t have to.

1. Ignoring the Wind: The wind direction matters. Always try to approach nodes from upwind. If you are downwind, the sound of your pickaxe travels much further, alerting anyone nearby.
2. Over-Encumbering: Picking up “just one more” stack of ore often leads to death. When you hit 80% weight, leave. You move slower when heavy, and in The Forge, slow equals dead.
3. Forgetting Repair Kits: Your pickaxe will take a beating. If it breaks mid-mine, you are wasting a trip. Bring 2-3 repair kits.

FAQ’s

How do I unlock the ability to mine Iceite?

You need to reach the appropriate tech tier (usually Tier 3) and craft a Steel Pickaxe. Iron tools are not effective enough to harvest Iceite nodes efficiently.

Can I mine Iceite with a lower-tier pickaxe?

Technically, an Iron Pickaxe can chip away at it, but the yield is pitiful, and the durability cost is massive. It is not worth the time or resource cost.

What happens if I die in The Forge?

You will drop all your inventory items, including the Iceite you mined. Other players can loot your body. If you have a bed nearby, you can try to run back to your body, but usually, the environment or looters will clear it quickly.

Is Iceite available on any other map?

Generally, no. Iceite is exclusive to The Forge biome. This is what drives its high value and the high danger associated with acquiring it.

How do I deal with the Spiders in The Forge?

Spiders in The Forge are aggressive. They can climb walls, so hiding on cliffs doesn’t always work. Keep a spear or a bow on your hotbar. A few well-placed pikes can usually deter them, but don’t get bogged down in a fight while a blizzard is rolling in.

Conclusion

Mining Iceite in The Forge is the ultimate test of your Last Oasis survival skills. It requires preparation, map knowledge, and combat awareness. By using the right gear, choosing smart routes, and respecting the harsh environment, you can turn this dangerous biome into your personal goldmine.

Remember, the most valuable ore you have is your own experience. If you lose a load of Iceite, don’t get discouraged. Learn from the mistake, re-gear, and get back out there. The spoils go to those who persist.

Good luck out there, survivors, and stay warm. See you in the (December 2026) season.