The Forge Island 3 Guide (January 2026) How To Reach, New Pickaxes & More
Welcome to the most comprehensive guide for The Forge Island 3, also known as Frostspire Expanse! As a seasoned Forge player who has spent countless hours exploring every corner of this frozen wonderland, I’m excited to share everything you need to know about this game-changing update. Whether you’re struggling to reach Island 3 or looking to optimize your progression with the new pickaxes and races, this guide has you covered.
Quick Overview: Island 3 at a Glance
| Feature | Requirement/Details | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Access Level | Level 70 | Essential for progression |
| Travel Method | Portal Tool → Frostspire Expanse | Only way to reach Island 3 |
| Release Date | December 25, 2025 | Winter/XMAS Update |
| Main Currency | Gold (up to 2M for best pickaxe) | Critical for upgrades |
| Key NPCs | Santa, Sensei Mororrow, Fred the Miner | Quests and shopping |
| New Pickaxes | 7 total (including secret Prismatic) | Essential for mining new ores |
How to Reach Forge Island 3?
Reaching Frostspire Expanse isn’t just about hitting a level requirement—it’s about proper preparation and understanding the game’s progression system. Based on my experience helping dozens of players make this transition, here’s exactly what you need to do:
Prerequisites You Must Meet
Level 70 is Non-Negotiable This isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a hard requirement. The game locks Island 3 behind this level to ensure players have adequate experience with core mechanics. If you’re not there yet, focus on completing quests in earlier islands and mining efficiently. Check out our progression guide for leveling strategies.
Portal Tool Access You’ll need the Portal Tool, which unlocks after completing the tutorial, talking to the Wizard, and reaching level 10. If you somehow missed this, revisit the early game steps—this tool is your gateway to all islands.
The Teleportation Process
Once you meet the requirements:
- Open your inventory and equip the Portal Tool to your hotbar
- Press the assigned button to activate it
- Select “Frostspire Expanse” from the island selection menu
- Click “Teleport” and prepare for an entirely new experience
Pro Tip: The first time you teleport, make sure you have at least 100,000 gold saved up. You’ll want immediate access to the new pickaxes, and trust me, the grind is real once you’re there!
Complete Pickaxe Guide: Your Path to Mining Dominance
The Winter Update introduced seven new pickaxes, and understanding their progression is crucial for success. I’ve personally tested each one, and here’s the complete breakdown:
Fred the Miner’s Shop Pickaxes
Located in the center of Frostspire Expanse (you can’t miss it against the snowy landscape), Fred’s shop offers six pickaxes with varying stats and prices:
| Pickaxe Name | Price | Power | Speed | Luck | Rune Slots | My Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tungsten | $200,000 | 150 | -15% | +48% | 2 | Budget starter |
| Aqua | $375,000 | 200 | +5% | +52% | 2 | Good balance |
| Mist | $500,000 | 250 | +15% | +55% | 2 | Speed focused |
| Snow | $750,000 | 320 | +10% | +58% | 3 | Best mid-game |
| Frost | $1,000,000 | 420 | +5% | +62% | 3 | High-tier option |
| Void | $1,350,000 | 550 | -5% | +68% | 3 | Shop best |
The Secret Prismatic Pickaxe
This is where things get exciting! The Prismatic Pickaxe is the ultimate mining tool in The Forge, but it requires some effort to obtain:
Stats:
- Price: 2,000,000 Gold
- Power: 650
- Speed: +20%
- Luck: +72%
- Rune Slots: 4
How to Get It:
- First, you need the Snow Pickaxe (complete Sensei Mororrow’s quests to level 6)
- Use the Snow Pickaxe to break through ice blocks in a hidden area outside the village
- Find the secret merchant selling the Prismatic Pickaxe
Is It Worth It? Absolutely! The combination of high power, positive speed bonus, and incredible luck boost makes this the end-game pickaxe every serious player needs.
New Races: Transform Your Gameplay
Island 3 introduced three game-changing races that completely alter how you approach combat and movement. I’ve tested all three extensively, and here’s my honest assessment:
Available Races and Their Abilities
| Race | Rarity | Key Abilities | Best For | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vampire | Common | 15% life steal, 10% sword damage | Sword users | 7/10 |
| Flings | Uncommon | 20% stamina boost, movement speed, dash distance, parry | Speed builds | 8/10 |
| Archangel | 0.1% | 25% movement speed, 50% dash chance, hellfire circle | Everything | 10/10 |
Race Reroll Codes
Before you start grinding for races, use these codes for free rerolls:
- Xmus – 5 race rerolls
- Sorry for Delay – 5 race rerolls
Strategy: Use your rerolls strategically. While Archangel is objectively the best, don’t sleep on Flings for speed-focused builds. Vampire is decent for sword users but falls short compared to the others.
Essential NPCs and Questlines
Frostspire Expanse is packed with important NPCs that offer crucial quests and services. Here’s your priority list:
Must-Visit NPCs
Santa (Spawn Area)
- Offers Christmas event quests
- Rewards: Xmas Tickets for exclusive items
- Priority: HIGH – Limited time event!
Sensei Mororrow
- Main quest giver for pickaxe progression
- Requires: Magmite and Demonite collection
- Priority: ESSENTIAL – Unlocks Snow Pickaxe
Iceman
- Quest reward: Cannon to peak access
- Priority: HIGH – Unlocks best mining areas
Borne/Captain Rowan
- Opens new areas and provides endgame content
- Priority: Medium-High
Miner Fred
- Sells all new pickaxes (except Prismatic)
- Priority: ESSENTIAL – Your main gear source
Quest Progression Path
Based on my experience, here’s the optimal quest order:
- Start with Santa’s Christmas quests (time-limited!)
- Focus on Sensei Mororrow’s quests up to level 6
- Complete Iceman’s quest for peak access
- Work through Borne/Captain Rowan’s content
- Explore optional content and secrets
Mining Locations and Strategies
The mining game changes completely in Island 3. Here’s where to focus your efforts:
Best Mining Spots
Early Game (Level 70-80)
- Pebbles near spawn: Great for quest completion and basic resources
- Lower areas: Safer, decent ore variety
Mid Game (Level 80-90)
- Peak areas: Higher-tier ores, better drops
- Hidden caves: Require Snow Pickaxe access
Late Game (Level 90+)
- Secret ice areas: Best for rare materials
- Deep caverns: Highest risk, highest reward
Mining Strategy Tips
- Don’t skip the Tungsten Pickaxe – At 200k, it’s the best value upgrade
- Save for Snow Pickaxe – The 320 power threshold opens up new content
- Luck matters more than you think – Those percentage boosts add up quickly
- Rune slots are crucial – Plan your rune upgrades around your pickaxe choice
Enemy Guide: What You’ll Face?
Frostspire Expanse introduces challenging new enemies. Here’s what to expect:
Common Enemies
| Enemy | Health | Damage | Notable Drops | Strategy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Spider | 600-720 | 55 | Small Essence, Ice_T1 | Easy melee |
| Diamond Spider | 1000-1300 | 70 | Medium Essence, Ice_T1 | Bring potions |
| Common Orc | 800-1000 | 85 | Large Essence, Berserker_T1 | Dodge attacks |
| Elite Orc | 2000-2200 | 100 | Superior Essence, Rage Mark | Group up |
Boss Fights
Ice Golem
- Location: Massive portal (marked on map)
- Health: 3000-4000
- Damage: 125
- Rewards: 10k gold, Superior Essence
- Respawn: Once per hour
- Strategy: Bring high-damage weapons and healing potions
Pro Tip: The Golem fight isn’t worth grinding for gold—the real value is in the essence drops for crafting.
New Crafting Opportunities
Island 3 expands the crafting system significantly. Here are the highlights:
New Weapons
- Wavering Axe: Mid-tier option
- Angelic Sphere: Magic users will love this
- Colossal Sword: Possibly highest damage weapon in game
New Armor
- Wolf Armor: Great balance of defense and mobility
- Ice-themed sets: Special bonuses for cold environments
Crafting Tips
- Save your essence – Don’t waste it on early crafts
- Focus on pickaxes first – Better tools = better resources
- Experiment with rune combinations – Some unexpected combos work wonders
Pro Tips and Advanced Strategies
After spending weeks in Frostspire Expanse, here are my top insights:
Money Making
- Peak mining with Void/Prismatic pickaxes is most profitable
- Essence farming in deep caves beats gold farming
- Christmas event offers limited-time high-value items
Progression Hacks
- Race reroll early – Don’t waste time with suboptimal races
- Complete daily quests – They add up quickly
- Join a guild – Shared resources and knowledge
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Rushing to Island 3 underleveled – You’ll struggle and waste time
- Ignoring the Snow Pickaxe – It’s essential for progression
- Skipping Christmas quests – Limited time = missed opportunities
- Wasting gold on wrong pickaxes – Follow the progression path
Secrets and Hidden Content
Frostspire Expanse has several secrets that many players miss:
The Crimson Depths
Rumored to be the next major area, accessible through a secret stone door behind the wizard hut. Note: Demon race players cannot clip through this door, suggesting it’s specifically designed for future content.
Hidden Pickaxe Location
The Prismatic Pickaxe merchant isn’t marked on any map. Look for ice formations that seem out of place near the village outskirts.
Secret Areas
- Underwater cave with rare crystal formations
- Frozen temple with unique enemies
- Peak summit with exclusive ore nodes
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reach Island 3?
With efficient play, about 20-30 hours from level 1. For experienced players, 10-15 hours is achievable.
What’s the best pickaxe for beginners in Island 3?
Start with Tungsten (200k), then save for Snow (750k). Skip the middle options unless you have gold to burn.
Are the new races worth grinding for?
Absolutely! Archangel is game-changing, and even Flings offers significant advantages for certain playstyles.
Can I succeed in Island 3 without spending real money?
Yes, but it requires more grinding. The free-to-play path is totally viable with smart resource management.
What should I prioritize first in Island 3?
- Get Snow Pickaxe (Sensei Mororrow quests)
- Complete Christmas event (time-limited)
- Unlock peak access (Iceman quest)
- Save for Prismatic Pickaxe
Is the Ice Golem worth farming regularly?
Not for gold, but yes for essence if you need crafting materials. The hourly reset makes it a decent routine activity.
Conclusion
Frostspire Expanse represents the best of what The Forge has to offer: challenging progression, rewarding exploration, and engaging new mechanics. Whether you’re a free-to-play player or willing to invest in your journey, Island 3 has something for everyone.
Remember, the key to success is patience and smart progression. Don’t rush, plan your upgrades carefully, and take advantage of limited-time events like the Christmas celebration. The Prismatic Pickaxe might seem expensive now, but it’s an investment that will pay dividends throughout your Forge journey.
Ready to dominate Island 3? Start by checking your level, gathering some gold, and preparing for the adventure of a lifetime. The frozen spires of Frostspire Expanse are waiting, and with this guide, you’re equipped to conquer them all.
Happy mining, and may your pickaxe strikes be true!