The Forge Unknown Key Uses (January 2026) Fallen Angel’s Cave Guide
So you’ve stumbled upon this mysterious Unknown Key in The Forge and you’re wondering what on earth it does. Trust me, you’re not alone – countless players have been right where you are, staring at this enigmatic item in their inventory. After spending dozens of hours testing every possible use and comparing notes with the community, I can tell you exactly what this key is all about.
The Unknown Key is a special quest item that serves one very specific purpose: unlocking the metal gate to Fallen Angel’s Cave deep within The Cave in Stonewake’s Cross (World 1). This isn’t just any ordinary key – it’s your ticket to accessing one of the most powerful mid-game tools in The Forge: the legendary Arcane Pickaxe.
What makes this key particularly interesting is that it’s completely consumed upon use. Once you unlock that gate, the key disappears from your inventory forever. However, the good news is that the gate remains permanently open for your character, so you can freely access Fallen Angel’s Cave anytime after unlocking it.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| What it unlocks | Fallen Angel’s Cave gate in The Cave (Stonewake’s Cross) |
| How to get it | Complete Bard’s Lost Guitar quest |
| What’s inside | Arcane Pickaxe ($125,000) |
| Key type | One-time use (consumed after unlocking) |
| Prerequisites | Talk to Bard first, then find Lost Guitar |
Complete Bard’s Lost Guitar Quest Guide
Getting your hands on the Unknown Key requires completing the Bard’s Lost Guitar quest, which is surprisingly straightforward once you know where to look. Here’s my step-by-step breakdown based on multiple playthroughs:
Step 1: Find and Talk to the Bard
First, head to Stonewake’s Cross and look for the Bard sitting near the campfire in the northeast area, just past the Potions Stall. You can’t miss him – he’s the one looking miserable without his instrument.
Pro tip: Make sure you actually accept the quest from the Bard first! I made this mistake on my first playthrough and couldn’t pick up the guitar until I went back and properly initiated the quest.
Step 2: Enter The Cave and Find the Secret Entrance
Once you have the quest active, head southeast into The Cave. This is where things get interesting:
- Take the left path at the first intersection (where you’ll see NPCs like Nord and Umut the Brave)
- Look for the second pebble along the wall or the first wooden post near some greenery/moss
- Walk directly into the moss-covered wall – it’s not solid! You’ll drop down into a Secret Cave
Step 3: Retrieve the Lost Guitar
Inside the Secret Cave, you’ll find a skeleton NPC (who doesn’t say much) and the Lost Guitar sitting on the rocks nearby. Simply hold the E key to pick it up.
Step 4: Return to the Bard
Take the guitar back to the Bard, and voilà! You’ll receive:
- XP boost for completing the quest
- The Unknown Key
- The Guitar Finder badge (nice for collection purposes)
Finding and Using the Unknown Key: The Path to Fallen Angel’s Cave
Now that you have the Unknown Key, here’s exactly how to use it:
Navigating to the Locked Gate
Head back into The Cave in Stonewake’s Cross, but this time you’re taking a different route:
- Enter The Cave and drop down to the main lower pathways
- When the path splits, take the right path (this is the “Inner Cave” route)
- Keep following the right-side path – just hug the right wall at every split
- Eventually, you’ll spot a locked metal gate with a prominent lock mechanism
Unlocking Fallen Angel’s Cave
Walk up to the locked gate and hold the E key to use your Unknown Key. The gate will swing open, revealing the entrance to Fallen Angel’s Cave. Remember, the key disappears forever after this, so make sure you’re ready!
Common mistake to avoid: Don’t waste time looking for other uses for this key – it ONLY works on this specific gate. I spent way too much time trying random doors and chests before realizing this!
Inside Fallen Angel’s Cave: The Arcane Pickaxe
So what’s the big deal behind this gate? The main attraction is the Arcane Pickaxe, sitting proudly on a shrine deeper inside Fallen Angel’s Cave. But before you get too excited, there’s a catch – you still need to buy it!
Arcane Pickaxe Stats and Value
Here’s why this pickaxe is worth the effort:
| Stat | Value | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Mining Power | 115 | Unlocks late-game content |
| Mine Speed | +10% | Faster mining efficiency |
| Luck Boost | +50% | Massive increase in rare ore finds |
| Rune Slots | 3 | Maximum customization potential |
The Arcane Pickaxe is hands-down one of the best mid-to-late game mining tools in The Forge. That +50% luck boost is absolutely game-changing for farming valuable ores, and those three rune slots give you incredible customization options.
The Price Tag: $125,000
Here’s where strategy comes in – the Arcane Pickaxe costs $125,000. Based on my experience, you probably want to wait before buying it, even if you unlock the cave early.
Strategic Timing: When Should You Buy the Arcane Pickaxe?
Through multiple playthroughs and testing different strategies, I’ve developed some clear guidelines on when to make this purchase:
Buy It Now If:
- You’re already generating gold efficiently (50,000+ per hour)
- You’re not struggling with survival in tougher areas
- You have plenty of gold left over after purchasing
- You’re ready to tackle Goblin King quests (this pickaxe makes them much easier)
Wait If:
- Buying it would leave you completely broke
- You’re still getting better value from cheaper upgrades
- The extra luck and speed won’t help with your current content
- You haven’t reached the Forgotten Kingdom yet
My recommendation: Most players (including myself) wait until they’re well into the Forgotten Kingdom or even starting Goblin King quests before investing in the Arcane Pickaxe. The unlock is permanent, so there’s no rush!
Money-Making Strategies to Afford the Arcane Pickaxe
If you’re set on getting the Arcane Pickaxe ASAP, here are the most effective gold-farming methods I’ve discovered:
Crafting and Selling Gear
- Heavy Armor crafting is incredibly profitable and easy to mass-produce
- Focus on items that are in high demand among players
- Monitor the market trends – some items sell better during certain events
Efficient Mining Routes
- Use your current best pickaxe to farm high-value ores
- Focus on ruby mining once you can access it – these sell for premium prices
- Consider using luck totems to maximize your rare ore finds
Daily Rewards and Events
- Don’t miss the daily rewards – they often include free rerolls and gold
- Participate in limited-time events for bonus rewards
- Check for active The Forge codes regularly
Advanced Rune Optimization for the Arcane Pickaxe
Those three rune slots are what truly make the Arcane Pickaxe exceptional. Based on extensive testing, here’s my optimal rune setup:
Best Rune Configuration
Load all three slots with Luck-focused Miner Runes – specifically, only use Miner Shards with more than 10% bonus Luck chance.
- Why 10%+ threshold? Anything lower just isn’t worth the slot space
- Personal experience: I got a 16% Luck rune as my first good drop and sold anything below 10%
- Stacking effect: Three high-quality luck runes can dramatically increase your rare ore finds
Rune Farming Tips
- Focus on activities that drop runes consistently
- Don’t be afraid to sell lower-quality runes – they take up valuable inventory space
- Consider the rune economy when deciding whether to use or sell
Common Mistakes and Troubleshooting
Based on community feedback and my own experiences, here are the most common issues players encounter:
“I can’t pick up the guitar!”
Solution: You forgot to talk to the Bard first and accept the quest. Go back to Stonewake’s Cross, speak with the Bard, and make sure the quest is active in your log.
“The gate is locked again!”
Reality check: The Unknown Key is single-use only. Once you open the gate, it stays open permanently for your character, but the key is gone forever. You can walk back in anytime without the key.
“I’m lost and can’t find the gate!”
Navigation tip: You took a wrong turn. Go back to the main fork in The Cave and take the right-side path (Inner Cave route). Just keep hugging that right wall as you go deeper – you literally can’t miss it.
“Is the Arcane Pickaxe worth it?”
My take: Absolutely, but timing is everything. It’s a game-changer for mid-to-late game progression, especially if you’re planning to tackle endgame content like the Goblin King quests.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can I use the Unknown Key?
The Unknown Key is one-time use only. It disappears permanently after unlocking the Fallen Angel’s Cave gate.
Can I reach the Arcane Pickaxe without doing Bard’s quest?
No, you cannot. The locked gate to Fallen Angel’s Cave only responds to the Unknown Key, making the Bard’s Lost Guitar quest mandatory for every player who wants the Arcane Pickaxe.
What happens if I die after unlocking the gate?
Nothing bad! The gate remains permanently open for your character, so you can return to Fallen Angel’s Cave anytime without needing another key.
Is the Arcane Pickaxe the best in the game?
While the Arcane Pickaxe is excellent for mid-to-late game, there are stronger options like the Demonic Pickaxe for endgame content. However, the Arcane Pickaxe offers the best value for its stage of progression.
Can I sell the Unknown Key?
Technically yes, but why would you want to? The Arcane Pickaxe you unlock is worth far more than whatever someone might pay for the key.
Do I need to be a certain level to use the key?
While there’s no level requirement for the key itself, you’ll want to be at least Level 10 to handle the enemies in The Cave and have a reasonable chance of affording the Arcane Pickaxe afterward.
Final Thoughts
After countless hours testing different strategies and helping fellow players through this quest, I can confidently say that the Unknown Key questline is absolutely worth completing. Not only does it give you access to one of the best mid-game pickaxes, but it also teaches you important navigation skills for The Cave system.
The Arcane Pickaxe with its +50% luck boost and three rune slots will dramatically speed up your progression, especially when it comes to farming rare ores for crafting and selling. Just remember to time your purchase wisely – there’s no rush to buy it immediately after unlocking the cave.