How to Break Crackstone

What Crackstone is, which tools do not work, and what remains after breaking it.

Updated 2026-08-16Mechanic4 min
Short answer

Crackstone is a hard solid material. Shovel and Gun do not work on it; official notes say other digging tools can destroy it, and nothing remains after it breaks.

Run this check first

  • You need a direct answer before reading the full Wiki-style detail.
  • You want to know which parts are official facts and which parts need a current-build test.
  • You are connecting this topic to a larger factory route and need safe next links.

Pre-checks

  • Read the short answer first, then use the checklist before changing your main factory.
  • Keep custom-map or player-video ideas in a test chamber before using them in a normal save.
  • Test layout-dependent advice in an isolated chamber before scaling it.

Walkthrough

  1. Identify that the obstacle is Crackstone, not ordinary Dirt or Ore.
  2. Stop trying Shovel or Gun if they fail.
  3. Unlock or equip another digging tool.
  4. Destroy Crackstone with the stronger tool.
  5. Do not route collection under it expecting drops.

Crackstone Tool Logic

Do not mine Crackstone for drops; treat it as an obstacle.

01Crackstone

Hard solid

02Shovel

Does not work

03Gun

Does not work

04Other digging tools

Destroy it

05Drops

Nothing remains

Quick facts

MaterialHard Solid.
SourceNatural generation.
Does not workShovel and Gun.
WorksOther digging tools in official notes.
DropsNothing remains after breaking.

What it is

Crackstone is a naturally generated hard solid material. It is a progression obstacle more than a resource source.

Why early tools fail

Source notes explicitly say Shovel and Gun do not work. If those are your only options, return later.

What works

Official notes say all other digging tools will destroy Crackstone, but best-tool recommendations need current build testing.

Drops

Crackstone leaves nothing after breaking, so do not mine it expecting an output material.

When to come back later

If Shovel and Gun are all you have, Crackstone is a progression gate. Mark the area, continue researching stronger digging tools, and return when your toolkit has improved.

Because it leaves nothing behind, the reward is access, not material collection. Do not build collectors under Crackstone unless another resource is nearby.

Do / Don't

Do

  • Give a direct answer at top.
  • Tell players to return later if under-equipped.
  • Avoid fake drop tables.

Don't

  • Do not claim the best tool without testing.
  • Do not imply Crackstone is a resource.
  • Do not overcomplicate the page.

FAQ

Does Crackstone drop anything?

Current notes say nothing remains after it breaks.

Should I come back later?

Yes, if you only have Shovel or Gun.