How to Use Unknown Key in The Forge (June 2026 Guide)
The Unknown Key in The Forge is a crucial quest item that unlocks access to the Arcane Pickaxe, one of the most powerful mining tools in the game. This mysterious key is obtained by completing Bard’s Lost Guitar Quest and is essential for progressing to mid and late-game content. Without it, you’ll miss out on one of the best pickaxes available, featuring incredible mining speed, luck boosts, and three rune slots for customization.
Quick Reference: Unknown Key Information
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Quest Required | Bard’s Lost Guitar Quest |
| Key Location | Reward from Bard after returning his guitar |
| Usage Location | Fallen Angel’s Cave gate in Inner Cave |
| Unlocks | Arcane Pickaxe (costs $125,000) |
| Key Type | Single-use item |
| Required Area | Stonewake’s Cross (World 1) |
How to Get the Unknown Key?
Step 1: Locate and Speak to the Bard
The journey to obtain the Unknown Key begins in Stonewake’s Cross, the starting area of The Forge. To find the Bard:
Contents
- Spawn Location: Start from the main spawn point in Stonewake’s Cross
- Direction: Head east toward The Cave entrance
- Landmark: Look for the Potions Shop in the northeast area
- Final Location: Just beyond the Potions Shop, you’ll find a small campfire with the Bard sitting on the floor beside it
Pro Tip: The Bard is easily recognizable as a sad-looking character sitting against a rock near the campfire. He’s impossible to miss once you know where to look!
Step 2: Accept the Lost Guitar Quest
Interact with the Bard by pressing the prompted button (typically ‘E’ on PC). He’ll explain that he’s lost his guitar and needs your help finding it. Accept the quest to begin your journey.
Quest Details:
- Quest Name: Bard’s Lost Guitar
- Objective: Find and return the Bard’s missing guitar
- Starting NPC: Bard at campfire
- Difficulty: Easy to medium (depends on familiarity with cave system)
Step 3: Navigate to The Secret Cave
This is where many players get stuck, as the guitar is hidden in a secret cave with a concealed entrance. Follow these precise directions:
- Enter The Cave: From the Bard’s location, head southeast into the main cave system
- Initial Descent: Go down the slope until you reach the hub area where you’ll see Nord and Umut The Brave standing
- Critical Turn: Take a left turn immediately after seeing these NPCs
- Find the Hidden Entrance: Look for:
- Wooden support beam on the left wall
- Second pebble along the wall or first wooden pillar
- Overgrown leaves/vines covering part of the wall
Expert Strategy: The hidden entrance is disguised as solid wall foliage. Walk directly into the vines/leaves near the wooden support beam, and you’ll fall through into the Secret Cave below.
Step 4: Retrieve the Lost Guitar
Once inside the Secret Cave:
- Locate the Skeleton: You’ll find a skeleton lying on the ground near the chamber entrance
- Find the Guitar: The Lost Guitar is placed on a ledge just to the right of the skeleton
- Pick Up: Hold ‘E’ (or the appropriate interaction button) to pick up the guitar
- Exit Strategy: Use the ladder provided to climb back out of the Secret Cave
Common Mistake to Avoid: Many players search the entire cave system looking for the guitar, not realizing it’s in this specific hidden chamber. Don’t waste time exploring other areas!
Step 5: Return to the Bard and Receive the Unknown Key
With the guitar in your inventory:
- Return to Surface: Make your way back to the main Stonewake’s Cross area
- Find the Bard: Return to the campfire where you originally found him
- Complete Quest: Speak to the Bard and select the dialogue option to return his guitar
- Receive Rewards: You’ll get:
- $1,000 in-game currency
- Experience Points (XP)
- The Unknown Key (main quest item)
- Guitar Finder Badge (achievement)
How to Use the Unknown Key?
Now that you have the Unknown Key, it’s time to use it to unlock the Fallen Angel’s Cave and access the Arcane Pickaxe.
Step 1: Navigate to the Inner Cave
The Unknown Key is used in a different part of the cave system from where you found the guitar:
- Enter The Cave: Return to the main cave entrance in Stonewake’s Cross
- Take the Right Path: Instead of going left (where you found the guitar), turn right at the bottom of the slope
- Follow the Arrows: Look for directional arrows painted on the cave walls – these will guide you
- Continue East: Follow the path heading east, then take the first path on the right
Step 2: Locate the Fallen Angel’s Cave Gate
As you follow the path:
- Watch for the Gate: You’ll come across a locked gate that cannot be opened without the Unknown Key
- Identify the Location: This is the entrance to the Fallen Angel’s Cave
- Prepare the Key: Make sure the Unknown Key is in your inventory
Step 3: Use the Unknown Key
To unlock the gate:
- Position Yourself: Stand directly in front of the locked gate
- Activate the Key: Hold ‘E’ (or your interaction button) to use the Unknown Key
- Watch the Animation: The key will unlock the door, granting you access to the hidden chamber
- Enter: Walk through the now-open gate into the Fallen Angel’s Cave
Critical Information: The Unknown Key is a single-use item – once you unlock the gate, the key disappears permanently from your inventory. Make sure you’re ready to proceed before using it!
The Arcane Pickaxe: Your Ultimate Reward
Inside the Fallen Angel’s Cave, you’ll find the Arcane Pickaxe, one of the best mining tools in The Forge.
Arcane Pickaxe Location and Details
- Navigate the Cave: Follow the path through the Fallen Angel’s Cave
- Find the Pickup Point: At the end of the cave, you’ll see hands carved from stone with the Arcane Pickaxe floating in the middle
- Purchase Requirements: The Arcane Pickaxe costs $125,000 – make sure you have enough funds!
- Stats Overview:
| Stat | Value | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mine Power | 115 | High mining efficiency |
| Mine Speed | +10% | Faster mining operations |
| Luck Boost | +50% | Increased rare ore drops |
| Rune Slots | 3 | Maximum customization potential |
Why the Arcane Pickaxe is Essential?
The Arcane Pickaxe represents a significant upgrade from early and mid-game pickaxes for several reasons:
1. Mining Efficiency: With 115 Mine Power and +10% Mining Speed, you’ll break through rocks and ores much faster than with basic pickaxes.
2. Luck Enhancement: The +50% Luck Boost dramatically increases your chances of finding rare ores like:
- Demonite
- Magmaite
- Fireite
- Darkryte
3. Customization Potential: Three rune slots allow you to enhance the pickaxe with various bonuses, making it adaptable to different mining strategies and goals.
4. Long-term Value: While expensive at $125,000, the Arcane Pickaxe will serve you well into the late game, making it a worthwhile investment.
Comparison: Arcane Pickaxe vs Other Options
To understand just how valuable the Arcane Pickaxe is, let’s compare it to other available options:
Stonewake’s Cross Pickaxes
| Pickaxe | Power | Speed | Luck | Rune Slots | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stone | 4 | 0% | 0% | 0 | Free |
| Bronze | 7 | 0% | +5% | 0 | $150 |
| Iron | 10 | 0% | +5% | 1 | $500 |
| Golden | 16 | 0% | +15% | 1 | $1,500 |
| Stonewake’s | 33 | -30% | +10% | 1 | $3,333 |
| Platinum | 24 | 0% | +25% | 2 | $4,400 |
| Arcane | 115 | +10% | +50% | 3 | $125,000 |
Late-Game Comparison
The Arcane Pickaxe holds its own even against Forgotten Kingdom pickaxes:
- Cobalt Pickaxe: 36 Power, 35% Luck, 2 slots – $10,000
- Titanium Pickaxe: 55 Power, 43% Luck, 2 slots – $22,500
- Uranium Pickaxe: 67 Power, 41% Luck, 2 slots – $37,500
- Mythril Pickaxe: 80 Power, 55% Luck, 2 slots – $67,500
- Lightite Pickaxe: 100 Power, 45% Luck, 1 slot – $98,500
- Magma Pickaxe: 135 Power, 46% Luck, 2 slots – $150,000
- Demonic Pickaxe: 175 Power, +47.5% Luck, 3 slots – $500,000
While the Demonic Pickaxe is technically the best in the game, the Arcane Pickaxe offers exceptional value and is much more accessible for mid-game players.
Advanced Tips and Strategies
Money Management for the Arcane Pickaxe
Since the Arcane Pickaxe costs $125,000, here are some strategies to save up efficiently:
- Focus on High-Value Ores: Mine ores that sell for the highest prices
- Complete Side Quests: Additional quests provide bonus money and XP
- Use Codes: Check for active The Forge codes that might give you money boosts
- Sell Unnecessary Items: Clean out your inventory regularly
- Join the Community: Other players might share money-making strategies
Optimal Mining Routes with Arcane Pickaxe
Once you have the Arcane Pickaxe, focus on these high-yield mining areas:
- Deep Cave Systems: Areas with rare ore spawns
- Volcanic Regions: High-value mineral deposits
- Secret Chambers: Hidden areas with concentrated resources
- Underground Lakes: Special underwater mining opportunities
Rune Configuration Recommendations
With three rune slots, consider these configurations:
Configuration 1: Luck Focus
- Rune 1: Additional Luck Boost
- Rune 2: Rare Ore Discovery
- Rune 3: Mining Speed Enhancement
Configuration 2: Speed Focus
- Rune 1: Mining Speed Boost
- Rune 2: Stamina Reduction
- Rune 3: Auto-Mining Enhancement
Configuration 3: Balanced Approach
- Rune 1: Luck Boost
- Rune 2: Mining Speed
- Rune 3: Durability Enhancement
Common Questions and Troubleshooting
FAQ: Unknown Key and Arcane Pickaxe
Q1: Can I get the Unknown Key without completing Bard’s quest?
No, the Unknown Key is exclusively obtained by completing Bard’s Lost Guitar Quest. There are no alternative methods to acquire it.
Q2: What happens if I lose the Unknown Key before using it?
The Unknown Key is a quest item that typically can’t be lost or dropped. However, if you encounter this issue, you may need to restart the quest or contact support.
Q3: Is the Arcane Pickaxe worth the $125,000 cost?
Absolutely! The Arcane Pickaxe’s combination of high power, luck boost, and three rune slots makes it one of the best investments in the game, especially for mid-to-late game progression.
Q4: Can I enter the Fallen Angel’s Cave without the Unknown Key?
No, the gate to the Fallen Angel’s Cave can only be opened with the Unknown Key. There are no alternative entrances or methods to bypass this requirement.
Q5: Does the Arcane Pickaxe work in all areas of The Forge?
Yes, the Arcane Pickaxe can be used throughout The Forge, including both Stonewake’s Cross and the Forgotten Kingdom regions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Issue: Can’t find the Bard
- Solution: Check near the campfire next to the Potions Shop in Stonewake’s Cross. He’s always there once you’ve loaded into the world.
Issue: Can’t locate the Secret Cave entrance
- Solution: Look for the wooden support beam and overgrown leaves on the left wall after passing Nord and Umut The Brave. Walk directly into the foliage.
Issue: Guitar not appearing in the Secret Cave
- Solution: Make sure you’ve accepted the quest from the Bard first. The guitar only appears once the quest is active.
Issue: Unknown Key not working on the gate
- Solution: Ensure you’re at the correct gate in the Inner Cave (right path, then first right). Stand directly in front and hold ‘E’ to use the key.
Issue: Not enough money for Arcane Pickaxe
- Solution: Focus on mining high-value ores, completing quests, and using any available codes to boost your income.
Final Thoughts
The Unknown Key questline represents one of the most important progression milestones in The Forge. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ve learned not just how to obtain and use the key, but also why the Arcane Pickaxe is such a valuable investment for your mining journey.
Remember that The Forge is constantly evolving with new updates and content. Stay connected with the community through the resources provided, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need additional help or want to share your own discoveries.
Pro Tip: Bookmark this guide for quick reference, and check back regularly for updates as new content and changes are released to The Forge. The mining meta can shift with updates, and staying informed will keep you ahead of the curve!
Happy mining, Forge Masters! May your Arcane Pickaxe serve you well in your quest for the rarest ores and greatest treasures in 2026!
