In Minecraft, tools are your key to survival and success — whether you're mining deep underground, chopping trees, or fighting off hostile mobs. But not all tools are created equal.


This guide walks you through the full tools progression in Minecraft: from basic wooden tools to the game’s strongest — Netherite. You'll learn what each tier offers, when to upgrade, and how to craft them.


πŸ› ️ Why Tool Progression Matters

Upgrading your tools means:

  • Faster mining and resource gathering

  • Increased durability

  • Access to rare blocks (e.g. diamonds, obsidian)

  • Better survival odds against mobs

Start with wood — end with unstoppable Netherite gear.


πŸͺ΅ 1. Wooden ToolsThe Starting Point

πŸ”¨ How to Craft:

  • 2x Sticks

  • 3x Wooden Planks (tool-dependent)

🧰 Tools:

  • Wooden Pickaxe

  • Wooden Axe

  • Wooden Shovel

  • Wooden Hoe

  • Wooden Sword

🧱 Strength:

  • Can mine: Stone, Coal, basic blocks

  • Low durability (59 uses)

⛏️ When to Upgrade: Immediately!

As soon as you find stone, craft Stone Tools — a massive improvement.


πŸͺ¨ 2. Stone ToolsThe First Real Upgrade

πŸ”¨ How to Craft:

  • 2x Sticks

  • 3x Cobblestone

🧰 Tools:

  • Stone Pickaxe (can now mine Iron Ore)

  • Stone Axe (faster woodcutting + decent melee)

  • Stone Shovel, Hoe, Sword

🧱 Strength:

  • Can mine: Iron, Coal, Copper

  • Durability: 131 uses

  • Faster than wood, but still basic

⛏️ When to Upgrade:

Once you smelt iron, move to Iron Tools.


⛓️ 3. Iron ToolsReliable & Essential

πŸ”¨ How to Craft:

  • 2x Sticks

  • 3x Iron Ingots (smelted from Iron Ore)

🧰 Tools:

  • Iron Pickaxe (mines Diamonds, Redstone, Gold, etc.)

  • Iron Axe (great for damage and logging)

  • Iron Sword, Shovel, Hoe

🧱 Strength:

  • Can mine: All blocks except obsidian

  • Durability: 250 uses

  • Most efficient early/mid-game tools

πŸ›‘️ Tip: Iron Armor and Shield should accompany your iron tools.


πŸ’Ž 4. Diamond ToolsHigh-Tier Power

πŸ”¨ How to Craft:

  • 2x Sticks

  • 3x Diamonds

🧰 Tools:

  • Diamond Pickaxe (can mine Obsidian)

  • Diamond Axe (more damage than iron sword!)

  • Diamond Sword, Shovel, Hoe

🧱 Strength:

  • Durability: 1,561 uses

  • Very fast and durable

  • Can be enchanted for Efficiency, Fortune, Unbreaking, etc.

πŸ›‘ Required for:

  • Obsidian mining

  • Crafting an Enchanting Table

  • Upgrading to Netherite


πŸ”₯ 5. Netherite ToolsEndgame Elite

🧱 What You Need:

  1. Diamond Tool

  2. Netherite Ingot (crafted from 4x Netherite Scrap + 4x Gold Ingots)

πŸ”¨ How to Upgrade:

  • Use a Smithing Table (NOT crafting table)

  • Combine a Diamond Tool + 1 Netherite Ingot = Netherite Tool

🧰 Tools:

  • Netherite Pickaxe, Axe, Sword, Shovel, Hoe

πŸ’ͺ Strength:

  • Durability: 2,031 uses (higher than Diamond)

  • Knockback resistance

  • Cannot burn in lava

  • Enchants even better than Diamond

πŸ”₯ Best-in-slot for serious adventurers and Ender Dragon slayers.


πŸ—Ί️ Quick Comparison Table

MaterialDurabilitySpeedCan Mine Diamonds?Can Mine Obsidian?Can Burn?
Wood59Slow
Stone131Medium
Iron250Fast
Diamond1561Very Fast
Netherite2031Fastest

πŸ“ˆ Progression Strategy

Here’s an ideal upgrade path:

  1. Day 1: Craft Wooden Tools → Stone Tools

  2. Day 2-3: Smelt Iron → Craft full Iron Set

  3. Day 3+: Mine for Diamonds → Craft Pickaxe & Sword

  4. Later Game: Find Ancient Debris in Nether → Upgrade to Netherite via Smithing Table

🎯 Don’t forget to enchant your high-tier tools!


🧠 Pro Tips

  • Iron Pickaxe is the minimum for mining diamonds, gold, and redstone.

  • Always carry spare tools when mining or exploring.

  • Enchant your Diamond/Netherite tools with:

    • Efficiency (faster mining)

    • Unbreaking (last longer)

    • Fortune (get more loot)

    • Mending (auto-repair with XP)


🏁 Final Thoughts

Tool progression in Minecraft is more than just upgrades — it’s your survival strategy. From your first wooden pickaxe to a fully enchanted Netherite gear set, every step gives you more power, speed, and protection.

So grab your crafting table, head to the mines, and start your journey from wood to Netherite like a true Minecraft pro.