CRACK game tools start with the Pickaxe, Chisel, and Bucket, then expand into digging, construction, and explosives. You buy equipment through Standard, Intermediate, Advanced, Specialty, Executive, and Prograde Catalogs. Match your next purchase to the material or construction task blocking you.
What tools are in the Standard Catalog?
You start with a Pickaxe for cracking Shell, a Chisel for peeling it, and a Bucket for loose resources.
| Tool | Catalog | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pickaxe | Standard | Crack intact Shell before peeling. | Mk I is the starting version. |
| Chisel | Standard | Peel cracked Shell sections. | — |
| Bucket | Standard | Scoop up loose resources; the starting Bucket holds 20 units. | Mk I; Executive offers a larger Bucket. |
| Boom Box | Standard | Sold in the shop. | — |
| Eraser | Standard | Erase drawings. | — |
Use the Pickaxe until a Shell section flashes white, then switch to the Chisel. Repeatedly striking an already-cracked section wastes Pickaxe durability.
You begin with the Pickaxe Mk I for splitting Shell.
Shown at 01:37 in FloppySims’s video.
Once Shell flashes white, you need the Chisel to peel it away.
Shown at 02:24 in FloppySims’s video.What should you buy from the Intermediate Catalog?
You should buy a Shovel when Intermediate opens because your next excavation target is Membrane.
| Tool | Catalog | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shovel | Intermediate | Excavate Membrane after opening the Shell. | Mk II handles Tissue; Mk III also handles Prime Tissue. |
Depositing $30 worth of Shell unlocks Intermediate. Your Pickaxe and Chisel cannot replace the Shovel for Membrane excavation.
Which tools belong to the Advanced Catalog?
The Advanced Catalog opens after you locate two Nodules.
You need Shovel Mk II for Tissue. The Mattock combines cracking and peeling in one tool. Specialty explicitly lists Mattock Mk II and Shovel Mk III.
What does the Specialty Catalog add?
You get custom construction equipment, Support Spikes, Mattock Mk II, and Shovel Mk III through Specialty.
| Tool | Catalog | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| toolbox | Specialty | Place scaffolding components; Mk I holds 20 pieces. | Mk I; Executive adds Mk II. |
| Hammer | Specialty | Secure scaffolding Bolts to finish placed components. | Mk I; Executive offers an upgrade; Prograde lists Mk III. |
| Scaffolding Parts | Specialty | Supply pieces for custom scaffolding. | No Mk versions specified. |
| Support Spike | Specialty | Prevent egg healing nearby and provide light. | Mk I has a 1m retention radius; Prograde adds Mk II. |
| Mattock | Specialty | Crack and peel; Mk II also digs Calcite. | Mk II is listed. |
| Shovel | Specialty | Excavate Prime Tissue alongside materials supported by Mk II. | Mk III is listed. |
Commissioning your first Workbot unlocks Specialty. Buy the Toolbox and Hammer together when you need to construct your own access route. A Support Spike preserves an opening; it cannot replace construction equipment.
Your placed components remain holograms until you secure their Bolts with the Hammer.
Shown at 30:45 in Rizzoli’s video.What upgrades are in the Executive Catalog?
You get Dynamite Mk II, Toolbox Mk II, and upgrades for the Hammer, Bucket, and Wrench.
| Tool | Catalog | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamite | Executive | Blast excavation material, excluding Containment Plating. | Mk II is listed. |
| Toolbox | Executive | Build with an upgraded Toolbox. | Mk II is listed. |
| Hammer | Executive | Secure scaffolding Bolts with an upgraded Hammer. | Upgraded version. |
| Bucket | Executive | Carry more loose resources per trip. | Larger version. |
| Wrench | Executive | Repair broken Workbots. | Upgraded version. |
Win at least $100 in one slot-machine payout to unlock Executive. Smaller wins do not combine for this Work Order.
What tools are in the Prograde Catalog?
You get the Chainsaw, Jackhammer, Hammer Mk III, Dynamite Mk III, and Support Spike Mk II through Prograde.
| Tool | Catalog | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw | Prograde | Dig Membrane, Tissue, Prime Tissue, and Blight. | — |
| Jackhammer | Prograde | Crack and peel Shell; dig Calcite and Hatchite. | — |
| Hammer | Prograde | Secure scaffolding Bolts. | Mk III is listed. |
| Dynamite | Prograde | Break Containment Plating with explosives. | Mk III; ignite with a Blowtorch. |
| Support Spike | Prograde | Prevent healing across a larger retention radius. | Mk II. |
Upgrade a Workbot using Chalazite to unlock Prograde. Bring a Blowtorch for Dynamite Mk III; its fuse lasts seven seconds. Clear your retreat route before lighting it, then move away immediately.
Which tools are not sold in a Catalog?
You find the UV Flashlight in the vent above the Breakroom, and you need a Blowtorch to light Dynamite Mk III.
| Tool | Catalog or location | What you use it for | Mk upgrades |
|---|---|---|---|
| UV Flashlight | Ventilation above the Breakroom | Reveal hidden writing and digits for the crack game code. | — |
| Blowtorch | — | Ignite Dynamite Mk III. | — |
You need custom scaffolding to reach the UV Flashlight. It reveals writing in the yellowish egg goo around the laboratory.
FAQ
You can choose your next tool by checking the material or construction task you need to handle.
Buy a Shovel when Intermediate unlocks. You need it to excavate Membrane after removing the outer Shell.
You can crack and peel with the Mattock. Mattock Mk II also digs Calcite.
No. You use the Toolbox, Hammer, and Scaffolding Parts for construction. Support Spikes prevent egg healing and provide light.
No. You need Dynamite Mk III and a Blowtorch for Containment Plating. Ordinary excavation tools cannot break that barrier.
Complete the Workbot upgrade using Chalazite. Once the upgrade registers, you gain access to Prograde equipment.
