If you have been struggling to push your base to the next level or find your gear falling behind, you are likely missing a key resource: hardwood. As of July 2026, this mid-game ingredient has become a requirement for essential base upgrades and keeping your equipment up to scratch.
Finding it isn't always intuitive, especially as you navigate the mid-game, but here is how to track it down so you can get back to building.
Where to Find Hardwood
Hardwood is a specific resource node found throughout the world, distinct from the standard wood you gather in the early game. Because it is categorized as a mid-game material, you will find it in areas that require slightly better preparation than your starting zone.
To efficiently farm hardwood, you should focus on the following:
- Targeted Harvesting: Look for specific hardwood trees in mid-game biomes. Unlike regular trees, these yield the resource required for more advanced construction projects.
- Base Preparation: Ensure your Pals are leveled appropriately to handle the gathering tasks. Having Pals with high-level logging capabilities will speed up the process significantly when you locate a reliable cluster of hardwood.
Why You Need Hardwood Now
As you progress, the game shifts from basic survival to infrastructure management. Hardwood is the bottleneck for several structural upgrades that allow for larger, more efficient bases. If you find your progress stalled, check your current construction queue; you likely need a significant amount of hardwood to unlock the next tier of crafting stations and base defenses.
Always keep an eye on your inventory weight when farming, as hardwood can accumulate quickly. If you are planning a long expedition to gather resources, bring along Pals that can assist with transport to ensure you aren't making multiple trips back and forth from your base.