Basic Axe unlock steps
- Speak with Adrian in his apartment in Town South to begin Tentacle Cleanup.
- Receive the Mall F1 Hallway Key when the task starts.
- Use the food-court door to enter the Mall back hallways.
- Complete Fishing in the Mall..? for the office worker. The task requires catching a Stalktopus in the nearby hallway pool.
- Defeat the Mall Administrator after that fishing task summons it.
- Return to Adrian after the tentacles clear to complete Tentacle Cleanup and receive the Basic Axe.
What to bring to the Mall
The official task notes say Bugs can be obtained from Bait Packs at the General Store if you run out while attempting the Stalktopus catch. Carry the fishing rod and suitable bait before entering the back hallways so the required fishing step does not interrupt the route.
The Mall Administrator is a combat encounter. Prepare healing and equipment appropriate to your current progress rather than assuming that the tool reward is available through a shop.
Why the Basic Axe matters
The item reference lists the Basic Axe as a Woodcutting level 2 tool. It is a progression reward, so searching vendors for it before clearing Tentacle Cleanup will not solve the unlock. Keep the Rusty Axe for level 1 woodcutting until Adrian's task is complete.
Tool progression connects directly to resource access. Once the Basic Axe is secured, use it as part of a broader loop that includes mining, farming, and Old Woods exploration.
Common blockers
- No back-hallway access: start Tentacle Cleanup so Adrian gives you the Mall F1 Hallway Key.
- No Mall Administrator encounter: complete Fishing in the Mall..? for the office worker first.
- No bait for the required catch: buy Bait Packs from the General Store.
- No axe reward yet: return to Adrian after the Mall Administrator is defeated.