In Brighter Shores, leveling up your Mining skill efficiently can significantly impact your in-game progression. If you're looking to level up Mining quickly, you'll need to choose between two main methods: traditional mining (including andesite and stone) or using the minecart cave system. This guide breaks down both methods, compares their XP rates, and helps you make an informed decision on which one to use in the game's early stages.
Mining Methods in Brighter Shores
1. Traditional Mining: Andesite & Stone
Location: Andesite is found in the Stalagmite Nook, and stone can be mined at the Stone Masonry Room.
XP Gains: Traditional mining involves manually gathering ores like andesite, which can be banked for experience. While it's a reliable method, it can feel slow compared to other options, especially when factoring in the time spent running back to deposit materials.
How to Maximize XP with Andesite Mining:
Start Mining Andesite: Andesite is the most accessible ore for low-level miners and provides decent XP.
Banking and Deposit: You can bank Andesite at the Stone Masonry Room to keep your inventory clear.
Avoid Floor Tentacles: When moving through mining areas, make sure to stay one block away from floor tentacles to avoid unnecessary slowdowns.
While Andesite mining can yield steady XP, it's considered a slower method because it requires you to gather resources manually and run back and forth to deposit them.
2. The Minecart Cave: Faster XP Per Hour
Location: The Minecart Cave can be found in the Northwest center of the Mind of Man Tubin area. At level 10, you can start using the minecart to collect Flint and other ores.
XP Gains: The minecart cave offers a more streamlined approach to mining, where you can gather materials and earn XP quickly without needing to constantly run back to a bank. However, the major drawback is that the XP you earn from the minecart is gold-based and doesn't contribute directly to leveling up your Stonemasonry or Smithing skills.
Flint Mining with Minecart:
Flint Minecart: At level 10, the Flint minecart is unlocked. By using the minecart system, you can collect Flint, which provides relatively fast XP gains.
Fast XP: Each trip through the minecart system can grant significant experience — 672 XP per load. However, this process doesn't generate ores that can be used for crafting or smelting, which limits the method's potential for other professions.
Pros:
Faster XP per hour (around 8,000 XP more than traditional mining).
Quick and efficient method for leveling mining.
No need to constantly gather ores for crafting or smelting.
Cons:
No ores: You're generating gold instead of physical ores, which means you miss out on crafting materials.
No progression in related professions: Since you're not actually gathering ores, your Smithing or Stonemasonry levels won't benefit from the mining process.
Comparison: Minecart vs Regular Mining
| Aspect | Regular Mining (Andesite/Stone) | Minecart (Flint Mining) |
| XP per Hour | Moderate, but slow | Faster XP, about 8,000 XP more per hour |
| Resource Gain | Ores (Andesite, Stone) | Gold, no physical ores |
| Banking Required | Yes, you need to bank ores after each load | No, ores are turned into gold (no banking) |
| Progression in Related Professions | Benefits Smithing, Stonemasonry | Does not benefit Smithing or Stonemasonry |
| Efficiency | Slower, but it allows for crafting and banking | | Fast XP, but no craftable ores
|
Which Method Should You Choose?
Use Regular Mining if:
You want to gather ores for Smithing or Stonemasonry progression.
You're looking to craft items using your mined materials.
You don't mind slower but steady progress and the occasional need to bank ores.
Use the Minecart Cave if:
Your goal is fast Mining XP and you're not concerned with gathering ores for crafting or smelting.
You want to level up Mining quickly without worrying about banking and crafting.
You're mainly interested in generating gold and maximizing XP per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What's the fastest way to level Mining in Brighter Shores?
The fastest way to level Mining is using the Minecart Cave for Flint Mining. This method provides more XP per hour than traditional mining methods.
Q2: Is there any downside to using the Minecart Cave?
Yes, the major downside is that you don't get any ores. You only earn gold, which means you won't be able to use those resources for other professions like Smithing or Stonemasonry.
Q3: Should I stick with Andesite mining or switch to the Minecart?
If you're looking for fast XP and don't need the ores for crafting, switch to the Minecart. However, stick with traditional mining if you need ores for Smithing or Stonemasonry.
Q4: Does the Minecart give more XP than regular mining?
Yes, the Minecart system gives around 8,000 more XP per hour compared to regular andesite mining. However, it doesn't provide any useful ores for crafting.
Q5: How do I start using the Minecart Cave?
You can start using the Minecart Cave after reaching level 10 in Mining. You can now mine Flint and use the Minecart to earn XP.
Q6: Is it better to bank ores or just use the Minecart for fast XP?
If you want to level Mining as quickly as possible and don't need ores, use the Minecart. But regular mining is the better option if you want to collect ores for other professions.
By understanding these two mining methods, you can decide which one aligns best with your goals in Brighter Shores. Whether you prioritize fast XP or gathering resources for crafting, both options offer distinct advantages. Happy mining!
