How to Get a Hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest: Pro Guide
Struggling to organize your base? Learn how to get a hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest with our complete guide, covering crafting, trading, and class starts.
Published: 99 Nights in the Forest Wiki Editorial Team
Table of Contents
Building a functional and efficient base is the key to survival in 99 Nights in the Forest. If you are currently wondering how to get a hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest, you are certainly not alone. Many new players struggle to organize their campsites because they lack the specific tools required to move structures around effectively.
Whether you are trying to set up an AFK farm, optimize your cooking area, or simply tidy up after a messy build, this tool is indispensable. In this guide, we will break down exactly how to get a hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest so you can stop living in a disorganized camp and start building the ultimate survivor's sanctuary.
Why You Need a Hammer in Your Inventory
Before we dive into the acquisition methods, it is important to understand why this tool is considered a "must-have" item. In the early stages of the game, players often place items haphazardly to survive the incoming waves of enemies. However, as the game progresses, space becomes a premium resource.
The Hammer allows you to pick up and relocate furniture and decorations. This is crucial for creating defensive perimeters or optimizing your resource gathering. Without it, you are stuck with the initial placement of your structures, which can lead to inefficient paths and cluttered campsites.
Hammer Utility Overview
Feature
Functionality
Primary Use
Moving furniture and structures within the campfire radius.
Clearing
Removing rocks, grass, and bushes that block building zones.
Decorating
Collecting world decorations like tables, rugs, and wolf heads.
Limitation
Cannot pick up bear traps or the teleporter structure.
As shown in the table above, the Hammer is more than just a moving tool; it is a vital utility for landscape management. By clearing obstructions, you create more "buildable" area, allowing you to maximize your campfire’s effectiveness.
Method 1: Choosing the Right Class (The Easiest Way)
The most straightforward way to obtain this tool is by selecting a specific class at the start of your game. If you know you want to focus on base building and optimization, selecting one of these classes is the most efficient strategy.
The Blacksmith, Engineer, and Decorator classes all spawn with a Hammer in their inventory. By starting with these classes, you bypass the need to hunt for the Tool Workshop or spend your hard-earned coins early on.
Starting Classes Comparison
Class
Advantage
Blacksmith
Starts with the tool; useful for combat-oriented base defense.
Engineer
Ideal for players focused on complex machinery and base layouts.
Decorator
Specifically designed for players who prioritize base aesthetics and organization.
If you are a solo player and want to focus on building an AFK base, starting with one of these three is highly recommended. It saves you the trouble of gathering resources to craft one later, allowing you to focus on gathering food and fuel immediately.
Method 2: Purchasing from the Tool Trader
If you did not choose one of the starter classes that includes the tool, you are not out of luck. You can often find the Tool Trader roaming the map or at specific spawn points.
The Tool Trader is a convenient NPC that sells various items in exchange for Mossy Coins. You can purchase a Hammer here for 25 Mossy Coins. While this might seem like a small amount, in the early game, every coin counts.
Pro Tip: If you are lucky enough to find the Tool Trader within the first few days of your run, grab the Hammer immediately. It allows you to start organizing your camp before the nights get too difficult, which is when you will really need that extra space for traps and storage.
Method 3: Crafting at the Tool Workshop
For those who want to play as a different class but still need a Hammer, crafting is your primary option. This is the most "immersive" way to obtain the item, but it requires some exploration and combat.
Step-by-Step Crafting Guide
Locate the Tool Workshop: Open your map and look for the anvil icon. This structure spawns in every game.
Clear the Entrance: The workshop is blocked by tree trunks. Equip your axe and chop them down to gain entry.
Defeat the Cultists: Inside, you will encounter three cultists. Prioritize the Crossbow Cultist first, as their ranged damage can be deadly if you are unprepared.
Assemble the Anvil: You will find three missing pieces of the anvil scattered throughout the workshop (look on different floors). Carry them to the center of the structure to assemble the crafting station.
Craft the Item: Once the anvil is active, ensure you have 5 Wood and 5 Scrap in your inventory. Interact with the anvil to craft your Hammer.
This process can be dangerous, especially if you are under-geared. Ensure you have decent health and perhaps a weapon better than your starter axe before attempting to clear the workshop.
Advanced Tips: Using the Hammer for Base Optimization
Once you have learned how to get a hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest, the next step is mastering its usage. Simply having it in your inventory is not enough; you need to understand the mechanics of base management to truly benefit from it.
The "Yellow Highlight" Mechanic
When you have the Hammer equipped, approach any piece of furniture. If the item is movable, it will glow yellow when you hover over it. Clicking on it will "pick it up," adding it to your inventory or allowing you to place it elsewhere.
Warning: Remember that not all structures can be moved. The teleporter, for example, is a permanent structure once placed. Plan your teleporter placement carefully, as you cannot use your Hammer to fix a mistake there.
Clearing Obstructions
One of the most underrated uses of the Hammer is clearing the environment. If you want to place a farm plot or a storage unit but a rock or a bush is in the way, don’t just work around it. Use your Hammer to remove these obstructions within your campfire radius. This creates a clean, flat surface, which is essential if you are building an AFK farm or a complex defensive wall.
Community Wisdom: The AFK Setup
According to community reports and experienced players, the Hammer is a mandatory component for setting up reliable AFK farms. By using the Hammer to position log walls and storage units precisely, you can create a safe zone that keeps you protected from cultists and deer while you are away from the keyboard.
Tip
Inventory Management
When setting up your base for long-term survival, keep your Hammer in a consistent hotbar slot (e.g., slot 4). This allows you to quickly switch from your weapon to your building tool if you need to perform emergency repairs or move a wall during a raid.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the best guide, players often run into minor hiccups. Here are some common questions and solutions regarding the tool.
"I crafted the anvil but I can't craft the hammer."
Double-check your materials. You need exactly 5 Wood and 5 Scrap. If you have those and it still isn't working, ensure you are standing close enough to the assembled anvil. Sometimes, if the anvil pieces are not perfectly aligned, the interaction prompt may not appear. Try re-logging or checking if the pieces are fully snapped into place.
"Can I use the Hammer to fight?"
While technically you hold it like a tool, it is not a combat weapon. Do not rely on the Hammer to defend yourself against waves of enemies. It deals negligible damage and lacks the attack speed of proper combat weapons like the laser cannon or even a basic spear. Always keep a defensive weapon in your hotbar alongside your Hammer.
"Is there any way to upgrade the Hammer?"
Currently, there is no system to upgrade the basic Hammer. It serves a singular purpose: utility. You do not need to worry about durability or tier levels for this specific tool, which makes it one of the few items in the game that stays relevant from Day 1 to Day 1000+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How to get a hammer in 99 Nights in the Forest if I am a beginner?
The easiest way for a beginner is to select the Blacksmith, Engineer, or Decorator class at the start of the game. You will spawn with the tool equipped, saving you the trouble of finding the Tool Workshop or spending coins.
2. Where is the Tool Workshop located?
The Tool Workshop spawns randomly in every game, but it is always marked on your map with an anvil icon. You will need to explore the map to find it. Once you are close, look for a large structure blocked by tree trunks.
3. Can I use the Hammer to move the teleporter?
No. The Hammer is excellent for moving furniture and decorations, but the teleporter is the only placeable structure that cannot be moved or picked up once it is placed. Plan your teleporter location carefully.
4. Why is my Hammer not highlighting furniture?
Ensure you have the Hammer selected in your active hotbar. If you are standing too far away or if the object is a "permanent" structure (like a teleporter or perhaps certain map-generated elements), it will not highlight. Try moving closer to the object.
For more information on game updates and mechanics, you can check the official game page at Grandma's Favourite Games. Mastering the mechanics of the Hammer is a huge step toward becoming a top-tier player, so take your time to experiment with your base layout and find what works best for your survival strategy.