TL;DR
- The Unknown Key unlocks the Fallen Angel’s Cave containing the powerful Arcane Pickaxe
- Complete Bard’s Lost Guitar quest in Stonewake’s Cross to obtain the key
- Navigate Inner Cave’s right path to find the locked gate requiring the key
- The Arcane Pickaxe features three rune slots and superior mining stats
- Key is single-use and cannot be skipped for pickaxe acquisition
In The Forge, the Unknown Key serves as the essential gateway to acquiring one of the game’s most valuable mining tools. This mysterious item functions as the sole access method to the Fallen Angel’s Cave, where the coveted Arcane Pickaxe awaits discovery.
The Arcane Pickaxe represents a significant upgrade in mining progression, offering enhanced luck statistics and accelerated mining speed compared to earlier tools. What truly sets it apart is its rare triple rune slot configuration, allowing for substantial customization through rune combinations that can dramatically improve resource gathering efficiency.
Understanding the key’s purpose helps players prioritize this quest early in their mid-game progression. The Arcane tool not only accelerates material collection but also increases the quality of mined resources, making it invaluable for crafting advanced gear and equipment.
Acquiring the Unknown Key requires completing the Bard’s Lost Guitar side quest, which begins by interacting with the Bard NPC located in the central hub area. Initiating this quest chain is mandatory for accessing the powerful mining tool hidden within the Fallen Angel’s Cave.
After accepting the quest, navigate to Stonewake’s Cross and locate the cave entrance marked by distinctive glowing mushrooms. Upon entering, immediately take the left passage to access the undead chamber where the Lost Guitar rests beside a skeletal remains.
Retrieve the instrument by holding the E key for the full interaction duration, then carefully retrace your path to avoid environmental hazards. Return the guitar to Bard to receive the Unknown Key as your reward.
Pro Tip: Complete this quest during daylight cycles as the undead chamber contains additional enemies at night that can complicate the retrieval process.
With the Unknown Key in your inventory, journey deep into the Inner Cave system where the Fallen Angel’s Cave awaits behind a magically sealed gate. The navigation requires precise pathfinding through the complex underground network.
From the Inner Cave entrance, consistently follow the rightward path while watching for carved arrow markers on the walls. The first major arrow indicates the correct corridor leading directly to the locked gate mechanism.
Approach the ornate gate and hold the E key to initiate the unlocking sequence. The key will vanish from your inventory upon successful activation, granting permanent access to the Fallen Angel’s Cave.
Navigation Note: Some players report success using alternative routes through water-filled tunnels, though these paths typically require additional swimming gear and offer no time advantage over the primary route.
Seasoned players recommend completing the Bard’s quest immediately upon reaching mid-game levels, as the Arcane Pickaxe significantly accelerates resource gathering for subsequent content. The entire process typically requires 15-20 minutes for experienced players.
Avoid these common errors: attempting to bypass the gate with explosives (which triggers area lockdown), forgetting to equip the key before approaching the gate, or getting disoriented in the Inner Cave’s branching pathways.
Optimization Strategy: Combine this quest with other Stonewake’s Cross objectives to minimize backtracking. The pickaxe’s mining luck bonus applies to all subsequent gathering, making early acquisition highly beneficial for your overall weapons progression and resource stockpiling.
The Arcane Pickaxe’s three rune slots enable powerful combinations like Luck Boost + Mining Speed + Resource Duplication. Experiment with different class specializations to maximize its potential based on your playstyle.
The key functions as a single-use item that permanently disappears after opening the Fallen Angel’s Cave gate, preventing reuse in subsequent playthroughs without redoing the quest.
No alternative methods exist for accessing the cave—the gate exclusively responds to the Unknown Key, making Bard’s quest completion essential for all players seeking the Arcane Pickaxe.
For comprehensive gameplay strategies beyond mining tools, consult our complete Battlefield 6 guide covering advanced mechanics and progression systems.
Action Checklist
- Locate and speak with Bard to initiate Lost Guitar quest
- Navigate to Stonewake’s Cross cave and take left passage
- Retrieve guitar from skeleton (hold E key)
- Return guitar to Bard to receive Unknown Key
- Enter Inner Cave, follow right path to locked gate
- Use key on gate (hold E key) to access Fallen Angel’s Cave
No reproduction without permission：Tsp Game Club » How to Use the Unknown Key in The Forge Complete guide to finding and using the Unknown Key for the powerful Arcane Pickaxe in The Forge