U4GM - 16 Dinkum Tips to Upgrade Your Tools Quickly In Dinkum, upgrading your tools early can dramatically improve your efficiency, especially when tackling farming, mining, or exploring the vast Australian-inspired wilderness. Whether you’re digging for ore or chopping down gum trees, better tools mean less time grinding and more time building your dream settlement. Here are 16 practical tips to help you upgrade your tools quickly and efficiently in Dinkum. 1. Prioritize Mining and Logging Licenses EarlyYour first step to better tools is unlocking the licenses needed to use and upgrade them. Focus on Mining and Logging Licenses as early goals. Higher license levels unlock advanced versions of tools, like the Copper Pickaxe and Iron Axe. 2. Talk to Fletch RegularlyFletch is your go-to NPC for licenses. Don’t forget to check in with her often, especially after completing milestones or daily tasks. She also provides essential upgrades and helps unlock new tiers of Dinkum Items through progression. 3. Save Permit Points StrategicallyPermit Points are precious in the early game. Avoid spending them on cosmetic or low-priority licenses until you've upgraded your essential tools. Mining, Logging, and Hunting should take precedence. 4. Craft Instead of Buying When PossibleWhile some upgraded tools are available for Dinks, crafting them can save you currency and help you progress more organically. Collect the necessary Dinkum Items such as copper ore, tin bars, or palm wood early on to stay ahead. 5. Visit John’s Goods DailyJohn’s shop is essential for tool progression. Basic tools break quickly, so it’s smart to stock up. He also sometimes has rare Dinkum Items for sale, like copper tools, which can give you a head start before unlocking crafting recipes. 6. Upgrade the WorkbenchA basic crafting table won't cut it for advanced tools. Upgrade your workbench as soon as possible by gathering the required materials and blueprint. This allows access to stronger tools that use better materials like iron. 7. Farm Ore Nodes EfficientlyFarming copper and iron nodes is critical to tool upgrades. Use your early tools to farm in areas with abundant ore, like the Pine Forest or Desert. Set up a mining run schedule to gather enough resources regularly. 8. Explore Deep Mines EarlyOnce available, the Deep Mines are a goldmine (literally) for iron, opals, and other rare Dinkum Items. Prepare by crafting torches, repairing tools, and saving up for the mine pass. 9. Focus on Tin and Copper BarsThese two resources are foundational for almost every tool upgrade. Smelt as many bars as possible and keep a healthy stockpile in case you unlock a new recipe or get access to an upgraded crafting station. 10. Use the Repair TableInstead of crafting or buying new tools constantly, unlock the Repair Table through Franklin. It saves resources by letting you repair worn-out tools. This is particularly helpful for high-cost items like the Iron Pickaxe. 11. Upgrade Tool Durability FirstOnce you can upgrade tools with different materials, prioritize durability over speed. Tools with higher durability reduce the need for frequent repairs or replacements, saving you time and effort in the long run. 12. Complete Daily RequestsVillagers often ask for help and reward you with valuable items or Dinks. These daily requests sometimes result in upgraded tools or rare materials—plus, they boost your relationship status, unlocking new benefits later. 13. Save Up for Franklin’s InventionsFranklin can craft advanced tools and machines once you provide him with shiny Dinkum Items and Dinks. Start collecting opals and discs early so you can fund his research and access high-tier upgrades sooner. 14. Track Milestones for Bonus PointsCompleting in-game milestones grants Permit Points, which are needed for tool licenses. Keep an eye on your milestone tracker to earn extra points by just playing normally. 15. Use U4GM as a Reference for Trade PricesIf you’re curious about which Dinkum Items for sale are most valuable, browsing marketplaces like U4GM can give you a sense of what other players are prioritizing. This can help you decide which items to sell or hoard for crafting. 16. Don’t Underestimate Metal Detector FindsOnce you get the Metal Detecting License, you can unearth hidden treasures like old gears and green boards—many of which are essential for building upgrades and eventually better tools. It’s an underrated but highly profitable activity. Upgrading your tools in Dinkum isn’t just about improving gameplay—it’s about building momentum. The faster you gain access to better tools, the quicker you can progress your town, build relationships, and explore everything the game has to offer. Keep these tips in mind, gather the right Dinkum Items, and make smart choices early to get the most out of your island adventure.