Lego City Undercover: Pickaxe

Oh my gosh, fellow Lego City Undercover fans! If you're anything like me, you absolutely fell in love with this game on the Nintendo Switch, but sometimes finding every little secret can be a real head-scratcher. I recently spent hours trying to 100% the game, and let me tell you, mastering the art of mining with the pickaxe is absolutely essential! So, I wanted to share my own little guide on how to make the most of this crucial ability. First things first, you're going to need the right disguise to access the pickaxe. This is where the Miner disguise comes in handy! You'll typically unlock this outfit during the main story missions, usually around the time you're exploring the more rural or industrial areas of Lego City. One of the earliest places you might encounter the need for mining is around the Cherry Tree Hills area, which often has hidden spots. Once you unlock the Miner, you'll be able to switch into it, and your character (usually Chase McCain) will automatically equip a pickaxe. This is one of those "outfits with different abilities" that the game is famous for, and trust me, it’s a game-changer! Using the pickaxe is pretty straightforward. Look for any shimmering, cracked rocks, walls, or even piles of rubble. Simply approach them while wearing your Miner disguise, and you’ll see the prompt to use your pickaxe. A quick tap (or hold, depending on the object) will smash it open, revealing all sorts of hidden goodies like precious ore, studs, or even clues for your investigations. I remember one time I was exploring a seemingly dead-end cave, and after smashing a few rocks, I found a hidden passage leading to a super build! Beyond just smashing rocks, remember that mining often ties into collecting Super Bricks and other unique items. Keep an eye out for these in every district. I found that returning to areas after unlocking new disguises (like the Miner) is crucial for finding everything. For instance, the mines section of the game, or any construction sites, are absolute goldmines for pickaxe action. Don't forget, sometimes a pickaxe isn't enough; you might also need to use dynamite to clear larger obstacles, which comes with the 'Dynamite Expert' ability, often found with another disguise like the Construction Worker. My top tip for tracking down all those hidden mining spots? Always keep an eye on your in-game map for little indicators, and don't hesitate to use Chase's scanner ability when you're in a suspicious area. It often highlights interactive objects, including those pesky rocks that need a good pickaxing. Collecting all the precious ore and other collectibles isn't just for completionists; it helps you unlock more character tokens, vehicles, and even new abilities that make subsequent playthroughs even more fun. It felt so rewarding to finally get 100% on my Switch after chipping away at all these hidden spots! Happy digging, detectives!