Quick answer: The Shovel and Gun do not damage Crackstone. Unlock an advanced digging tool; the clearest verified route is the Tier 4 Rocket Launcher for 2,000 Gold, whose official page explicitly says it can destroy Crackstone. Breaking Crackstone leaves no material behind.

Why your current tool does nothing

Crackstone is a hard terrain material used to block deeper exploration. The current official Crackstone page says:

  • the Shovel does not affect it;
  • the Gun does not affect it;
  • other digging tools can destroy it;
  • it yields nothing when broken.

No amount of extra Shovel or Gun hits changes that tool restriction. If the wall shows no damage, stop attacking it and return after unlocking the correct Research.

The verified Rocket Launcher route

The official Rocket Launcher page lists it as a Tier 4 Research unlock costing 2,000 Gold. It fires explosive rockets with Digging and Fire damage, and the page explicitly names Crackstone as terrain it can destroy.

Use this route when you need one clear, documented answer:

  1. Build a stable Gold line with the Processing Plant Guide.
  2. Reach Tier 4 and purchase the Rocket Launcher Research.
  3. Equip the Rocket Launcher and approach the Crackstone from an open, visible side.
  4. Aim at the section that actually blocks the path rather than excavating the entire wall.
  5. Fire and wait for the explosion to complete before checking the opening.
  6. Confirm the material is gone; do not search the floor for a Crackstone drop because the official page says it yields nothing.

Rockets initially reload automatically and have a limited magazine, so an immediate second shot may not be available. The official page describes a wide, roughly circular explosion; use a controlled opening instead of firing blindly into an area you still need to inspect.

Is the Rocket Launcher the only option?

No. The current official Crackstone page says all other digging tools besides the Shovel and Gun can destroy it. The Rocket Launcher is recommended here because its own official page explicitly documents Crackstone and gives a clear Research path.

Do not turn that recommendation into the false rule “Crackstone only takes explosive damage.” Later digging tools may also work. Check the current tool description if you already own a different advanced excavator.

Troubleshoot a Crackstone wall

The Rocket Launcher still appears to do nothing

First verify the material under the cursor is actually Crackstone. Then confirm the projectile reaches the wall and explodes rather than disappearing against another surface. Reposition to a direct, open angle and try one controlled shot.

The wall broke but the path is still closed

The explosion is circular, while the wall can be thicker than the first opening. Inspect the remaining material and widen only the section needed for passage.

You expected an ore or Artifact drop

Crackstone itself yields nothing. It may guard access to another area, but the current official material page does not promise a particular cave, resource, puzzle, or reward behind every wall.

You cannot afford the unlock

Repair the earliest Gold bottleneck before adding more exploration systems. The Guide Hub covers Research order, while the Automation Guide helps keep Gold and Residue outputs moving.

Verified sources

Facts on this page were checked on August 17, 2026 against:

Sandustry is in Early Access and the official Research table is marked WIP. Recheck the unlock cost after major patches.