How to Get Copper in StarRupture

Copper is one of the most important early-game resources in StarRupture. You'll need it for crafting basic tools, electrical components, and automation systems. Without a steady copper supply, your progression will slow down significantly.

This guide will show you exactly where to find copper, the best farming methods for beginners, and expert tips to maximize your collection efficiency.

Copper is a metallic resource that appears as orange-brown ore deposits in the world. When mined, you collect copper ore, which can be smelted into copper ingots for crafting.

Why Copper is Important

• Electrical components: Wires, circuits, and power systems
• Tools: Better than stone, cheaper than iron
• Automation: Required for conveyor belts and machines
• Construction: Pipes, tanks, and advanced buildings

Unlike iron, copper is easier to find but you'll need large quantities throughout the game.

Copper ore spawns in specific locations across the map. Here are the four best places to find it:

1. Starting Biome (Grasslands)

The safest and most accessible location for beginners.

• Abundance: Medium - scattered deposits
• Safety: High - few enemies
• Accessibility: Excellent - near spawn points
• Node size: Small to medium (10-30 ore per deposit)

Best for: First 1-2 days of gameplay

mountain 2. Rocky Hills

Higher concentration of copper with larger deposits.

• Abundance: High - dense clusters
• Safety: Medium - some aggressive creatures
• Accessibility: Good - 5-10 minutes from starting area
• Node size: Medium to large (30-60 ore per deposit)

Best for: Days 3-7, when you have better tools

3. Forest Edge

Copper mixed with other resources in forested areas.

• Abundance: Medium - spread out
• Safety: Medium - forest creatures at night
• Accessibility: Good - easy to navigate
• Node size: Small to medium (15-40 ore per deposit)
• Bonus: Wood and stone nearby

Best for: Multi-resource gathering trips

4. Cave Systems

Rich copper veins but requires preparation.

• Abundance: Very High - massive veins
• Safety: Low - dangerous enemies
• Accessibility: Poor - need light and weapons
• Node size: Large to huge (50-100+ ore per vein)
• Requirement: Better gear and lighting

Best for: Mid-game when you need large quantities

When you first start, you need copper quickly but safely. Here's the best method for beginners:

Step 1: Craft a Stone Pickaxe

Before you can mine copper, you need a pickaxe. Craft a stone pickaxe at your workbench:

• 2x Wood
• 4x Stone

Tip: Gather these materials from trees and rocks near your spawn point.

Step 2: Locate Copper Deposits

Copper ore looks like orange-brown rocks with a metallic sheen. In the starting biome:

• Look for orange-tinted stone formations
• Check near rocky outcrops
• Scan hillsides and cliff faces
• Use your map to mark locations

Step 3: Mine Efficiently

Mining technique matters for efficiency:

• Mine the entire deposit: Don't leave ore behind
• Bring storage: Carry extra inventory space
• Mine during daytime: Better visibility and safety
• Clear the area first: Eliminate nearby threats

Step 4: Smelt into Ingots

Raw copper ore must be smelted before use:

1. Build a furnace at your base
2. Add fuel (wood or coal)
3. Place copper ore in the furnace
4. Wait for smelting to complete
5. Collect copper ingots

Smelting ratio: 1 copper ore = 1 copper ingot

Step 5: Upgrade Your Tools

Once you have copper ingots, craft better tools:

• Copper pickaxe: Mines 50% faster than stone
• Copper axe: Chops wood more efficiently
• Copper tools: Last longer than stone tools

Maximize Collection Efficiency

• Upgrade your pickaxe: Iron pickaxe mines 2x faster than stone
• Bring extra storage: Use backpacks or carts
• Mark deposits on map: Remember good farming spots
• Clear multiple deposits: Don't return to base after each node

clock Best Time to Farm

• Daytime: Better visibility, fewer enemies
• Early morning: Full day ahead for multiple trips
• Avoid dusk: Don't get caught outside at night

Safety Tips

• Bring weapons: Always carry a backup weapon
• Carry healing items: Medical kits or food
• Know escape routes: Plan your exit before mining
• Don't overload: Heavy inventory slows movement

Automation Strategy

Once you progress to mid-game, automate copper collection:

• Build mining outposts near rich deposits
• Use conveyor belts to transport ore
• Set up automated smelting with assemblers
• Create storage systems for bulk processing

Learn more in our resource farming guide.

x 1. Not Collecting Enough Early

Many players underestimate how much copper they'll need. Collect at least 100 ore in your first few days.

Solution: Aim for 200-300 copper ore before focusing on other resources.

x 2. Mining Without Proper Tools

Using your hands or wrong tools wastes time and durability.

Solution: Always use a pickaxe. Upgrade to copper or iron pickaxe ASAP.

x 3. Ignoring Nearby Deposits

Players often travel far when copper is near their base.

Solution: Thoroughly explore within 5 minutes of your base first.

x 4. Not Building Near Copper

If your base is far from copper, you'll waste hours traveling.

Solution: Check our base location guide for spots near both copper and iron.

x 5. Forgetting to Smelt

Raw ore is useless until smelted into ingots.

Solution: Build a furnace immediately and keep it running.

Copper requirements vary by game stage:

Early Game (Days 1-3)

• 100-200 ore: Basic tools and wiring
• Uses: Copper pickaxe, copper axe, basic circuits

Mid Game (Days 4-10)

• 300-500 ore: Automation and power systems
• Uses: Wiring, conveyor belts, electrical components

Late Game (Week 2+)

• 1000+ ore: Large-scale automation
• Uses: Factory systems, advanced machines, mass production

Pro tip: Always keep 100+ copper ingots in storage for emergencies.

Both metals are important, but serve different purposes:

Recommendation: Focus on iron first for tools, then collect copper for automation systems.

Q: Can I find copper in caves?

Yes! Caves have the richest copper deposits, but they're dangerous. Bring weapons, light sources, and healing items before exploring caves.

Q: What's the fastest way to get copper?

Rocky Hills offer the best balance of abundance and safety. With an iron pickaxe, you can collect 200+ ore in 15-20 minutes.

Q: Do copper deposits respawn?

No, copper deposits don't respawn. However, the map is large enough that you won't run out. Explore new areas when local deposits are depleted.

Q: Should I use copper or iron tools?

Iron tools are better (faster and more durable). Use copper tools only if you haven't found iron yet. Save copper for electrical components and automation.

Q: How do I automate copper collection?

Build a mining outpost near copper deposits, use conveyor belts to transport ore to your base, and set up automated smelting. Learn more in our crafting system guide.

Q: What if I can't find copper near my base?

Copper is common in most biomes. If you're struggling, check Rocky Hills or Forest Edge areas. Consider relocating your base if resources are too far away - see our base location guide.

Getting copper in StarRupture is straightforward once you know where to look. Start in the Grasslands for safe, easy collection, then move to Rocky Hills for larger deposits as you get better equipment.

Quick Checklist

• ✓ Craft a stone pickaxe (minimum requirement)
• ✓ Explore Grasslands first (safest option)
• ✓ Collect 100-200 ore in first 2 days
• ✓ Build a furnace to smelt ore into ingots
• ✓ Upgrade to copper/iron pickaxe for efficiency
• ✓ Mark good deposits on your map
• ✓ Move to Rocky Hills for bulk farming
• ✓ Save copper for electrical and automation systems

Remember: Copper is abundant but essential. Collect more than you think you need, especially before starting automation projects!