Hardwood

Hardwood is a dense, durable timber harvested from mature broad-leaved trees found deeper in Starsand Island's forests. A step above softwood in quality and density, hardwood requires a more capable axe to harvest efficiently and is found in areas that reward players who explore beyond the island's starting zones. Its tighter grain and greater strength make it far more suitable for demanding construction and crafting applications.

Hardwood is processed into Hardwood Planks, used in mid-to-high tier buildings, furniture, and crafting recipes that require more structural integrity than softwood can provide. Players transitioning into the intermediate crafting tier should prioritise gathering hardwood to unlock construction options that significantly improve the quality and functionality of their island homestead.