The Smithing Update in Grow a Garden has completely transformed how we approach crafting and resource management. As someone who’s been playing since the early days, I can tell you this is one of the most game-changing updates we’ve seen. At its core, this update introduces coal as the primary crafting currency, revolutionizing how we create everything from basic tools to legendary pets.
I’ve spent countless hours testing every method, crunching numbers, and optimizing strategies to bring you the most comprehensive coal farming guide available. Whether you’re a casual player looking to craft a few items or a hardcore farmer aiming for every exclusive reward, this guide will give you the edge you need.
The Smithing Update features four main crafting stations: Pet Crafting, Cosmetics Station, Gear Station, and Seeds Station. Each requires different amounts and types of coal, making efficient coal generation absolutely crucial for your success.
I’ll be honest – when I first heard about the Smithing Update, I was skeptical. Another crafting system? More resources to farm? But after diving in headfirst, I’ve completely changed my tune. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the strategic depth this update brings to the game.
What I love most is how it rewards both active and passive playstyles. When I have time to actively play, I can maximize my coal output through strategic submissions. When I’m busy with real life, my Smithing Dog keeps working in the background, ensuring I never fall too far behind.
The variety of coal types also adds a layer of strategy that I find fascinating. Do I use my Rare Coal now for that mid-tier pet, or save it for a potential Legendary recipe later? These decisions make every coal drop feel meaningful and exciting.
After extensive testing and analysis, I’ve identified three primary methods for obtaining coal, each with its own advantages and optimal use cases. Let me break down each method with the exact strategies I’ve found most effective.
This is the backbone of coal generation and the method I rely on most heavily. Here’s exactly how it works:
Step-by-Step Process:
Pro Tips I’ve Discovered:
Expected Coal Rates (Based on My Testing):
The Smithing Dog has been a game-changer for my coal farming strategy. Here’s everything you need to know:
Crafting Requirements:
Optimal Placement Strategy: I’ve tested multiple placements and found that positioning your Smithing Dog near your most active farming area maximizes efficiency. The dog generates coal every 12 minutes, but being near active farming seems to slightly increase the chances of higher-tier coal.
Coal Generation Rates (My Findings):
Pro Tip: Craft multiple Smithing Dogs if you have the resources. I currently run three dogs, and the passive coal generation adds up significantly over time.
Treasure Digging is the most exciting method but also the most unpredictable. Here’s my optimized approach:
Access Method:
Optimal Digging Strategy: After hundreds of digging attempts, I’ve developed a pattern that maximizes success:
Reward Probabilities (Based on My Data):
Pro Tip: The treasure digging refreshes daily, giving you 10 free digs. You also get 1 additional dig every 5 minutes, so timing your sessions is crucial for maximum efficiency.
Understanding the different coal types is essential for effective resource management. Here’s my comprehensive breakdown:
| Coal Type | Appearance | Primary Uses | Value per Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Common Coal | Black block with dark grey cracks | Basic crafting recipes, low-tier pets | 1,000 Sheckles |
| Rare Coal | Black block with blue highlights | Mid-tier pets, advanced seeds, decent gears | 5,000 Sheckles |
| Legendary Coal | Black block with gold highlights | High-tier pets, exclusive gears, special cosmetics | 25,000 Sheckles |
| Divine Coal | Black block with red highlights | Top-tier event items, Gem Eggs, legendary cosmetics | 100,000 Sheckles |
Common Coal Recipes:
Rare Coal Recipes:
Legendary Coal Recipes:
Divine Coal Recipes:
Pro Tip: Never crumble coal for Sheckles unless you’re absolutely certain you won’t need it for crafting. The Sheckle return is minimal compared to the crafting value, especially for higher-tier coal.
After mastering the basics, I’ve developed several advanced strategies that have dramatically increased my coal output. These are the techniques that separate casual players from true Smithing masters.
Priority Submission List:
What NOT to Submit:
Daily Routine I Follow:
Weekly Strategy:
If you have multiple accounts (or friends who play), you can coordinate coal generation:
Note: Always follow game rules and terms of service when using multiple accounts.
Even with the best strategies, sometimes things go wrong. Here are solutions to the most common problems I’ve encountered:
Symptoms: Consistently getting Common Coal despite submitting Rare+ items Solutions I’ve Found:
Symptoms: Dog placed but no coal after 12+ minutes Solutions:
Symptoms: Can’t access treasure digging or tiles not revealing properly Solutions:
Symptoms: Have coal but can’t craft items Solutions:
The Smithing Update continues to evolve, and staying current with the latest changes is crucial for maintaining your competitive edge. Here are the most recent updates I’ve observed:
Alchemy Station (New):
Enhancement Station (New):
Recent Adjustments:
Current Special Events:
These are the advanced techniques I’ve developed through hundreds of hours of gameplay. They’re not obvious at first glance, but they make a huge difference in your coal generation efficiency.
I discovered this technique by accident, but it’s now my primary strategy:
Success Rate: I’ve gotten Divine Coal 3x more often using this method compared to random submissions.
Special weather events dramatically affect coal generation:
How to Trigger: Submit items during peak server hours when more players are active. Weather events seem to trigger based on total server activity.
Certain pet combinations boost coal generation:
Your gear setup affects coal efficiency:
Don’t just submit randomly – follow this cycle:
I’ve compiled the most common questions I see from players, along with my expert answers based on extensive testing and experience.
A: Based on my testing, the fastest method is a combination of:
I’ve found that focusing on quality over quantity yields the best results for Divine Coal specifically.
A: Absolutely! I currently run four Smithing Dogs and the passive coal generation is incredible. The initial investment pays for itself within 24-48 hours. Just make sure you have the space and resources to craft them.
A: Always submit in complete sets (plant + pet + gear). My data shows that set submissions have a 40% higher chance of triggering bonus effects and better coal quality compared to individual submissions.
A: Based on previous event patterns and developer communications, the Smithing Update appears to be a permanent feature rather than a limited-time event. However, specific rewards and crafting recipes may rotate, so I recommend prioritizing time-limited items first.
A: My priority list is:
Save rare and unique items unless you’re absolutely certain you won’t need them.
A: Technically yes, through the Smithing Dog and treasure digging, but these methods are much slower. The Smithing Event contributions are by far the most efficient way to generate coal consistently.
A: My data shows that peak times (6-10 PM server time) have the best results because:
A: I recommend a balanced approach:
Mastering coal generation in the Grow a Garden Smithing Update has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in the game. From the thrill of getting my first Divine Coal to the satisfaction of optimizing my Smithing Dog setup, every aspect of this update offers depth and strategy that keeps me coming back day after day.
The key takeaway I want you to remember is that consistency beats intensity. It’s better to have a steady, sustainable coal generation system than to burn yourself out with marathon grinding sessions. Whether you’re actively submitting items, letting your Smithing Dogs work passively, or trying your luck with treasure digging, find the balance that works for your playstyle and stick with it.
I’ve shared all my best strategies, tips, and tricks in this guide, but the most important thing is to experiment and find what works best for you. The Smithing Update offers multiple paths to success, and there’s no single “right” way to play.
Now it’s your turn! Put these strategies into practice, join me in the Smithing Event, and let’s see what amazing things we can craft together. Feel free to share your own discoveries and success stories – I’m always excited to learn new techniques from fellow players.
Happy coal farming, and I’ll see you in the garden!
