7 Days to Die Fastest Methods to Acquire a Forge
October 28, 2025
In the post-apocalyptic survival game 7 Days to Die , the forge stands as a cornerstone of base construction. However, many players find themselves frustrated by the lengthy process of acquiring this essential tool, often stalling their progress during critical building phases or even abandoning the game entirely. This guide reveals multiple strategies to bypass the "searching nightmare" and quickly obtain a forge to enhance your survival experience.
The Merchant Approach: Trading for Success
The most straightforward method involves trading with merchants. By leveling up the "Daring Adventurer" perk, players unlock access to better merchant inventories. While some debate the game design choice of linking trade quality to this skill, it remains the most efficient strategy. Accumulate enough Duke's Coins, and you can purchase a forge directly from merchants, saving valuable time and effort.
Resource Farming: Small Stones to Big Rewards
Even without substantial Duke's Coin reserves, players can steadily build wealth through resource trading. Experienced players report that selling several stacks of small stones to merchants every two days can generate enough currency to buy a forge within 8-10 game days. This method requires patience but offers reliable results for players who prefer steady progress over risky exploration.
Alternative Steel Sources: Bypassing the Forge
For players needing only small quantities of steel, alternative methods exist:
- Using a wrench to dismantle street lamps and vending machines yields direct steel components
- Completing merchant quests sometimes rewards steel among other valuable materials
While these methods don't enable mass steel production, they provide sufficient resources for early-game needs without requiring a forge.
The Traditional Method: Forge Ahead Books
The original forge acquisition method remains viable - collecting the "Forge Ahead" book series. Reading enough volumes eventually teaches the forge crafting recipe. While this approach costs nothing in currency, it demands significant time investment in book hunting and proves less efficient than other methods.
Strategic Summary: Choosing Your Path
7 Days to Die offers multiple pathways to forge acquisition, allowing players to select the strategy that best suits their playstyle:
- For efficiency: Level up Daring Adventurer and purchase from merchants
- For steady progress: Trade gathered resources for Duke's Coins
- For temporary needs: Scavenge steel from urban fixtures
- For traditionalists: Search for Forge Ahead books
As a game that emphasizes survival, construction, and exploration, 7 Days to Die makes forge acquisition a pivotal moment in player progression. By mastering these techniques, survivors can overcome early-game obstacles and focus on building their ultimate apocalyptic strongholds.

