U4GM - How I Completed 15 Dinkum Quests Using Just Basic Tools
When I first started my adventure in Dinkum, I was determined to challenge myself. Instead of rushing to craft top-tier equipment or hunt for rare upgrades, I wondered—could I complete a good chunk of the game’s quests using only basic tools? Turns out, the answer is yes. Over the course of a few in-game weeks, I successfully completed 15 quests armed with nothing more than the simplest Dinkum items.
In this guide, I’ll share how I pulled it off, what I learned along the way, and how you can do the same—even if you’re on a tight budget or just love the thrill of minimalist gameplay.
Why Go Minimal?
There’s something satisfying about pushing the game’s systems to their limits. Using basic tools isn’t just about proving a point; it helps you focus on learning mechanics, resource management, and task prioritization. Plus, it’s a great way to save Dinks without spending on fancy upgrades. For players who don’t want to grind endlessly or buy cheap Dinkum items just to breeze through tasks, this approach feels refreshingly balanced.
The Tools I Used
When I say "basic tools," I mean the entry-level gear you can craft early in the game:
Basic Axe
Basic Pickaxe
Basic Shovel
Basic Fishing Rod
Basic Bug Net
Basic Spear (for the occasional hostile creature)
No upgraded versions. No fancy gadgets. Just the starter set.
The 15 Quests I Took On
Here’s a breakdown of the quest types I tackled using nothing but basic tools:
Bug Catching Requests – Easy money and simple to complete with just a bug net.
Fishing Tasks – As long as you’re patient, the basic rod gets the job done.
Gathering Specific Dinkum Items – From seashells to wild fruits, foraging is tool-free.
Hunting Small Animals – The basic spear was surprisingly effective against turkeys and jellyfish.
Mining Orders – While slower, the basic pickaxe still breaks surface rocks and some ores.
Tree Cutting Requests – The basic axe handles gum trees just fine.
Digging Up Artifacts – The shovel is enough for treasure hunting tasks.
Delivering Gifts to NPCs – Often just requires walking, no tools needed.
Crafting Simple Furniture – Uses foraged items and the crafting bench.
Clearing Grass or Weeds – Quick and easy cleanup jobs around town.
Photo Quests – The camera isn’t technically a tool in this challenge but fits the quest style.
Planting Tasks – Using seeds collected while foraging or from NPCs.
Resource Delivery (Logs, Stones) – Basic gathering tools handle this.
Building Fences for NPC Requests – Requires chopping and crafting but no upgrades.
Helping John or Fletch with Daily Requests – Often just involve fetching easy items or catching critters.
Challenges I Faced
Relying solely on basic tools wasn’t without its hurdles:
Durability Problems – Tools broke often, forcing frequent repairs or recrafting.
Slower Progression – Mining took longer, and some deeper ores were off-limits.
Limited Combat Power – I avoided aggressive creatures like crocos and wary mus because the basic spear just isn’t enough.
Stamina Management – Tasks like digging and chopping drain stamina quickly with starter tools.
How I Managed Resources Smartly
I quickly realized that maximizing efficiency was key. Here’s how I stayed ahead:
Plan Tasks by Region – If I needed to fish and catch bugs, I chose locations where both were abundant.
Stockpile Essentials – I kept a stash of common Dinkum items like logs, stones, and grass seeds to fulfill quests without last-minute scrambling.
Skip Risky Quests – If a quest required deep mining or fighting strong creatures, I passed it up.
Balance Work with Relaxation – On heavy stamina days, I mixed tasks like bug catching with light NPC deliveries.
Is Buying Cheap Dinkum Items Worth It?
Honestly, part of me was tempted to shortcut the process by picking up some cheap Dinkum items from places like U4GM. For players who want to skip the grind or jumpstart their town, it’s a viable option. But for this challenge, I wanted the full experience of doing it the hard way. That said, having the choice to speed things up when needed is one of the reasons Dinkum stays fun and accessible for a wide range of players.
Completing 15 quests using just basic tools gave me a deeper appreciation for Dinkum’s design. The game doesn’t punish you for playing slow, and it rewards creative problem-solving. Whether you prefer grinding, trading, or even buying cheap Dinkum items from U4GM to save time, the flexibility is part of what makes this game special.
If you’re looking for a fresh way to experience Dinkum, I highly recommend trying this minimalist quest run. You might be surprised how much you can achieve with just the basics.