Where to Find Thorium and Cobalt: Hytale Mining Progression Explained

Mining is a major activity in Hytale, probably the biggest besides the players' character development. So, one must know the distribution of the ore among zones to be able to level up rapidly. This article specifies how to locate Thorium and Cobalt, which materials are most suitable for the Hytale Mining Progression, and what kind of preparations players need to make before they go into higher, tier biomes.

Understanding Hytale Mining Progression

Hytale doesn't rely on tool gating for progression, but rather on changing the players' surroundings to more dangerous ones. Instead of requiring a certain level of pickaxe to mine some ores, the players get better materials by moving to zones that are more dangerous. This feature of the game makes players want to explore more and,

therefore, decide that going for the prize is definitely worth the risk. As a result, deciding which material to mine is mostly influenced by the locations where the materials are found.

Generally, ores become more valuable the further in the Zone you are (from the first to the last). In this regard, Thorium and Cobalt can be looked at as the two main components that bring together the early and the late game parts of crafting.

Where to Find Thorium in Hytale

Thorium is generally regarded as a mid-level ore and is therefore put in the same group as Zone 2 or The Howling Sands.

Thorium spawn locations

• The majority of the time is found in desert biomes within Zone 2
• Often seen on sandstone cliffs and rocky outcrops
• Forms in cave systems at moderate depths
• Sometimes it is a chest loot inside desert buildings or settlements

Thorium mining tips

• Scan exposed cliff faces before digging underground
• Desert caves give more yield but have stronger enemies
• Smelt Thorium ore into Thorium Ingots for crafting weapons, armor, and progression gear
• Within Hytale Mining Progression, after Zone 2 is completely explored, Thorium usually substitutes Iron as your main crafting material. This design philosophy is also seen across action-adventure titles like those featured in the Best Assassin's Creed Games Ranked, where exploration and upgrading gear go hand in hand.

Where to Find Cobalt in Hytale

Cobalt is a higher level than Thorium and is located mainly in Zone 3:

Whisperfrost Frontiers, which is a cold and hostile area.

Cobalt spawn locations

• Located in the snow and ice biomes of Zone 3
• Can be seen on mountain slopes, cliffs, and cave entrances
• Also found in underground icy cavern networks
• Rarely found in abandoned mineshafts and overworld chests

Cobalt mining tips

• Have powerful gear on you as the environment is extremely cold and enemies are dense
• Look for mountain areas as surface veins are quite common there
• Smelt ore into Cobalt Ingots to upgrade your equipment
• Cobalt is a major element in Hytale Mining Progression, as it opens the door for players to create gear that can stand in late-game zones

Thorium vs Cobalt: Progression Comparison

Thorium

• Items of material for Zone 2
• Armor and weapons of the mid-game
• Can be more easily farmed because of surface exposure

Cobalt

• Material for Zone 3
• Crafting for mid, to, late game
• Greater risk, greater reward

Both kinds of ore represent key stepping stones in Hytale Mining Progression, and neglecting one or the other can result in an underpowered character.

For completion of Hytale Mining Progression, the player should know ore spawn locations, timing for new area changes, and the best way to mix exploration with the ability to survive. Thorium and Cobalt are the main ingredients of mid, which is the preparation of the player for even more unusual materials and stronger enemies.
If you plan your routes carefully and mine strategically, Hytale Mining Progression becomes a smooth and rewarding journey rather than a grind. If you want to enhance your mining experience even further, don’t miss our guide on Top 10 Best Hytale Mods Every Player Should Try in 2026, featuring quality-of-life and progression-focused mods.