Chromite is a crucial resource for advanced crafting in Palworld, but unlike many other ores, it is not found through conventional surface exploration. Instead, players must utilize either a specialized metal detector or a Smokie Pal with its unique partner skill to locate and harvest these hidden underground deposits. Both methods become available at level 58 through the technology tree, offering distinct approaches to acquiring the ore.
Locating Chromite Deposits
The primary location for finding chromite is Feybreak Island, situated in the southwestern region of the Palworld map. Within this area, the Shield Dragon Tunnel, conveniently located near its own teleport waypoint, is a particularly effective spot for chromite farming. Players should be aware that an alpha Silvegis Pal resides within this cave and will need to be dealt with before mining can commence.
Once the area is clear, the chosen detection method can be employed. A Smokie's partner skill will automatically unearth nearby chromite deposits. Alternatively, the metal detector can be used manually. It emits faster pings as it approaches a deposit, and once within range, the chromite will emerge from the ground. Each deposit can yield approximately 50 chromite.
Crafting the Metal Detector
To craft a metal detector, players must first unlock it from the technology tree at level 58. The crafting process requires a production assembly line of level 2 or higher and the following materials: 30 Plasteel, 100 Paldium fragments, 15 computers, and 20 Nightstar sand. Plasteel is crafted from crude oil and ore, while Paldium fragments are obtained from stone. Computers are a more complex assembly, requiring circuit boards, plasteel, bio batteries, and carbon fiber. Nightstar sand can be found by looking for glowing spots on the ground in the Feybreak Island area, particularly around the northern Scorched Ashland waypoint at night.
Once crafted, the metal detector can be equipped as a weapon in the player's loadout for use.
Utilizing the Smokie Pal
An alternative to crafting the metal detector is to find and utilize a Smokie Pal. Smokies are common throughout Feybreak Island and can be encountered both day and night. At level 58, players can unlock the Smokie's harness in the technology tree. Crafting the harness requires a Pal Gear workbench and the following components: 20 leather, 50 fiber, 5 dark fragments, and 40 Paldium fragments. Dark fragments are dropped by various specific Pal types, including Starryon, Omascul, Splatterina, Dazzi Noct, Kitsun Noct, Celesdir Noct, Solenne, Bellanoir, and Bellanoir Libero.
Upon unlocking the harness, the Smokie's partner skill can be activated by holding the 'F' key while the Pal is active. This method bypasses the need to craft the metal detector and offers a Pal-centric approach to chromite acquisition. The harness itself does not need to be equipped to function; unlocking the ability is permanent.