How to read the letters
S and A are the cheap and mid shop steps that change a normal run while warmth still matters. B is the Mythic band. C is the Divine and Empyrean jump after Mine Size caps. D is the Zenith, Infinity, and Ultima Cash sink, including the strongest tool in the game. Read the live card if a price has moved.
S tier
Player decision Use it for the first foothill run, then replace it as soon as 25 Cash is safe to spend.
Player decision Best early purchase once cold is not instantly ending the run.
Player decision Buy it in order. The cost is still small next to a failed cold run.
Player decision Worth it when dig speed is the stop. Do not skip Climb Higher to rush it.
A tier
Player decision A sensible mid-early card, and the example cost in the payback calculator.
Player decision Buy when the previous tool is what makes a safe band feel slow.
Player decision Treat the shop card name as final. The stats are the row that sits between Tempered Steel and Titanium Breaker.
Player decision The first tool to plan toward if Mossite or a pickaxe-level warning is blocking a band you can already survive.
B tier
Player decision A large Mine Size jump. Fund warmth and bag space alongside it.
Player decision Buy in order when the previous Mythic or Legendary tool is the dig bottleneck.
Player decision Strong mid-ladder tool. A tiny bag still forces short trips.
C tier
Player decision The last tool before Mine Size caps. Confirm you can stay in the band that makes this price back.
Player decision First Max Mine Size. Later tools are Power purchases.
Player decision A long Cash sink. Only the next card after Twilight Cleaver is already doing its job.
Player decision Buy in sequence. Skipping to it from an early Epic tool is not how the shop is priced.
D tier
Player decision Endgame Power. The letter means the price is a long goal, not that the tool is weak.
Player decision Continue the ladder only when the previous Zenith tool is the limit.
Player decision Prestige-scale Cash. Passes can speed the grind, but they are not required.
Player decision Another Power step after Mine Size has already capped.
Player decision The step before the published top. Still weaker than Genesis Core, still far past a new climber's needs.
Player decision Top of the ladder. The D letter is purchase timing for everyone else, not a power ranking.
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