If I have a tool like the shovel or axe out, is my character automatically using their sword?

[CorpseEater]

In combat it looks like I'm attacking with a shovel, is this possible or does the game know to use my equipped weapon?

[Haperski]

Nope.
Visually it looks like your character is attacking with the active tools, but statistically its using your equipped weapon.

[CorpseEater]

OK thanks

[Dr.Chang 🎄]

I want to ask about the usage details of tools and weapons.

I discovered something: when collecting resources on the map, if I have an axe in my inventory (but do not actively equip it), the logging speed slows down.

Here comes the question: if I equip the axe and encounter an enemy for battle, should I unequip the axe? I suspect holding the axe might occupy one hand (resulting in reduced attack damage).

Or does combat not require holding the corresponding weapon like resource collection does to achieve 100% damage?

[Animiste]

Tools are used only for their intended activities when held (e.g., a pickaxe for mining, an axe for logging, etc.). In combat, your equipped weapon is always used, even if you are holding a tool.

[Iyasenu]

You can't really "equip" tools.
You only hold them in your held item slot. (indicated by that slot next to your hotbar 1/2/3/etc buttons)
That's a difference between a Woodcutter's Axe (which is a tool) and the various axe-type weapons that you can actually equip.

And, know that holding a weapon in your held item slot does not actually use it to attack.
If you hold a sword like a held item, but your actual hand equipment slots are empty, you're essentially just punching the enemy with bare hands.
The obvious exception would be if you Throw whatever you're holding, which you should normally only ever do with actual Throwing Weapons.

Also, some things actually require the tool, which some don't.
For example, you can harvest things like bushes and flowers with just your hands, but it's faster if you use your woodcutter's axe.
But if you want to chop an actual mature tree, you'll NEED to hold the woodcutter's axe.

And sometimes you can do the same task, with the wrong equipment.
For example, you COULD use your pickaxe to chop down a tree, but it actually won't do very well, even if it's made out of as good material as your woodcutter's axe.

[gimmethegepgun]

Melee attacks always use whatever is equipped in your Hand equipment slots, regardless of what you're carrying.