How do you unlock the Antler Pickaxe for mining?

To unlock the Antler Pickaxe in Valheim, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr is a giant stag that roams the starting area and is summoned by placing two Deer Trophies on its altar. These trophies are obtained by hunting deer, which are common in the Meadows. Once you defeat Eikthyr, it will drop Hard Antlers, a key crafting material for the Antler Pickaxe.\n\nAfter obtaining the Hard Antlers, you need to craft the pickaxe at a Workbench. The Workbench is one of the first crafting stations you can build, requiring 10 Wood. Place the Workbench in a sheltered area, as it requires a roof and walls to function. Once the Workbench is set up, open the crafting menu and locate the Antler Pickaxe recipe. It requires 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler to craft.\n\nThe Antler Pickaxe is essential for mining early-game metals like Copper and Tin. Copper is found in large deposits in the Black Forest biome, while Tin is located near water sources in the same biome. To mine these metals, equip the pickaxe and strike the deposits repeatedly. Each strike will yield metal fragments, which can be smelted into ingots using a Smelter. The Smelter requires 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is locating Eikthyr''s altar. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune on a large stone structure. If you''re having trouble finding it, explore the Meadows biome thoroughly, as the altar is usually within a reasonable distance from your starting point. Another challenge is defeating Eikthyr itself. Equip a basic weapon like a Flint Spear or Club, and bring plenty of food for stamina and health regeneration. Dodging its lightning attacks is key to surviving the fight.\n\nFor experienced players, the Antler Pickaxe is a stepping stone to more advanced tools. Once you''ve mined enough Copper and Tin, you can craft the Bronze Pickaxe, which is more durable and efficient. However, the Antler Pickaxe remains useful for its accessibility and low resource cost. Always carry a backup pickaxe when exploring, as tools degrade over time and can break unexpectedly.\n\nPractical tips for using the Antler Pickaxe include repairing it at the Workbench instead of crafting a new one, as repairs are free and only require access to the crafting station. Additionally, prioritize mining Copper over Tin early on, as Copper is used in a wider variety of crafting recipes. Finally, always be prepared for combat when mining in the Black Forest, as Greydwarfs and Trolls are common threats in this biome.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Antler Pickaxe involves defeating Eikthyr, crafting the tool at a Workbench, and using it to mine essential metals. This process is a cornerstone of early-game progression in Valheim and sets the stage for more advanced crafting and exploration.