What is the best way to mine silver without the Wishbone?

Mining silver in Valheim without the Wishbone is challenging but entirely possible with the right strategy. Silver veins are hidden beneath the surface in the Mountain biome, and without the Wishbone, you’ll need to rely on visual cues and careful exploration. The key is to look for specific terrain features and use your tools creatively to uncover these valuable resources.\n\nFirst, you must prepare for the Mountain biome. This area is extremely cold, so you’ll need Frost Resistance Mead or a Wolf Fur Cape to survive. Frost Resistance Mead can be crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye. Alternatively, the Wolf Fur Cape requires Silver, Wolf Pelts, and a Workbench to craft, but since you’re mining silver, you’ll likely need the mead first. Bring a Pickaxe, a Hammer, and plenty of food for stamina and health.\n\nOnce in the Mountain biome, look for large, flat rock formations. Silver veins are often buried beneath these rocks, and you can identify potential locations by observing the terrain. Silver deposits are typically found near the base of large boulders or under flat, elevated areas. If you see a rock formation that looks unnatural or out of place, it’s worth investigating further.\n\nTo mine silver without the Wishbone, you’ll need to dig strategically. Start by using your Pickaxe to break the surface rocks. Once the rocks are cleared, dig downward in a spiral pattern around the suspected area. Silver veins are large and spread out, so you’ll need to dig deep and wide. If you hit a silver vein, you’ll see the distinctive silver texture and hear a metallic sound when mining.\n\nOne practical method is to use the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer, to detect silver. Equip the Stagbreaker and swing it near the ground. If you see a ‘Too Hard’ message pop up, it indicates a hidden silver vein. This trick works because the Stagbreaker’s AoE (Area of Effect) damage interacts with hidden objects, giving you a clue about their location. Once you’ve identified a potential vein, switch back to your Pickaxe and start digging.\n\nAnother tip is to look for Obsidian deposits. Silver veins are often found near Obsidian, so if you spot this black, glassy resource, it’s a good sign that silver might be nearby. Obsidian is easier to spot on the surface, making it a useful marker for your search.\n\nBe prepared for enemies in the Mountain biome. Wolves, Drakes, and Stone Golems are common threats. Bring a strong weapon, such as an Iron Mace or Bow, and keep your health high with cooked food like Serpent Stew or Sausages. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area and regroup.\n\nFinally, consider building a small outpost near the Mountain biome. This will allow you to store resources, repair tools, and rest safely. A portal connected to your main base is also helpful for transporting silver and other materials back home.\n\nIn summary, mining silver without the Wishbone requires patience, preparation, and careful observation. Use the Stagbreaker to detect hidden veins, look for Obsidian as a marker, and dig strategically in flat, rocky areas. With these tips, you’ll be able to gather silver and craft powerful gear even before defeating Bonemass.