How do I mine metals efficiently with a fully upgraded pickaxe?

Mining metals efficiently in Valheim requires a combination of the right tools, biome knowledge, and strategic gameplay. To start, ensure you have a fully upgraded pickaxe, such as the Iron Pickaxe or better. Upgrading your pickaxe at a Forge increases its durability and mining speed, which is essential for tackling large metal deposits like Copper and Iron. Always carry a backup pickaxe or repair materials, as mining can quickly wear down your tools.\n\nBefore heading out, prepare for the biome where your target metal is located. For example, Copper and Tin are found in the Black Forest biome, while Iron is located in the Swamp biome. Equip yourself with appropriate gear, such as Troll Armor for stealth or Bronze Armor for defense, and bring healing items like Cooked Meat or Honey. Stamina management is critical, so consume foods like Carrot Soup or Queens Jam to maintain high stamina for mining.\n\nWhen mining Copper, look for large, rocky deposits that protrude from the ground. These deposits often extend deep underground, so dig around the edges to expose more of the node. This allows you to mine from multiple angles, maximizing efficiency. For Tin, search along the shores of the Black Forest biome, as Tin deposits appear as small, shiny rocks near water. Use your pickaxe to break these deposits quickly.\n\nIn the Swamp biome, Iron is found in Muddy Scrap Piles within Sunken Crypts. To access these, you’ll need a Swamp Key, which drops from the Elder boss. Inside the crypts, use your pickaxe to break the Muddy Scrap Piles and collect Iron Scrap. Be cautious of enemies like Draugr and Blobs, as they can interrupt your mining. Clear the area before focusing on mining to avoid unnecessary combat.\n\nOne common challenge is managing inventory space while mining. Metals like Copper and Iron are heavy, so bring a Cart or Portal materials to transport resources efficiently. Place a Portal near your mining site to quickly return to your base for repairs or storage. If using a Cart, clear a path through the biome to avoid obstacles that slow you down.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, mine during the day when visibility is better, and enemies are less aggressive. Use the terrain to your advantage by creating trenches or elevated platforms to avoid enemy attacks. If you encounter a large deposit, mine in sections to prevent the node from collapsing prematurely, which can waste resources.\n\nFinally, always repair your pickaxe at a Forge before it breaks. Carry a Workbench and Forge materials if you plan to mine for extended periods. By following these steps, you can mine metals efficiently and progress through Valheim’s crafting tiers with ease.\n\nPractical tips: Always mark metal deposits on your map for future reference. Use the Hoe to level the ground around mining sites for easier navigation. If mining in dangerous biomes, bring a friend for added protection and faster resource gathering.