What is the purpose of the Antler Pickaxe and how do you craft it?

The Antler Pickaxe is one of the earliest tools you can craft in Valheim, and it serves a critical purpose: mining resources like Tin, Copper, and Stone. Unlike the Flint Axe, which is used for chopping wood, the Antler Pickaxe is specifically designed for breaking rocks and mining ore deposits. This tool is essential for progressing in the game, as it allows you to gather materials needed for crafting stronger weapons, tools, and armor.\n\nTo craft the Antler Pickaxe, you need to defeat Eikthyr, the first boss in Valheim. Eikthyr is found in the Meadows biome, and you can summon him by placing two Deer Trophies on his altar. Once defeated, Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are a key ingredient for crafting the pickaxe. You will also need 10 Wood, which can be gathered by chopping trees with a Flint Axe or your fists. With these materials, you can craft the Antler Pickaxe at a Workbench.\n\nCrafting the Antler Pickaxe is straightforward. First, ensure you have a Workbench built. If you don''t have one, gather 10 Wood and place it in a sheltered area. Once the Workbench is ready, open the crafting menu and select the Antler Pickaxe. The recipe requires 1 Hard Antler and 10 Wood. After crafting, equip the pickaxe from your inventory to start mining.\n\nThe Antler Pickaxe is particularly useful in the Black Forest biome, where you''ll find Copper and Tin deposits. These ores are necessary for crafting Bronze, which is used to create stronger tools and weapons. To mine effectively, approach a rock or ore deposit and left-click to swing the pickaxe. Each swing will damage the deposit, and after a few hits, it will break, dropping resources like Stone, Copper Ore, or Tin Ore.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is durability. The Antler Pickaxe has limited durability and will eventually break after extensive use. To repair it, return to your Workbench and select the repair option. This does not consume additional resources, so it''s a cost-effective way to maintain your tools. If you lose your pickaxe or it breaks far from your base, you can craft a new one as long as you have the required materials.\n\nFor experienced players, the Antler Pickaxe is a stepping stone to more advanced tools like the Bronze Pickaxe. However, it remains useful even after upgrading, as it can be used to mine Stone and other basic resources without wasting the durability of your higher-tier tools. Additionally, the Antler Pickaxe is lightweight and easy to craft, making it a reliable backup tool for mining expeditions.\n\nPractical tips for using the Antler Pickaxe include always carrying extra Wood and Hard Antlers in case you need to craft a replacement. Additionally, when mining in the Black Forest, be cautious of Greydwarves and Trolls, as they can interrupt your mining. Bring a shield and weapon for defense, and consider building a small outpost near mining areas to store resources and repair your tools.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is a vital early-game tool for mining resources in Valheim. By defeating Eikthyr and gathering Wood, you can craft this pickaxe and start gathering materials to progress further in the game. Its durability and ease of repair make it a reliable tool for both new and experienced players, and it remains useful even after upgrading to higher-tier pickaxes.