What is the best tool for mining Black Metal in the Plains?

Mining Black Metal in the Plains biome of Valheim requires the right tools and preparation. Black Metal is a high-tier resource used for crafting powerful weapons and armor, but it can only be obtained from Fuling enemies or Fuling Berserkers, not directly mined from nodes. To efficiently gather Black Metal, you need to focus on defeating these enemies and using the Black Metal Scraps they drop. The best tool for this task is not a traditional mining tool but rather a strong weapon and a well-prepared Viking.\n\nTo begin, you must first reach the Plains biome, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. This biome is home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. Before venturing into the Plains, ensure you have high-tier gear, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and a strong weapon like a Blackmetal Sword or Frostner. These weapons are crafted using materials from earlier biomes, such as Silver from the Mountains or Iron from the Swamp.\n\nOnce you are equipped, head to the Plains and locate Fuling camps. These camps are marked by totems and contain multiple Fulings, including Fuling Berserkers. Engage the enemies carefully, as Fulings are fast and deal significant damage. Use a shield to block their attacks and counter with your weapon. Fuling Berserkers are tougher and require more hits, so focus on dodging their heavy swings. After defeating them, they will drop Black Metal Scraps, which are the primary resource for crafting Black Metal items.\n\nTo maximize your Black Metal Scrap yield, consider using a bow and arrows to thin out the Fuling numbers before engaging in melee combat. Draugr Fang, a high-tier bow, is particularly effective for this purpose. Additionally, bring healing meads and stamina meads to sustain yourself during prolonged fights. If you are playing with friends, coordinate your attacks to overwhelm the Fulings and reduce the risk of being overwhelmed.\n\nAfter collecting Black Metal Scraps, you need to smelt them into Black Metal at a Blast Furnace. The Blast Furnace is unlocked after defeating Moder, the Mountain biome boss, and requires Artisan Table access. To craft a Blast Furnace, you need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, 5 Surtling Cores, and 20 Stone. Once built, place the Black Metal Scraps into the Blast Furnace along with Coal to produce Black Metal bars.\n\nA common challenge in the Plains is dealing with Deathsquitos, which can one-shot unprepared players. Always keep your health high and carry a shield to block their attacks. Another tip is to avoid fighting Fulings near Lox, as they can aggro and complicate the battle. If you are struggling with combat, consider upgrading your gear further or practicing your blocking and dodging skills in safer biomes.\n\nIn summary, the best tool for mining Black Metal in the Plains is not a pickaxe but a strong weapon and a well-prepared Viking. Focus on defeating Fulings and Fuling Berserkers to collect Black Metal Scraps, then smelt them into Black Metal using a Blast Furnace. Equip yourself with high-tier gear, bring healing items, and use ranged weapons to handle the dangerous enemies in the Plains biome. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather Black Metal and craft powerful endgame gear.