How do you craft a Black Metal Shield and what are its advantages?

Crafting a Black Metal Shield in Valheim is a significant milestone for players looking to enhance their defensive capabilities. This shield is one of the strongest in the game, offering excellent protection against both physical and elemental damage. To craft it, you’ll need to progress through the game’s biomes, gather rare materials, and unlock advanced crafting stations. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including the advantages of using this shield and how to overcome common challenges.\n\nFirst, you’ll need to reach the Plains biome, which is home to the resources required for crafting the Black Metal Shield. The Plains biome is dangerous, filled with powerful enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos, so ensure you’re well-prepared with strong armor, weapons, and food buffs. The key materials for the shield are Black Metal and Fine Wood. Black Metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, while Fine Wood comes from chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes.\n\nTo craft the Black Metal Shield, you’ll need a Forge, which is an advanced crafting station. If you haven’t built one yet, you’ll need to gather 6 Copper, 4 Wood, 4 Coal, and 10 Stone. Place the Forge in your base and upgrade it to at least level 2 using a Forge Cooler and Anvils. Once your Forge is ready, you’ll need 10 Black Metal and 10 Fine Wood to craft the shield. Black Metal is smelted from Black Metal Scraps, which drop from Fulings, so farming these enemies is essential.\n\nThe Black Metal Shield offers several advantages over earlier shields. It has a base block power of 90, making it one of the most durable shields in the game. It also has a parry bonus of 2x, allowing you to stagger enemies effectively when timed correctly. This makes it ideal for both tanking hits and counterattacking. Additionally, the shield’s high durability means it will last longer in combat, reducing the need for frequent repairs.\n\nOne common challenge players face is farming Black Metal Scraps efficiently. Fulings are tough enemies, especially in groups, so it’s best to approach them strategically. Use a bow to pick off stragglers from a distance, and avoid engaging large groups without backup. Bringing a friend or using a Bonemass power can also help you survive these encounters. Once you’ve gathered enough Black Metal Scraps, smelt them in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Iron, Fine Wood, and Surtling Cores.\n\nAnother tip is to ensure your Forge is fully upgraded before crafting the shield. Upgrading the Forge increases its crafting capabilities and allows you to create higher-tier items. You can upgrade the Forge by adding components like the Forge Cooler, Anvils, and Tool Rack. These upgrades not only improve the Forge but also unlock additional crafting recipes, making it easier to progress in the game.\n\nIn summary, the Black Metal Shield is a powerful defensive tool that requires careful preparation and resource gathering. By venturing into the Plains biome, defeating Fulings, and upgrading your Forge, you can craft this shield and significantly boost your survivability. Its high block power and parry bonus make it a must-have for late-game players. With the right strategy and preparation, you’ll be able to craft this shield and dominate your enemies in Valheim.