How do you gather core wood for workbench upgrades?

Core wood is a crucial resource in Valheim, especially for upgrading your workbench and crafting advanced structures. Unlike regular wood, which is obtained from standard trees, core wood comes from pine trees found in the Black Forest biome. These trees are tall, thin, and have a distinct dark bark, making them easy to identify. To gather core wood, you’ll need a bronze axe or better, as flint or stone axes won’t be effective against these sturdy trees.\n\nTo start gathering core wood, you’ll first need to locate the Black Forest biome. This biome is typically adjacent to the Meadows, where most players begin their journey. Look for dense clusters of pine trees, which are taller and darker than the oak and birch trees found in the Meadows. Once you’ve identified a pine tree, equip your bronze axe and start chopping. Each pine tree will yield 4-6 pieces of core wood, depending on its size.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the difficulty of transporting large amounts of core wood back to their base. Since core wood is heavier than regular wood, it can quickly fill your inventory. To mitigate this, consider building a cart or using a portal. Carts allow you to transport large quantities of resources, but they require a clear path and can be cumbersome in dense forests. Portals, on the other hand, are ideal for quick travel but require fine wood and surtling cores to craft. Plan your resource-gathering trips accordingly to maximize efficiency.\n\nAnother tip for efficient core wood gathering is to clear a path through the Black Forest. Pine trees often grow close together, and felling one can cause a chain reaction, knocking down nearby trees. This can save time and effort, but be cautious of falling trees, as they can deal significant damage if they hit you or your structures. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and ensure you have enough stamina to dodge if necessary.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough core wood, you can use it to upgrade your workbench. Core wood is required for crafting the chopping block and tanning rack, which are essential for reaching higher workbench levels. These upgrades allow you to craft better tools, weapons, and armor, making your journey through Valheim much smoother. Additionally, core wood is used in advanced building projects, such as reinforced beams and log poles, which are vital for constructing sturdy and aesthetically pleasing structures.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that the Black Forest biome is home to hostile creatures like greydwarfs and trolls. Always bring a shield, weapon, and some food to boost your health and stamina before venturing into this biome. Experienced players can optimize their core wood gathering by setting up a small outpost near a dense pine forest, complete with a portal for quick access to their main base.\n\nIn summary, gathering core wood is a straightforward but essential task in Valheim. By equipping a bronze axe, locating pine trees in the Black Forest, and using tools like carts or portals, you can efficiently collect this resource. Whether you’re upgrading your workbench or building advanced structures, core wood is a key material that will significantly enhance your gameplay experience.