How do you craft a bellows for the forge?

Crafting a bellows for the forge in Valheim is a crucial step to upgrade your forge and unlock advanced crafting options. The bellows is a forge upgrade item that allows you to increase the forge''s level, enabling you to craft higher-tier weapons, tools, and armor. To craft a bellows, you will need to gather specific materials and have access to a workbench and forge. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including where to find the required resources and how to overcome common challenges.\n\nFirst, you need to gather the materials required to craft a bellows. The recipe for the bellows requires 5 fine wood, 4 deer hide, and 2 chains. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees, which are commonly found in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Deer hide is dropped by deer, which roam the Meadows biome. Chains, however, are a bit more challenging to acquire, as they are typically found in chests within Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome or dropped by Wraiths, which also spawn in the Swamp.\n\nTo obtain fine wood, equip a bronze axe or better and head to the Meadows or Black Forest. Look for birch trees, which have white bark, or oak trees, which are larger and have a distinct shape. Chop them down to collect fine wood. For deer hide, you will need to hunt deer in the Meadows. Use a bow and arrows for a stealthy approach, or chase them down with a melee weapon. Be patient, as deer can be skittish and run away quickly.\n\nChains are the most challenging component to acquire. To find chains, you will need to venture into the Swamp biome, which is a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr, Leeches, and Wraiths. Sunken Crypts are dungeon-like structures found in the Swamp, and they often contain chests with chains. Bring a swamp key, which is dropped by the second boss, The Elder, to unlock these crypts. Alternatively, you can hunt Wraiths, which spawn at night in the Swamp. They are tough enemies, so come prepared with strong armor, weapons, and healing items.\n\nOnce you have gathered all the materials, return to your base and ensure you have a workbench and forge set up. Place the forge near your workbench for convenience. Open the forge menu and navigate to the upgrades tab. Select the bellows recipe and craft it. The bellows will automatically be placed on the forge, increasing its level and unlocking new crafting options.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating birch trees or oak trees for fine wood. If you are struggling to find these trees, explore the edges of the Black Forest biome, as they often border the Meadows. For chains, if Sunken Crypts are too dangerous, consider hunting Wraiths at night. They are easier to spot due to their glowing appearance, but be cautious of their high damage output. Always bring a shield to block their attacks and use fire arrows or melee weapons to defeat them efficiently.\n\nIn summary, crafting a bellows requires fine wood, deer hide, and chains. Fine wood is obtained from birch or oak trees, deer hide from hunting deer, and chains from Sunken Crypts or Wraiths in the Swamp biome. Once you have the materials, craft the bellows at the forge to upgrade it. This upgrade is essential for progressing to mid-game and late-game crafting, so prioritize gathering these resources as soon as possible.\n\nPractical tips for success: Always carry a bow and arrows for hunting deer, as it is the most efficient method. When exploring the Swamp, bring poison resistance mead to counter the environmental hazards. If you are struggling to find chains, consider teaming up with other players to tackle Sunken Crypts or hunt Wraiths more effectively. Finally, keep your forge and workbench protected by building a secure base to prevent raids from destroying your progress.