How do you craft the tanning rack for the workbench?

The tanning rack is a crucial upgrade for the workbench in Valheim, allowing players to craft higher-tier leather-based items such as armor, shields, and other essential gear. To craft the tanning rack, you must first unlock its recipe by gathering specific materials and progressing through the game. This upgrade is particularly important for players looking to improve their crafting capabilities and survive tougher biomes like the Black Forest or Swamp.\n\nTo unlock the tanning rack recipe, you need to collect deer hide and leather scraps. Deer hide is obtained by hunting deer in the Meadows biome, while leather scraps are crafted from raw materials like deer hide or boar hide. Once you have at least 5 deer hide and 10 wood, the tanning rack recipe will become available. These materials are relatively easy to gather early in the game, making the tanning rack one of the first upgrades you can pursue.\n\nCrafting the tanning rack requires placing it near a workbench. The workbench must be fully functional and not obstructed by other structures. To build the tanning rack, open the crafting menu (press Tab) and navigate to the workbench upgrades section. Select the tanning rack and place it within the workbench''s radius. Ensure there is enough space around the workbench, as the tanning rack takes up a small area. Once placed, the tanning rack will automatically upgrade your workbench, unlocking new crafting recipes.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding enough deer hide early in the game. Deer are skittish and will flee if you approach too quickly. To efficiently hunt deer, use a bow and arrows. Sneak up on deer by crouching (press Ctrl) and aim for a headshot to maximize damage. Alternatively, you can trap deer by building fences or using terrain features to corner them. This method is particularly useful if you struggle with aiming or lack a bow.\n\nAnother challenge is gathering enough wood for the tanning rack. While wood is abundant in the Meadows biome, chopping down trees can be time-consuming. To speed up the process, craft a flint axe as soon as possible. Flint can be found along riverbanks or shorelines in the Meadows biome. With a flint axe, you can chop trees more efficiently and gather the 10 wood needed for the tanning rack.\n\nOnce the tanning rack is built, it opens up new crafting possibilities. For example, you can now craft leather armor, which provides better protection than basic rag armor. Leather armor is essential for surviving encounters with tougher enemies like Greydwarfs or Trolls in the Black Forest. Additionally, the tanning rack allows you to craft the finewood bow, a significant upgrade from the crude bow, which is invaluable for hunting and combat.\n\nIn summary, crafting the tanning rack is a straightforward process that requires 5 deer hide and 10 wood. Hunt deer in the Meadows biome for hide and gather wood by chopping trees. Place the tanning rack near your workbench to unlock new crafting recipes and improve your gear. Use a bow for efficient hunting and a flint axe for faster wood gathering. With the tanning rack, you can craft better armor and weapons, preparing you for the challenges of Valheim''s more dangerous biomes.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a bow and arrows for hunting deer, as it is the most efficient method. Build your workbench and tanning rack in a secure location to avoid enemy interference. If you struggle to find deer, explore different areas of the Meadows biome, as deer spawn in various locations. Finally, prioritize upgrading your workbench early to unlock essential crafting recipes and improve your survival chances.