How do you unlock the Black Metal Axe for woodcutting?

The Black Metal Axe is one of the most powerful tools for woodcutting in Valheim, offering superior efficiency compared to earlier axes like the Bronze or Iron Axe. To unlock and craft the Black Metal Axe, you must progress through the game''s tiers, gather specific resources, and defeat certain enemies. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including biome exploration, crafting requirements, and tips for overcoming challenges.\n\nFirst, you need to reach the Plains biome, which is a late-game area filled with dangerous enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos. The Plains biome is essential because it is the only place where you can obtain Black Metal Scraps, a key ingredient for crafting the Black Metal Axe. Black Metal Scraps are dropped by Fulings, aggressive goblin-like creatures that roam the Plains. To survive in this biome, ensure you have strong armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and a reliable weapon like the Silver Sword or Frostner.\n\nOnce you have gathered enough Black Metal Scraps, you will also need Fine Wood and Linen Thread to craft the Black Metal Axe. Fine Wood is obtained by cutting down Birch or Oak trees, which are found in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, a crop that grows exclusively in the Plains biome. To farm Flax, you must first defeat Fuling camps and loot their chests for Flax seeds. Plant these seeds in a cultivated area within the Plains biome, as Flax cannot grow in other biomes.\n\nAfter gathering all the required materials, you will need to craft the Black Metal Axe at a level 4 Forge. The Forge must be upgraded using Forge Coolers, Anvils, and other components to reach this level. If you haven''t upgraded your Forge yet, gather the necessary materials like Iron, Copper, and Fine Wood to do so. Once your Forge is ready, open the crafting menu and select the Black Metal Axe. The recipe requires 6 Black Metal Scraps, 20 Fine Wood, and 5 Linen Thread.\n\nOne common challenge players face is surviving in the Plains biome while farming Black Metal Scraps and Flax. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the Plains biome with defensive structures like walls and spike traps. This will provide a safe retreat if you are overwhelmed by enemies. Additionally, bring healing items like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Health Mead to sustain yourself during combat.\n\nAnother tip is to use a Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to deal with groups of Fulings. These weapons have area-of-effect damage, making them effective against multiple enemies. If you are struggling to find Flax seeds, focus on clearing Fuling villages, as they often contain multiple chests with valuable loot. Once you have a steady supply of Flax, you can cultivate it in your base for a renewable source of Linen Thread.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Black Metal Axe requires venturing into the Plains biome, defeating Fulings for Black Metal Scraps, farming Flax for Linen Thread, and upgrading your Forge to level 4. With proper preparation and strategy, you can efficiently gather the necessary materials and craft this powerful tool. The Black Metal Axe will significantly improve your woodcutting efficiency, making it a valuable asset for late-game progression in Valheim.