What is the best way to gather wood quickly for building your first shelter?

Gathering wood quickly in Valheim is essential for building your first shelter, as it provides safety from enemies and harsh weather. The most efficient way to collect wood is by using a Flint Axe, which is one of the first tools you can craft. To make a Flint Axe, you need 4 Wood and 6 Flint. Flint can be found along riverbanks or shorelines in the Meadows biome, the starting area of the game. Once you have your axe, you can start chopping down trees.\n\nWhen chopping trees, aim for Birch or Oak trees, as they yield more wood compared to smaller trees like Beech. However, be cautious when felling large trees, as they can roll or fall unpredictably, potentially damaging you or nearby structures. To avoid this, stand at a safe distance and ensure no obstacles are in the tree''s path. Additionally, always have a clear escape route in case the tree falls toward you.\n\nAnother efficient method for gathering wood is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, if you find a cluster of trees close together, you can chop one tree so that it falls into others, causing a chain reaction that knocks down multiple trees at once. This saves time and effort, especially when you''re working alone. Be mindful of your stamina, though, as chopping trees consumes stamina quickly. Eating food like Raspberries or Cooked Meat before gathering wood will help you maintain your stamina longer.\n\nIf you''re struggling to find enough trees in your immediate area, consider exploring nearby Meadows or Black Forest biomes. The Black Forest biome has denser tree populations, but it also hosts more dangerous enemies like Greydwarfs. Make sure you''re well-equipped with basic weapons and armor before venturing into this biome. Bringing a friend along can also make the process faster and safer.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to prioritize gathering wood early in the game. Your first shelter doesn''t need to be elaborate; a simple 2x2 or 3x3 structure with a roof and a door will suffice. Use the Workbench to craft basic building components like walls, floors, and roofs. Place a Campfire inside your shelter for warmth and light, but ensure there''s a hole in the roof for smoke to escape, or you''ll take damage from smoke inhalation.\n\nExperienced Vikings can optimize wood gathering by using higher-tier tools like the Bronze Axe, which becomes available after smelting Copper and Tin in the Black Forest biome. This axe chops trees faster and is more durable, making it ideal for large-scale building projects. Additionally, consider building a Cart to transport large amounts of wood back to your base. Carts are especially useful when gathering resources from distant biomes.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather wood quickly for your first shelter is to craft a Flint Axe, focus on chopping larger trees, and use environmental tactics like tree dominoes. Manage your stamina with food, explore nearby biomes for more resources, and prioritize building a simple yet functional shelter. As you progress, upgrade your tools and consider using Carts for efficient resource transportation. With these strategies, you''ll have a sturdy shelter in no time.