What’s the most efficient way to gather core wood for building supports?

Core wood is a vital resource in Valheim, used primarily for building sturdy structures like support beams, log cabins, and defensive walls. Unlike regular wood, core wood is obtained from pine trees, which are found in the Black Forest biome. To gather core wood efficiently, you’ll need the right tools, strategies, and knowledge of the game mechanics.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a bronze axe, as it’s the earliest tool capable of chopping down pine trees. To craft a bronze axe, you’ll need to smelt copper and tin in a forge, then combine them to create bronze. Once you have the axe, head to the Black Forest biome, identifiable by its dense pine trees, dark atmosphere, and occasional Greydwarf enemies. Pine trees are tall and thin, with a distinct bark texture, making them easy to spot.\n\nWhen chopping pine trees, aim for the base of the trunk. Each tree will drop 4-6 core wood logs, which can be collected by walking over them. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage or kill you if you’re standing in their path. Additionally, falling trees can knock down nearby trees, creating a domino effect that can yield a large amount of core wood quickly. This is a great way to maximize efficiency, but it requires careful positioning and awareness of your surroundings.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Greydwarfs, which are hostile creatures in the Black Forest. To minimize interruptions, consider bringing a shield and weapon for defense, or clear the area of enemies before starting your logging operation. Alternatively, you can build a small outpost with a workbench and campfire nearby to provide a safe zone and respawn point if needed.\n\nFor even greater efficiency, use a cart to transport large amounts of core wood back to your base. Carts can be crafted with 20 wood and 10 bronze nails, and they allow you to carry significantly more resources than your inventory alone. If your base is far from the Black Forest, consider building a portal to quickly travel between the two locations. Portals require 20 fine wood, 10 greydwarf eyes, and 2 surtling cores, but they save a lot of time in the long run.\n\nAnother tip is to replant pine trees using pine cones, which occasionally drop when chopping pine trees. While this requires more effort, it ensures a sustainable source of core wood for future projects. To plant pine trees, craft a cultivator with 5 bronze and 5 core wood, then use it to till the soil and plant the cones in the Black Forest or other suitable biomes.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient way to gather core wood involves using a bronze axe, targeting pine trees in the Black Forest, and leveraging game mechanics like tree domino effects and carts for transportation. Defend yourself against Greydwarfs, consider building portals for faster travel, and replant pine trees for sustainability. With these strategies, you’ll have a steady supply of core wood for all your building needs.