What is the best way to farm stone for crafting early-game tools?

Farming stone in Valheim is essential for crafting early-game tools, building structures, and progressing through the game. Stone is one of the most abundant resources in the game, but knowing how to gather it efficiently can save you time and effort. The best way to farm stone early on is by mining rocks, breaking boulders, and looting stone piles in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. These areas are safe for new players and provide plenty of stone for your needs.\n\nTo start farming stone, you’ll need a basic tool: the Antler Pickaxe. This is crafted using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have the pickaxe, head to the Meadows biome, where you’ll find small rocks scattered across the ground. These rocks can be mined with your pickaxe, yielding 4-6 stone each. This is a low-risk method for beginners, as the Meadows biome has minimal enemy threats.\n\nFor larger stone yields, venture into the Black Forest biome. Here, you’ll find boulders and stone piles that provide significantly more stone. Boulders can be mined with your pickaxe, yielding 20-30 stone each, while stone piles drop 6-10 stone. However, the Black Forest is home to Greydwarfs and Trolls, so be prepared for combat. Bring a shield, a weapon like a Flint Spear or Club, and some food to boost your health and stamina. If you’re new to the game, avoid Trolls at all costs, as they can easily overpower you.\n\nOne efficient strategy is to mark stone-rich areas on your map. Use the in-game map to place markers where you find clusters of boulders or stone piles. This allows you to return to these locations later for more stone. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near these areas to store your stone and repair your tools. A workbench and a chest can make your farming runs more efficient.\n\nAnother method for farming stone is by using a Hoe to level terrain. When you flatten or raise the ground, excess stone is added to your inventory. This is particularly useful if you’re building a base or clearing land for farming. However, this method requires a Hoe, which is crafted using 5 Wood and 2 Stone at a workbench. It’s a great way to multitask by gathering stone while preparing your base.\n\nIf you’re struggling with enemies while farming stone, consider bringing a friend or taming a Wolf for protection. Wolves can be tamed in the Mountains biome, but this is a mid-to-late-game activity. For early-game players, sticking to the Meadows and Black Forest is your best bet. Always keep an eye on your surroundings and retreat if you’re overwhelmed by enemies.\n\nFinally, remember to upgrade your tools as you progress. The Bronze Pickaxe, crafted using 3 Core Wood and 10 Bronze at a Forge, is more durable and efficient than the Antler Pickaxe. Bronze is obtained by smelting Copper and Tin in a Smelter, which requires access to the Black Forest and a Kiln. Upgrading your tools will make stone farming faster and more sustainable in the long run.\n\nIn summary, the best way to farm stone early in Valheim is by mining rocks in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes using an Antler Pickaxe. Mark stone-rich areas on your map, build outposts for storage, and use a Hoe to gather stone while leveling terrain. Stay vigilant against enemies, and upgrade your tools as you progress. With these strategies, you’ll have plenty of stone for crafting and building in no time.