How do you upgrade the Bronze Buckler, and what does it improve?

The Bronze Buckler is one of the earliest shields available in Valheim, offering a strong defensive option for players who prefer parrying over blocking. To upgrade the Bronze Buckler, you will need to gather specific materials and use a Forge. Upgrading improves its block power and parry bonus, making it more effective against tougher enemies in the Black Forest and beyond.\n\nTo begin upgrading the Bronze Buckler, you must first craft it at a Forge. The base crafting recipe requires 10 Bronze and 4 Leather Scraps. Bronze is crafted by combining Copper and Tin at a Forge, both of which are found in the Black Forest biome. Leather Scraps are obtained by hunting Boars in the Meadows biome. Once you have the Bronze Buckler, you can upgrade it up to level 3, with each level requiring additional Bronze and Leather Scraps.\n\nFor the first upgrade, you will need 2 Bronze and 2 Leather Scraps. The second upgrade requires 4 Bronze and 2 Leather Scraps, and the final upgrade requires 6 Bronze and 2 Leather Scraps. Each upgrade increases the shield''s block power and parry bonus. At level 1, the Bronze Buckler has a block power of 30 and a parry bonus of 2x. By level 3, these values increase to 42 block power and 2.5x parry bonus, making it a formidable tool for deflecting attacks.\n\nUpgrading the Bronze Buckler is particularly useful for players who rely on parrying to stagger enemies. Parrying involves timing your block just before an enemy''s attack lands, which staggers them and leaves them vulnerable to counterattacks. The higher the parry bonus, the more effective your parries will be. This is especially helpful against tougher foes like Greydwarf Brutes and Trolls in the Black Forest, as well as Skeletons in Burial Chambers.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing stamina while parrying. Parrying consumes stamina, and failing to parry correctly can leave you vulnerable. To mitigate this, ensure your stamina bar is full before engaging in combat. Consuming stamina-boosting foods like Cooked Meat, Queens Jam, or Carrot Soup can help you maintain your stamina during prolonged fights. Additionally, practice your timing against weaker enemies like Greylings to improve your parry skills before facing tougher opponents.\n\nAnother tip is to pair the Bronze Buckler with a fast weapon like a Bronze Sword or Flint Knife. Fast weapons allow you to capitalize on the stagger effect from successful parries, dealing significant damage while the enemy is vulnerable. This combination is particularly effective in the early to mid-game, where enemies have lower health pools and can be quickly dispatched with well-timed parries and counterattacks.\n\nIn summary, upgrading the Bronze Buckler is a straightforward process that significantly enhances your defensive capabilities. By gathering Bronze and Leather Scraps, you can increase its block power and parry bonus, making it a reliable shield for parrying and blocking. Pair it with stamina-boosting foods and a fast weapon to maximize its effectiveness in combat. With practice, the Bronze Buckler can carry you through the Black Forest and beyond, providing a solid foundation for your Viking adventures.