How do you craft the Black Metal Tower Shield, and what are its benefits?

The Black Metal Tower Shield is one of the most powerful shields in Valheim, offering exceptional defensive capabilities for players venturing into the game''s late-game content. Crafting this shield requires advanced materials and a high-level Forge, making it a goal for experienced Vikings. To craft the Black Metal Tower Shield, you will need 10 Fine Wood, 15 Black Metal, and 5 Chain. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes, while Black Metal is dropped by Fulings in the Plains. Chains can be acquired from Wraiths in the Swamp biome or found in chests within Sunken Crypts.\n\nTo begin crafting, ensure you have a level 4 Forge, as this is a prerequisite for creating the Black Metal Tower Shield. If your Forge is not upgraded, gather the necessary materials like Forge Cooler, Forge Toolrack, and Forge Bellows to improve its level. Once your Forge is ready, open the crafting menu and select the Black Metal Tower Shield. The shield will be added to your inventory, ready for use.\n\nThe Black Metal Tower Shield excels in blocking damage, with a base block power of 130 and a 2x parry bonus. This makes it ideal for tanking heavy hits from powerful enemies like Fuling Berserkers or Lox. However, it has a slower movement speed penalty compared to smaller shields, so it''s best suited for players who prioritize defense over mobility. To maximize its effectiveness, pair it with heavy armor like the Padded Armor set, which complements the shield''s defensive playstyle.\n\nOne common challenge players face is gathering Black Metal, as Fulings are aggressive and often travel in groups. To safely farm Black Metal, consider using a bow to pick off Fulings from a distance or lure them into traps like spike walls. Additionally, always carry healing mead and stamina mead to sustain yourself during combat. If you''re struggling to find Chains, explore Swamp biomes at night to encounter Wraiths, or clear Sunken Crypts thoroughly to locate chests containing Chains.\n\nIn terms of gameplay mechanics, the Black Metal Tower Shield is best used in situations where you expect to face heavy damage. For example, when raiding Fuling Villages or fighting bosses like Yagluth, the shield''s high block power can save your life. However, its slow movement speed means you should avoid using it in fast-paced combat scenarios, such as fighting Wolves or Deathsquitos. Instead, opt for a smaller shield like the Black Metal Shield or Serpent Scale Shield for better mobility.\n\nTo conclude, the Black Metal Tower Shield is a top-tier defensive tool for Valheim players who have progressed to the Plains biome. Its crafting requirements are steep, but the payoff is a shield capable of withstanding the toughest enemies in the game. Focus on upgrading your Forge, farming Black Metal efficiently, and using the shield strategically to dominate late-game challenges. With proper preparation and tactics, the Black Metal Tower Shield will become an invaluable asset in your Viking arsenal.