What’s the best way to farm Neck Tails for early-game food?

Farming Neck Tails in Valheim is essential for early-game survival, as they are a key ingredient in crafting basic food items like Cooked Meat and Neck Tail Stew. Necks are small lizard-like creatures found primarily in the Meadows biome, often near water sources like rivers, lakes, or the ocean. They are passive creatures but will attack if provoked, making them relatively easy to hunt for beginners.\n\nTo efficiently farm Neck Tails, start by equipping a basic weapon like a Flint Knife or a Wooden Club. These weapons are easy to craft and deal enough damage to kill Necks in one or two hits. Always carry a shield to block their attacks if they retaliate. Necks are most commonly found near water, so explore the edges of rivers or lakes in the Meadows biome. They spawn frequently in these areas, making them a reliable source of Neck Tails.\n\nOne effective strategy is to create a small base or outpost near a water source in the Meadows. This allows you to store resources and rest near your farming area, ensuring you can quickly recover stamina and health while hunting. Building a workbench nearby also lets you repair your weapons and craft additional tools as needed. If you encounter multiple Necks, use the terrain to your advantage by luring them into open areas where you can fight them one at a time.\n\nFor players looking to maximize efficiency, consider using a bow and arrows. While this requires more resources to craft, it allows you to hunt Necks from a distance, reducing the risk of taking damage. Flinthead Arrows are a good early-game option, as they deal decent damage and are easy to craft. Aim for headshots to kill Necks quickly and conserve arrows. If you run out of arrows, switch to melee weapons to finish the job.\n\nA common challenge when farming Neck Tails is dealing with other hostile creatures like Greylings or Boars that may interfere with your hunt. To avoid this, clear the area of threats before focusing on Necks. Use your surroundings to create barriers or funnel enemies into manageable groups. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safe distance and heal before re-engaging.\n\nOnce you’ve collected enough Neck Tails, return to your base to cook them. Place a Cooking Station near your fire and interact with it to cook Neck Tails into Cooked Meat, which provides a significant stamina boost. Alternatively, combine Neck Tails with Mushrooms in a Cauldron to craft Neck Tail Stew, a more advanced food item that restores both health and stamina. Both options are invaluable for early-game exploration and combat.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up a Neck farm by building a small enclosure near a water source. Lure Necks into the enclosure and trap them, allowing you to harvest Neck Tails as needed. This method requires more effort but ensures a steady supply of resources. Additionally, explore nearby Black Forest biomes for additional resources like Flint and Core Wood, which can improve your farming efficiency.\n\nIn summary, farming Neck Tails in Valheim is a straightforward process that involves hunting Necks near water sources in the Meadows biome. Use basic weapons or a bow to kill them efficiently, and consider building a base nearby to streamline the process. Cook the Neck Tails into food items to sustain your early-game adventures. With these tips, you’ll have a reliable source of food to fuel your Viking journey.