How do you craft and upgrade the Black Metal weapons?

Crafting and upgrading Black Metal weapons in Valheim is a crucial step for players venturing into the Plains biome, as these weapons are among the strongest in the game. Black Metal weapons are crafted using Black Metal, a resource obtained from Fulings, the hostile goblin-like creatures found in the Plains. To begin crafting these weapons, you must first unlock the Forge and have access to a Blast Furnace, which is required to smelt Black Metal Scraps into usable Black Metal bars.\n\nTo craft Black Metal weapons, you need a level 4 Forge and specific materials. For example, the Black Metal Sword requires 20 Black Metal, 5 Fine Wood, and 3 Linen Thread. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which is grown in the Plains biome and processed at a Spinning Wheel. Fine Wood is obtained from Birch or Oak trees, which are found in Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Gathering these materials requires preparation, as the Plains biome is dangerous, and Fulings can overwhelm unprepared players.\n\nUpgrading Black Metal weapons requires additional Black Metal and other resources. Each upgrade level increases the weapon''s damage and durability, making it more effective against tough enemies like Lox, Fuling Berserkers, and Deathsquitos. For example, upgrading the Black Metal Sword to level 4 requires 40 Black Metal, 10 Fine Wood, and 6 Linen Thread. Upgrades are performed at the Forge, and the cost increases with each level. Ensure your Forge is upgraded to the required level to perform higher-tier upgrades.\n\nA common challenge players face is farming Black Metal Scraps efficiently. Fulings are the primary source of Black Metal Scraps, but they often travel in groups and can deal significant damage. To farm safely, consider using a bow to pick off Fulings from a distance or lure them into traps. Additionally, Fuling camps often contain chests with Black Metal Scraps, so clearing these camps can yield a large amount of resources. Always bring healing items and wear strong armor, such as Padded Armor, to survive encounters in the Plains.\n\nAnother challenge is growing and processing Flax for Linen Thread. Flax can only be grown in the Plains biome, so you must establish a small farm there. Protect your farm with walls and workbenches to prevent Fulings from destroying your crops. Once harvested, Flax is processed into Linen Thread at a Spinning Wheel, which requires Fine Wood and Iron. Ensure your base is well-defended, as Fulings may attack while you are farming or crafting.\n\nTo maximize your efficiency, consider setting up a forward base in the Plains biome near Fuling camps. This allows you to farm Black Metal Scraps and Flax without traveling long distances. Use portals to connect your Plains base to your main base for easy resource transport. Additionally, always carry a backup weapon and shield, as Fulings can quickly deplete your health if you are caught off guard.\n\nIn summary, crafting and upgrading Black Metal weapons requires careful preparation and resource management. Focus on farming Black Metal Scraps from Fulings, growing Flax in the Plains, and upgrading your Forge to handle higher-tier crafting. With these steps, you can create powerful weapons to conquer the Plains and beyond. Remember to stay vigilant and adapt your strategies to overcome the challenges of this dangerous biome.