How do you craft and use the Frostner effectively in the Ashlands?

The Frostner is one of the most powerful weapons in Valheim, combining frost, spirit, and blunt damage, making it highly effective in the Ashlands biome. To craft the Frostner, you will need to gather specific materials: 10 Ancient Bark, 30 Silver, 5 Ymir Flesh, and 5 Freeze Glands. Ancient Bark is obtained from Ancient Trees in the Swamp biome, Silver is mined in the Mountains biome, Ymir Flesh is purchased from Haldor the merchant in the Black Forest, and Freeze Glands are dropped by Drakes in the Mountains.\n\nOnce crafted, the Frostner excels in the Ashlands due to its unique damage types. The Ashlands is home to Surtlings, fire-based enemies that are weak to frost damage. The Frostner''s frost damage slows enemies, reducing their movement and attack speed, while its spirit damage is effective against undead enemies like Surtlings. The blunt damage is also useful against heavily armored foes, making it a versatile weapon for this biome.\n\nTo use the Frostner effectively, prioritize upgrading it at a Forge. Upgrading increases its damage and durability, which is crucial for surviving the Ashlands'' harsh environment. Pair the Frostner with a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield, to block incoming fire attacks from Surtlings. This combination allows you to stagger enemies with the Frostner''s special attack while maintaining defense.\n\nWhen exploring the Ashlands, always carry healing items like Cooked Lox Meat or Blood Pudding, as the biome''s heat and enemy attacks can quickly deplete your health. Additionally, wear fire-resistant armor, such as the Fenris Set, to mitigate fire damage. The Frostner''s frost effect can also help you manage groups of enemies by slowing them down, giving you time to reposition or heal.\n\nA common challenge in the Ashlands is dealing with large groups of Surtlings. To handle this, use the Frostner''s area-of-effect (AoE) damage from its secondary attack. This attack creates a frost explosion, dealing damage and slowing multiple enemies at once. Combine this with kiting tactics—luring enemies into a tight group before unleashing the AoE attack—to maximize efficiency.\n\nFor new players, it''s important to note that the Frostner requires a level 3 Forge to craft and upgrade. Ensure your Forge is fully upgraded with a Forge Cooler, Bellows, and Tool Shelf to unlock its full potential. Experienced players can further optimize their Frostner usage by pairing it with mead buffs like Frost Resistance Mead, which reduces frost damage taken, and Fire Resistance Mead, which is essential for surviving the Ashlands'' heat.\n\nIn summary, the Frostner is a must-have weapon for the Ashlands due to its frost and spirit damage, which counter the biome''s fire-based enemies. Crafting and upgrading it requires resources from multiple biomes, so plan your expeditions accordingly. Use its AoE attack to manage groups, pair it with a strong shield, and wear fire-resistant armor to maximize survivability. With these strategies, the Frostner will become your go-to weapon for conquering the Ashlands.\n\nPractical Tip: Always carry a portal kit when exploring the Ashlands. This allows you to quickly return to your base for repairs or resupplies, ensuring you can maintain your Frostner''s durability and effectiveness in this challenging biome.