What is the fastest way to gather Ancient Bark for Longship crafting?

Gathering Ancient Bark for Longship crafting in Valheim requires a strategic approach, as it is a rare resource found in the Swamp biome. Ancient Bark is obtained by chopping down Ancient Trees, which are large, gnarled trees with dark bark. These trees are only found in the Swamp, making this biome essential for your Longship crafting journey. To efficiently gather Ancient Bark, you’ll need the right tools, preparation, and knowledge of the biome’s dangers.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a Bronze Axe or better, as Ancient Trees cannot be chopped with lower-tier tools. The Bronze Axe is crafted at a Forge using Bronze, which is made by combining Copper and Tin at a Smelter. If you’re new to the game, prioritize mining Copper and Tin in the Black Forest biome to craft this essential tool. Upgrading your axe to Iron or higher will speed up the process, but Bronze is the minimum requirement.\n\nBefore venturing into the Swamp, prepare for its hostile environment. The Swamp is filled with dangerous enemies like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs, as well as environmental hazards like constant rain and waterlogged terrain. Equip yourself with poison resistance mead, which is crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, and Neck Tails. This will protect you from poison damage, a common threat in the Swamp. Additionally, bring a strong weapon, a shield, and healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries to survive encounters.\n\nOnce you’re prepared, locate a Swamp biome. These are typically found near other biomes like the Black Forest or Meadows. Use a boat to explore coastlines, as Swamps are often near water. When you find a Swamp, look for Ancient Trees—they are tall, dark, and have a twisted appearance. Use your axe to chop them down, and each tree will yield 4-6 Ancient Bark. Be cautious while chopping, as the noise can attract nearby enemies.\n\nA common challenge is the Swamp’s waterlogged terrain, which slows movement and makes it harder to carry resources. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the Swamp. Use a Workbench to construct a basic shelter with a chest to store your Ancient Bark and other resources. This will save you multiple trips and reduce the risk of losing items if you die. Additionally, use a Cart to transport large amounts of Ancient Bark back to your main base.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using Portals to streamline the process. Build a Portal in your main base and another near the Swamp. This allows you to quickly travel between locations without carrying heavy resources. However, note that Ancient Bark cannot be transported through Portals, so you’ll still need to use a Cart or boat for final transport.\n\nFinally, maximize your efficiency by clearing the area of enemies before chopping trees. Use a bow to snipe Draugr or Blobs from a distance, and always keep an eye out for Leeches in the water. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate roles—one person can gather Ancient Bark while the others defend against enemies.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather Ancient Bark for Longship crafting involves preparation, the right tools, and strategic planning. Equip a Bronze Axe or better, prepare for the Swamp’s dangers, and consider building an outpost or using Portals to streamline the process. With these tips, you’ll efficiently gather Ancient Bark and craft your Longship in no time.