What are the best ways to farm Black Metal for advanced ship upgrades?

Farming Black Metal in Valheim is essential for crafting advanced ship upgrades, such as the Longship, which is crucial for exploring the Ocean biome and beyond. Black Metal is primarily obtained by defeating Fuling enemies in the Plains biome. These aggressive humanoid creatures are tough, so preparation is key. To farm Black Metal efficiently, you’ll need to gear up with high-tier weapons, armor, and food buffs, as well as develop a strategy for taking on Fuling camps.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right equipment. Black Metal farming requires you to survive in the Plains biome, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. Equip yourself with Wolf Armor or Padded Armor for maximum protection. Weapons like the Blackmetal Sword, Atgeir, or Frostner are highly effective against Fulings. Additionally, bring a Draugr Fang bow and plenty of arrows for ranged combat. Food buffs like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding will provide the health and stamina needed to endure prolonged battles.\n\nNext, locate Fuling camps in the Plains biome. These camps are easily identifiable by their wooden palisades, totems, and large bonfires. Fulings often patrol the area, and some camps may also contain Fuling Berserkers or Shamans, which are more dangerous. Approach cautiously and scout the area to avoid being overwhelmed. Use your bow to pick off stragglers or lure enemies away from the group. This tactic reduces the risk of facing multiple Fulings at once.\n\nOnce you’ve cleared a Fuling camp, loot the bodies for Black Metal Scraps. Each Fuling drops 1-2 scraps, and Berserkers can drop up to 5. Shamans, while not dropping Black Metal, can still pose a threat with their fireball attacks. After collecting the scraps, return to your base and smelt them in a Blast Furnace. Black Metal Scraps are smelted into Black Metal, which is used for crafting advanced gear and ship upgrades.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with large groups of Fulings or unexpected Berserkers. To mitigate this, always carry healing meads and stamina meads. Use the terrain to your advantage by kiting enemies around rocks or trees. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area and regroup. Building a small outpost near the Plains biome with a portal can also save time and resources, allowing you to quickly return to your base for repairs or restocking.\n\nFor experienced players, farming Black Metal can be optimized by using a Lox mount to traverse the Plains biome quickly. Loxes can also assist in combat, making it easier to take down Fuling groups. Additionally, consider setting up a dedicated Black Metal farming route by marking Fuling camps on your map. This ensures you can revisit these locations after they respawn.\n\nIn summary, farming Black Metal requires preparation, strategy, and patience. Equip yourself with the best gear, scout Fuling camps carefully, and use ranged attacks to thin out enemy numbers. Always be ready to adapt to unexpected challenges, and consider building a nearby outpost for convenience. With these tips, you’ll efficiently gather Black Metal and craft the advanced ship upgrades needed for your oceanic adventures.