What are the best crafting stations to prioritize in a shared base?

In Valheim, crafting stations are essential for progressing through the game and ensuring your shared base is functional for all players. Prioritizing the right crafting stations can make a huge difference in efficiency and resource management. The key crafting stations to focus on in a shared base include the Workbench, Forge, Stonecutter, Fermenter, and Blast Furnace. Each station serves a unique purpose and unlocks critical recipes for survival and progression.\n\nStart with the Workbench, as it is the foundation for most early-game crafting. To build a Workbench, you need 10 Wood and a Hammer. Place it in a sheltered area, as it requires a roof and walls to function. The Workbench allows you to craft basic tools, weapons, and building components. Upgrading the Workbench with a Chopping Block and Tanning Rack will unlock higher-tier recipes, such as better bows and armor. Ensure the Workbench is accessible to all players in the shared base to avoid bottlenecks.\n\nNext, prioritize the Forge, which is crucial for metalworking. To build a Forge, you need 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. The Forge allows you to smelt metals like Copper and Bronze, craft advanced weapons, and repair tools. Place the Forge near a Smelter and Charcoal Kiln for efficient resource processing. Upgrading the Forge with tools like the Anvil and Forge Cooler will unlock even more recipes, such as Iron weapons and padded armor. In a shared base, ensure the Forge is centrally located to minimize travel time for all players.\n\nThe Stonecutter is another vital station for building durable structures. To craft a Stonecutter, you need 10 Wood, 2 Iron, and 4 Stone. This station unlocks stone building pieces, which are more resistant to damage than wood. Place the Stonecutter near your building materials to streamline construction. In a shared base, having a Stonecutter ensures that all players can contribute to fortifying the base against raids and environmental hazards.\n\nThe Fermenter is essential for brewing mead, which provides powerful buffs for combat and exploration. To build a Fermenter, you need 30 Fine Wood, 5 Bronze, and 10 Resin. Place it near a Cauldron, where you can prepare mead bases using ingredients like Honey, Thistle, and Berries. The Fermenter takes two in-game days to produce mead, so plan accordingly. In a shared base, having a Fermenter ensures that all players have access to healing potions and stamina boosts, which are critical for tackling tough biomes like the Swamp or Mountains.\n\nFinally, the Blast Furnace is a late-game crafting station that allows you to smelt Black Metal and Flametal. To build a Blast Furnace, you need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, and 5 Surtling Cores. This station is essential for crafting endgame gear like Black Metal weapons and armor. Place the Blast Furnace near your Forge and Smelter for efficient resource processing. In a shared base, this station ensures that all players can contribute to crafting high-tier equipment for tackling the Plains biome and beyond.\n\nTo optimize your shared base, consider organizing crafting stations into dedicated areas. For example, create a crafting hall with Workbenches, Forges, and Stonecutters, and a separate brewing area with Cauldrons and Fermenters. This setup minimizes clutter and ensures that all players can access the stations they need without interference. Additionally, assign roles to players, such as a dedicated blacksmith or builder, to streamline resource management and crafting.\n\nIn conclusion, prioritizing the Workbench, Forge, Stonecutter, Fermenter, and Blast Furnace in a shared base will ensure that your group can progress efficiently and tackle the challenges of Valheim together. By organizing your base and assigning roles, you can create a functional and collaborative environment for all players.