How do I efficiently mine silver in the Mountains?

Mining silver in Valheim''s Mountains biome is a crucial step for crafting high-tier gear, but it requires preparation and strategy. Silver veins are hidden underground and can only be detected using the Wishbone, an item dropped by Bonemass, the third boss. Before heading to the Mountains, ensure you have Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor to survive the freezing temperatures. Bring a pickaxe (preferably iron or better) and a strong weapon to deal with Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems.\n\nTo locate silver, equip the Wishbone and explore the Mountains biome. The Wishbone will emit a pulsing sound and green particle effects when you are near a silver vein. The closer you get, the faster the pulses and brighter the particles. Once you pinpoint the location, start digging. Silver veins are often buried deep, so be prepared to dig a large hole or tunnel. Use the terrain to your advantage by mining downhill to avoid collapsing the ground above you.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with enemies while mining. Drakes and Wolves are aggressive and can overwhelm you if unprepared. To mitigate this, build a small outpost nearby with a workbench, fire, and portal for quick escapes. This allows you to recover health and stamina without traveling far. Additionally, bring a shield and melee weapon to block and counterattack enemies. For Stone Golems, use a pickaxe to exploit their weakness to blunt damage.\n\nEfficiency is key when mining silver. Use the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to detect silver veins without the Wishbone. These weapons create shockwaves that reveal hidden silver by displaying a ''Too Hard'' message when struck above a vein. This method saves time and resources, especially if you haven''t defeated Bonemass yet. Once you locate a vein, mine in a spiral pattern to maximize yield and minimize wasted effort.\n\nAfter mining, transport the silver ore back to your base. Silver is heavy, so use a cart or portal to avoid multiple trips. If you don''t have a portal, consider building a temporary one near your mining site. Smelt the ore in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and Surtling Cores. Silver is used to craft powerful items like the Draugr Fang bow, Frostner mace, and Wolf Armor, making it a valuable resource for mid-to-late game progression.\n\nPractical tips for efficient silver mining include bringing a Hoe to level the ground for easier navigation and mining. Always carry extra Frost Resistance Mead in case your buff runs out. If you encounter a Stone Golem, lure it away from your mining site to avoid interruptions. Finally, mark silver vein locations on your map to revisit them later. With these strategies, you can efficiently mine silver and strengthen your Viking for the challenges ahead.