How do you safely farm tar in the Plains without triggering Growths?

Farming tar in the Plains biome is a high-risk activity due to the presence of Growths, which are aggressive tar-like enemies that can quickly overwhelm unprepared players. To safely farm tar without triggering Growths, you need to understand their behavior, use the right tools, and employ strategic methods to minimize risk. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring you can gather tar efficiently while avoiding unnecessary danger.\n\nFirst, it’s essential to understand the mechanics of Growths. These enemies spawn near tar pits, which are large black pools found in the Plains. Growths are highly sensitive to movement and will aggro if you get too close or disturb the tar pit. They deal significant damage and can slow you with their tar attacks, making them particularly dangerous in a no-death run. To avoid triggering them, you must maintain distance and use ranged attacks or indirect methods to farm tar.\n\nOne of the safest ways to farm tar is by using a bow and arrows. Equip a high-quality bow, such as the Draugr Fang, and stock up on arrows. Position yourself on elevated terrain or behind natural barriers like rocks or trees, ensuring you have a clear line of sight to the tar pit. From this vantage point, shoot the tar blobs floating on the surface of the pit. Each blob will drop tar when destroyed, and you can collect it without getting close enough to aggro the Growths.\n\nAnother effective method is to use the Hoe tool to manipulate the terrain. By raising the ground around the tar pit, you can create a barrier that prevents Growths from reaching you. This requires a bit of preparation and resources, but it’s a reliable way to farm tar safely. Start by raising the ground on one side of the pit, creating a wall that blocks the Growths’ path. Then, use your bow to shoot the tar blobs from behind this barrier. This method works best in areas with multiple tar pits, as you can create a safe zone to farm from.\n\nIf you prefer a more hands-on approach, consider using the Atgeir weapon. The Atgeir’s secondary attack, a spin move, can destroy tar blobs quickly while keeping you mobile. However, this method requires you to get closer to the tar pit, increasing the risk of triggering Growths. To mitigate this, always have an escape route planned, such as a nearby portal or a cleared area where you can retreat if needed. Additionally, wearing high-tier armor like Padded Armor and consuming food that boosts stamina and health will improve your survivability.\n\nFor players who want to minimize risk entirely, consider farming tar during the night. Growths are less active at night, and you can use the cover of darkness to approach tar pits more safely. However, this method requires caution, as other Plains enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos are still active. Always scout the area during the day to identify safe routes and potential hazards before attempting nighttime farming.\n\nFinally, always prepare for the unexpected. Carry healing meads, stamina potions, and a backup weapon in case things go wrong. If you accidentally aggro a Growth, don’t panic. Use your bow to take it down from a distance or retreat to a safe area to regroup. Remember, patience and preparation are key to successfully farming tar in the Plains without triggering Growths.\n\nIn summary, safely farming tar in the Plains requires a combination of ranged attacks, terrain manipulation, and strategic planning. By using a bow, raising the ground, and staying alert, you can gather tar efficiently while minimizing the risk of encountering Growths. Always prioritize safety, especially in a no-death run, and adapt your strategy based on the situation. With these tips, you’ll be able to farm tar confidently and continue your Valheim adventure without unnecessary setbacks.