What’s the fastest way to gather silver in the Mountains biome?

Gathering silver in the Mountains biome quickly requires preparation, knowledge of game mechanics, and efficient execution. Silver is a critical resource for crafting high-tier gear, but it is buried underground and requires specific tools and strategies to locate and extract. To begin, you must first reach the Mountains biome, which is a cold and dangerous area. Ensure you have Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor to survive the freezing temperatures. Additionally, bring a Pickaxe (preferably Iron or better) and a Wishbone, which is obtained by defeating Bonemass in the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce prepared, head to the Mountains biome and equip the Wishbone. The Wishbone emits a pulsing sound and green particle effects when you are near buried silver. Walk around the biome while listening for these cues. When the pulses become faster and the particles more intense, you are directly above a silver vein. Mark the location with a temporary marker to avoid losing it.\n\nTo mine the silver, dig down into the ground using your Pickaxe. Silver veins are large and often extend deep underground, so be prepared to dig extensively. One common challenge is dealing with the steep terrain of the Mountains biome. If the vein is on a slope, dig horizontally into the hill to create a stable mining area. This prevents rocks and debris from rolling down and obstructing your progress. Additionally, watch out for Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems, which are common threats in the Mountains. Clear the area of enemies before mining to avoid interruptions.\n\nAfter mining the silver, transport it back to your base. Silver is heavy, so consider using a Cart or Portal for efficient transportation. If you don’t have a Portal nearby, build a temporary one using the materials you carry. This saves time and reduces the risk of losing resources to enemies or environmental hazards. Once back at your base, smelt the silver in a Blast Furnace to create Silver Ingots, which are used for crafting powerful weapons, armor, and tools.\n\nFor speedrunning, prioritize efficiency and minimize downtime. Plan your route through the Mountains biome to cover as much ground as possible while searching for silver. Use the Wishbone’s range to your advantage by moving in a grid pattern. If you encounter multiple silver veins, mark them all and mine them in one trip to save time. Additionally, bring Stamina-boosting foods like Serpent Stew or Turnip Stew to maintain your energy levels during mining.\n\nA practical tip for new players is to team up with friends. One player can focus on mining while the other defends against enemies or transports resources. For experienced Vikings, consider using the Moder Power, which reduces stamina usage for running and jumping, to traverse the Mountains biome more quickly. Lastly, always carry extra Frost Resistance Mead and healing items to ensure your survival in this harsh environment.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather silver in the Mountains biome involves preparation, efficient use of the Wishbone, strategic mining, and safe transportation. By following these steps and adapting to the challenges of the biome, you can quickly amass the silver needed for advanced crafting and progression in Valheim.