What is the fastest way to gather wood for early-game crafting in Valheim?

Gathering wood quickly in Valheim''s early game is essential for crafting tools, building shelters, and progressing efficiently. The fastest way to gather wood involves optimizing your tools, understanding game mechanics, and targeting specific biomes. Start by crafting a Flint Axe as soon as possible, as it is the first tool capable of chopping down trees. To craft it, you''ll need 4 Flint and 6 Wood. Flint can be found along riverbanks or shorelines in the Meadows biome, while Wood is obtained by picking up sticks or punching small trees.\n\nOnce you have your Flint Axe, focus on chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows biome. These trees yield more wood compared to smaller trees or bushes. Birch trees are particularly efficient as they drop 20-25 Wood per tree. However, they require a Bronze Axe to chop, so prioritize upgrading your tools if you plan to farm Birch trees later. For early-game speedrunning, stick to smaller trees like Beech trees, which drop 6-10 Wood each and are easy to chop with a Flint Axe.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, position yourself so that falling trees knock down nearby trees. This technique, called ''tree dominoes,'' allows you to gather wood faster by letting the environment do some of the work. Aim to chop trees in clusters, and always be mindful of where the tree will fall to avoid taking damage or wasting time repositioning. Additionally, avoid chopping trees near your base or important structures, as falling trees can cause unintended damage.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer that can knock down multiple trees at once. While it requires 20 Core Wood, 5 Deer Trophies, and 2 Leather Scraps to craft, it can significantly speed up wood gathering in the Black Forest biome. Core Wood is obtained by chopping Pine trees, which are abundant in the Black Forest. This method is more advanced but highly efficient for mid-game wood farming.\n\nFor new players, prioritize gathering Wood and Flint in the Meadows biome before venturing into more dangerous areas. Always carry a Workbench with you to repair your tools on the go, as tools degrade with use. If you encounter Greylings or Greydwarves while gathering wood, use your axe to defend yourself or create a temporary shelter to regroup. Remember, speedrunning requires balancing efficiency with safety.\n\nFinally, consider building a Cart to transport large amounts of wood back to your base. Carts require 20 Wood and 10 Bronze Nails to craft, making them a mid-game solution for bulk wood transportation. For early-game players, simply carry as much wood as your inventory allows and make multiple trips if necessary. By following these strategies, you can gather wood quickly and efficiently, setting yourself up for success in Valheim''s early game.