What’s the best way to farm surtling cores for portals and smelters?

Farming Surtling Cores in Valheim is essential for crafting portals, smelters, and other advanced equipment. These cores are primarily found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands and Swamp biomes. For speedrunning, the most efficient method is to focus on Burial Chambers early in the game, as they provide a reliable source of cores without requiring advanced gear or preparation.\n\nTo begin, equip yourself with basic tools like a Flint Axe and a Club, as well as a Wood Shield for defense. Food such as Cooked Meat, Raspberries, and Honey will help sustain your health and stamina during exploration. Head to the Black Forest biome, identifiable by its dense pine trees and rocky terrain. Look for Burial Chambers, which are stone structures with green torches outside. These are your primary targets for Surtling Core farming.\n\nInside Burial Chambers, you’ll encounter Skeletons and Ghosts, which can be dangerous if unprepared. Use your Club to deal blunt damage, which is effective against Skeletons. Clear each room carefully, and look for chests and Surtling Core spawns. Each Burial Chamber typically contains 3-6 cores, but this can vary. Be thorough in your exploration, as some cores may be hidden in side rooms or behind breakable walls.\n\nFor experienced players or those with better gear, farming Surtlings in the Swamp biome is another viable option. Surtlings are fire-based enemies that spawn near Fire Geysers, which are small flaming pits. These enemies drop Surtling Cores when killed, and Fire Geysers can be manipulated to create efficient farming spots. To do this, dig around the Fire Geyser using a Pickaxe to lower the terrain, causing Surtlings to spawn in water. This instantly kills them, allowing you to collect cores without combat.\n\nAnother advanced method involves venturing into the Ashlands biome, where Surtlings spawn naturally. However, this biome is dangerous and requires strong gear, such as Iron or Silver-tier equipment, to survive. If you’re speedrunning, it’s better to stick to Burial Chambers and Swamp farming until you’re adequately prepared for the Ashlands.\n\nCommon challenges include running out of stamina or health while exploring Burial Chambers or being overwhelmed by enemies in the Swamp. To mitigate these issues, always bring plenty of food and healing items. For stamina management, avoid sprinting unnecessarily and use rested buffs by sitting near a campfire before entering dungeons. In the Swamp, wear Poison Resistance Mead to counter the deadly Poison effect from Blobs and Leeches.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, consider building a portal near your farming location. This allows you to quickly return to your base to deposit cores and restock supplies. Crafting a Karve or Longship can also help you explore multiple Black Forest or Swamp areas faster, increasing your chances of finding more cores.\n\nIn summary, the best way to farm Surtling Cores for speedrunning is to focus on Burial Chambers in the Black Forest early on, then transition to Swamp Fire Geysers once you have better gear. Always prepare with food, healing items, and proper equipment to handle the challenges of each biome. With these strategies, you’ll gather enough cores for portals and smelters in no time.