What’s the fastest way to gather chitin for the harpoon?

Gathering chitin for the harpoon in Valheim is a critical step for speedrunning, as the harpoon is a versatile tool for both combat and resource management. Chitin is exclusively obtained from the Leviathans, massive sea creatures found in the Ocean biome. These creatures are stationary but will submerge if you mine their barnacles, so preparation and strategy are key to efficiently collecting chitin.\n\nTo begin, you’ll need a Karve or Longship to traverse the Ocean biome. The Karve is faster to craft and requires only 30 Fine Wood, 10 Deer Hide, 20 Resin, and 80 Bronze Nails. However, the Longship is more durable and has greater storage capacity, making it ideal for longer expeditions. Ensure you have a Pickaxe, as this is the only tool that can harvest chitin from Leviathans. A Bronze Pickaxe is sufficient, but an Iron Pickaxe will speed up the process.\n\nLeviathans are rare and spawn randomly in the Ocean biome, so you’ll need to explore extensively. Look for large, turtle-like creatures with glowing barnacles on their backs. Once you spot one, approach carefully and anchor your boat nearby. Be cautious of Serpents, hostile sea creatures that can attack your boat. If you encounter a Serpent, use a bow or harpoon to fend it off before proceeding.\n\nWhen you’re ready to harvest, jump onto the Leviathan’s back and start mining the barnacles with your Pickaxe. Each barnacle yields 3-4 chitin, but the Leviathan will begin to submerge after a few hits. To maximize your yield, focus on mining one barnacle at a time and move quickly. If the Leviathan starts to submerge, jump back to your boat immediately to avoid falling into the ocean.\n\nA common challenge is the Leviathan’s submerging mechanic, which can cut your harvesting time short. To mitigate this, bring a friend to help mine barnacles simultaneously, doubling your efficiency. Alternatively, you can use the harpoon to anchor yourself to the Leviathan, preventing you from falling off as it submerges. This requires precise timing and practice but can significantly increase your chitin yield.\n\nAnother tip is to mark Leviathan locations on your map. Since they respawn after a few in-game days, you can return to the same spots for additional chitin. This is especially useful for speedrunners who need to gather large quantities quickly. Additionally, stock up on Stamina-boosting foods like Honey, Carrot Soup, or Sausages to ensure you can mine efficiently without running out of energy.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the dangers of the Ocean biome. Bring a portal setup to quickly return to your base if needed, and keep spare materials for repairs in case your boat takes damage. With these strategies, you can gather chitin quickly and efficiently, ensuring you’re well-equipped for the challenges ahead in your Valheim speedrun.