What’s the best early-game weapon for speedrunning Valheim?

When speedrunning Valheim, the best early-game weapon is the Flint Spear. This weapon is highly effective due to its low crafting requirements, fast attack speed, and versatility in combat. To craft the Flint Spear, you need 6 Flint and 5 Wood. Flint can be found along riverbanks and shorelines in the Meadows biome, while Wood is easily gathered from trees. The Flint Spear is ideal for speedrunning because it allows you to quickly dispatch enemies and wildlife without spending too much time gathering resources.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, prioritize gathering Flint as soon as you spawn. Head to the nearest water source and search for small, shiny stones along the ground. Flint is abundant in these areas, and you can collect enough for the spear in just a few minutes. Once you have the required materials, craft the Flint Spear at a Workbench. If you don’t have a Workbench yet, gather 10 Wood to build one. Place the Workbench near your spawn point or in a central location for easy access.\n\nThe Flint Spear’s fast attack speed makes it ideal for dealing with early-game threats like Greylings, Boars, and Necks. Its reach also allows you to attack enemies from a safe distance, reducing the risk of taking damage. For speedrunning, minimizing downtime is crucial, and the Flint Spear helps you stay mobile and efficient. Additionally, the spear’s light weight ensures you won’t be slowed down by heavy equipment, allowing you to move quickly between objectives.\n\nOne common challenge in speedrunning is dealing with Eikthyr, the first boss. The Flint Spear is surprisingly effective against Eikthyr due to its speed and range. To prepare for the fight, gather enough Flint to craft multiple spears in case one breaks. Use the spear’s secondary attack (right-click) to throw it at Eikthyr, dealing significant damage from a distance. This strategy minimizes the risk of taking damage while maximizing your DPS. After the fight, retrieve your spear to avoid wasting resources.\n\nAnother advantage of the Flint Spear is its compatibility with early-game armor. Since speedrunning focuses on efficiency, you likely won’t have time to craft heavy armor sets. Instead, pair the Flint Spear with basic Leather Armor or even no armor at all to maintain maximum mobility. This setup allows you to quickly traverse the Meadows and Black Forest biomes, which are essential for progressing through the game.\n\nFor experienced players, the Flint Spear can also be used to farm resources quickly. For example, its fast attack speed makes it ideal for hunting Boars and Deer, providing a steady supply of Leather Scraps and Raw Meat. These resources are essential for crafting better gear and food, which are critical for surviving tougher biomes later in the game. By focusing on efficiency and resource management, you can maintain a steady pace throughout your speedrun.\n\nIn summary, the Flint Spear is the best early-game weapon for speedrunning Valheim due to its low crafting requirements, fast attack speed, and versatility. Prioritize gathering Flint and Wood as soon as you spawn, and craft the spear at a Workbench. Use it to quickly dispatch enemies, hunt wildlife, and defeat Eikthyr with minimal downtime. Pair it with light or no armor to maintain mobility, and focus on efficient resource gathering to stay ahead of the game’s challenges. With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to complete your speedrun successfully.