How can you avoid wasting time while mining copper and tin?

Mining copper and tin efficiently in Valheim is crucial for speedrunning or optimizing your gameplay. These resources are essential for crafting bronze, which is a key material for mid-game progression. To avoid wasting time, you need to understand the game mechanics, plan your approach, and use the right tools and strategies.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the proper tools before heading out. A pickaxe is mandatory for mining, and the Antler Pickaxe is the earliest option, crafted from Hard Antlers dropped by Eikthyr. However, upgrading to a Bronze Pickaxe as soon as possible will significantly speed up mining. Additionally, bring a Hammer to repair your pickaxe on the go using a Workbench, which can be temporarily placed near mining sites. This prevents unnecessary trips back to your base.\n\nNext, scout the Black Forest biome thoroughly. Copper deposits are large, rocky outcrops that blend into the terrain, while tin appears as small, shiny nodes near water sources. Use the map to mark these locations as you explore. Tin is easier to spot due to its reflective surface, but copper requires a keen eye. Bringing a Cart or building a temporary storage chest nearby can help you manage inventory space, as both resources are heavy and can quickly fill your inventory.\n\nWhen mining copper, dig around the deposit first to expose its full size. Copper deposits extend deep underground, and mining from the top down can waste time. By digging around the edges, you can collapse the entire deposit at once, saving time and effort. For tin, simply mine the nodes directly, as they are small and quick to gather. Always mine during the day to avoid unnecessary combat with nighttime enemies like Greydwarfs or Trolls.\n\nTo further optimize your time, consider building a portal near your mining site. Portals require Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, which can be gathered early in the game. This allows you to quickly return to your base to smelt ore or repair tools without losing progress. Additionally, bring food like Cooked Meat or Carrot Soup to boost your stamina, as mining is stamina-intensive.\n\nFinally, prioritize upgrading your Forge and Smelter to process ore faster. Smelting copper and tin into bars takes time, so having multiple Smelters can speed up the process. Once you have enough bronze, craft better tools and weapons to make future mining trips even more efficient.\n\nBy following these strategies, you can minimize wasted time and maximize your resource gathering efficiency in Valheim. Whether you''re a new player or an experienced Viking, these tips will help you progress faster and enjoy the game more.