How do I prioritize upgrading my gear before entering the Plains?

Prioritizing gear upgrades before entering the Plains biome in Valheim is crucial for survival, as this biome is home to some of the most dangerous enemies, such as Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. The Plains biome is a late-game area, and entering it unprepared can lead to quick deaths and frustration. To ensure success, focus on upgrading your gear in a systematic way, starting with weapons, armor, and tools that will give you the best chance of survival.\n\nFirst, prioritize upgrading your armor. The best armor available before the Plains is the Wolf Armor set, which requires Silver from the Mountain biome. To craft Wolf Armor, you need to mine Silver using a Wishbone, which is obtained by defeating Bonemass in the Swamp biome. Once you have Silver, craft the Wolf Armor Chest, Legs, and Cape. Upgrade these pieces to at least level 3 to maximize your armor rating and frost resistance, which is essential for surviving the cold nights in the Plains.\n\nNext, focus on your weapons. The Blackmetal weapons, crafted from Blackmetal scrap dropped by Fulings in the Plains, are the strongest available. However, before entering the Plains, you should rely on weapons like the Draugr Fang bow (upgraded to level 4) and the Frostner mace. Frostner is particularly effective against Fulings due to its frost and spirit damage. To craft Frostner, you need Silver, Ymir Flesh (purchased from Haldor the merchant in the Black Forest), and Ancient Bark from the Swamp biome. Upgrade these weapons to their maximum level to deal significant damage to Plains enemies.\n\nYour shield is another critical piece of gear. The Blackmetal Shield is ideal, but if you haven’t entered the Plains yet, the Serpent Scale Shield or Silver Shield are excellent alternatives. The Serpent Scale Shield requires Serpent Scales, which are obtained by hunting Serpents in the Ocean biome. The Silver Shield, crafted from Silver and Fine Wood, provides strong blocking power and is a solid choice for early Plains exploration.\n\nDon’t forget about your food and potions. Plains enemies hit hard, so you’ll need high-health and high-stamina foods. Farm ingredients like Barley and Flax in the Plains (once you’ve secured a small area) to make Bread and Lox Meat Pie. Before that, rely on foods like Serpent Stew, Sausages, and Turnip Stew. Always carry health and stamina meads, as well as poison resistance meads for dealing with Deathsquitos and other threats.\n\nFinally, ensure your tools are upgraded. The Blackmetal Pickaxe and Axe are essential for gathering resources efficiently in the Plains. However, if you don’t have Blackmetal yet, the Iron Pickaxe and Axe will suffice for initial exploration. Upgrade your tools to at least level 3 to minimize downtime and maximize resource gathering.\n\nIn summary, prioritize upgrading your Wolf Armor, Frostner, Draugr Fang, and a strong shield before entering the Plains. Stock up on high-tier food and potions, and ensure your tools are upgraded for efficient resource gathering. By following these steps, you’ll be well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the Plains biome and progress further in Valheim.