What’s the fastest way to gather enough stone for large builds?

Gathering stone efficiently in Valheim is essential for large builds, as stone is one of the most versatile and abundant resources in the game. To maximize your stone collection, you need to understand the game mechanics, prioritize specific biomes, and use the right tools and strategies. Stone can be found in various forms, including loose rocks, boulders, and mining deposits, and each source requires a different approach.\n\nFirst, equip yourself with the right tools. A pickaxe is essential for mining stone from boulders and deposits. The Antler Pickaxe, crafted from Hard Antlers dropped by the first boss, Eikthyr, is the earliest available option. Later, upgrade to a Bronze Pickaxe or Iron Pickaxe for faster mining. Additionally, carry a Hammer to break down structures or rocks in your base area, as this can yield stone without requiring a pickaxe.\n\nFocus on biomes rich in stone resources. The Meadows biome is a great starting point, as it contains loose rocks and small boulders scattered across the landscape. These can be mined quickly with a pickaxe. However, for larger quantities, head to the Black Forest biome. This biome is filled with large boulders and stone towers, which yield significantly more stone per node. Be cautious of Greydwarfs and Trolls, as they can interrupt your mining efforts.\n\nAnother efficient method is to mine stone from the Mountains biome. Silver deposits and Obsidian nodes also drop stone as a byproduct, making this biome a dual-purpose resource hub. However, the Mountains are dangerous due to freezing temperatures and hostile creatures like Wolves and Draugr. Prepare with Frost Resistance Mead and strong armor before venturing here.\n\nFor a more passive approach, consider using a Stone Golem farm. Stone Golems, found in the Mountains biome, drop a substantial amount of stone when defeated. Lure them into a trap or use a powerful weapon like the Iron Mace to take them down efficiently. This method is ideal for experienced players who can handle the biome''s challenges.\n\nTo optimize your stone gathering, use a cart or portal system. A cart allows you to transport large quantities of stone back to your base, while portals enable quick trips to deposit resources and return to mining. Place a portal near your mining site and another at your base to save time. If you''re mining in the Black Forest, consider building a small outpost with a workbench and chests to store stone temporarily.\n\nFinally, recycle unused structures or terrain. If you have old buildings or walls made of stone, dismantle them with a Hammer to reclaim the materials. Additionally, flattening terrain with a Hoe can yield stone as a byproduct, making it a useful method for gathering resources while preparing land for construction.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather stone for large builds involves using the right tools, targeting resource-rich biomes like the Black Forest and Mountains, and employing efficient transportation methods. By combining active mining with passive strategies like recycling and farming Stone Golems, you can amass large quantities of stone quickly and effectively.