What’s the optimal amount of coal required to smelt a full stack of ore?

In Valheim, smelting ore into bars is a critical step in progressing through the game, as it allows you to craft stronger weapons, armor, and tools. To smelt ore, you need a Charcoal Kiln or a Smelter, depending on the type of resource you''re processing. Coal is the primary fuel used in the Smelter, and understanding the optimal amount of coal required to smelt a full stack of ore is essential for efficient resource management.\n\nA full stack of ore in Valheim consists of 30 units. Each unit of ore requires 1 coal to smelt into a bar. This means that to smelt a full stack of 30 ore, you will need 30 coal. The Smelter can process one unit of ore every 15 seconds, so smelting a full stack takes approximately 7.5 minutes. This mechanic is consistent across all types of ore, including Copper, Tin, Iron, Silver, and Black Metal.\n\nTo gather coal, you have several options. The most common method is using a Charcoal Kiln, which converts wood into coal at a rate of 1 coal per 15 seconds. You can also obtain coal by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome or by looting chests in dungeons. For new players, the Charcoal Kiln is the most accessible and reliable source of coal, as it only requires 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores to craft.\n\nOne common challenge players face is balancing the production of coal with the demand for smelting. To optimize this, consider building multiple Charcoal Kilns and Smelters. For example, if you have two Charcoal Kilns and two Smelters, you can produce coal and smelt ore simultaneously, significantly reducing downtime. This setup is particularly useful when processing large quantities of ore, such as after a mining expedition in the Black Forest or Swamp biome.\n\nAnother practical tip is to prioritize the types of ore you smelt based on your current needs. For instance, if you''re preparing for a boss fight, focus on smelting Iron or Silver to craft better gear. If you''re building structures, prioritize Copper and Tin for crafting bronze. This approach ensures that your coal is used efficiently and aligns with your gameplay goals.\n\nFor experienced Vikings, consider automating coal production by placing Charcoal Kilns near a steady supply of wood. You can use a portal network to transport wood from your base to a dedicated coal production area. This strategy minimizes travel time and maximizes efficiency, especially when dealing with large-scale smelting operations.\n\nIn summary, smelting a full stack of 30 ore requires 30 coal, and understanding this ratio is key to efficient resource management. By using multiple Charcoal Kilns and Smelters, prioritizing ore types, and automating coal production, you can streamline the smelting process and focus on conquering Valheim''s challenges. Whether you''re a new player or a seasoned Viking, these tips will help you make the most of your resources and progress smoothly through the game.