What’s the best way to monitor my weapon and armor durability?

Monitoring weapon and armor durability in Valheim is crucial for survival, as damaged gear can leave you vulnerable in combat or while exploring dangerous biomes. Durability is a core mechanic that determines how long your equipment lasts before needing repairs. Each weapon, shield, and armor piece has a durability bar that depletes with use. When durability reaches zero, the item becomes unusable until repaired. To avoid being caught off guard, you must actively track your gear''s condition.\n\nTo check durability, open your inventory by pressing Tab (default keybind). Hover over any equipped weapon, shield, or armor piece to see its current durability percentage. This percentage is displayed below the item''s stats. For example, a bronze sword might show 45/100 durability, meaning it has 45% of its maximum durability left. Regularly checking this value during or after combat ensures you''re always prepared for the next fight.\n\nRepairing your gear is simple and cost-effective. Visit a workbench, forge, or other crafting station depending on the item''s tier. For example, basic wooden weapons and armor can be repaired at a workbench, while bronze or iron gear requires a forge. Interact with the crafting station and click the hammer icon in the bottom-right corner of the menu. This repairs all eligible items in your inventory for free, as long as you have access to the required station. Always repair your gear before embarking on long expeditions to avoid mid-adventure breakdowns.\n\nCommon challenges include forgetting to repair gear or running out of durability in hostile biomes like the Swamp or Mountains. To mitigate this, carry backup weapons or materials to craft a temporary workbench or forge. For example, if you''re exploring the Swamp and your iron mace breaks, you can quickly build a workbench using 10 wood and repair it on the spot. This strategy is especially useful for long journeys or boss fights, where gear durability is tested to its limits.\n\nAdvanced players can optimize durability management by using higher-tier gear with better durability stats. For example, black metal weapons and padded armor have significantly higher durability than their bronze or iron counterparts. Additionally, consider using the Eikthyr power, which reduces stamina consumption, to minimize unnecessary weapon swings and preserve durability during exploration or farming.\n\nPractical tips for durability management include setting reminders to repair gear after every major encounter or biome exploration. Always carry a portal kit (10 fine wood, 20 greydwarf eyes, and 2 surtling cores) to quickly return to your base for repairs. Lastly, prioritize upgrading your crafting stations to unlock higher-tier gear with better durability, ensuring you''re always ready for Valheim''s toughest challenges.