What’s the best way to craft and upgrade the black metal axe in the Plains?

Crafting and upgrading the black metal axe in Valheim is a crucial step for players venturing into the Plains biome. The black metal axe is one of the strongest weapons in the game, offering high damage and durability, making it ideal for both combat and resource gathering. To craft and upgrade this powerful tool, you’ll need to gather specific resources, unlock the necessary crafting station, and follow a step-by-step process.\n\nFirst, you must unlock the black metal axe recipe by obtaining black metal scraps. These are dropped by Fulings, the aggressive goblin-like enemies found in the Plains biome. Fulings are dangerous, so ensure you’re well-equipped with armor, weapons, and food buffs before engaging them. Once you’ve collected enough black metal scraps, you’ll need to smelt them into black metal bars using a blast furnace. The blast furnace requires Artisan Table access, which is unlocked by defeating Moder, the fourth boss in the Mountain biome.\n\nTo craft the black metal axe, you’ll need 6 black metal bars, 20 fine wood, and 5 linen thread. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes. Linen thread is crafted from flax, which is grown in the Plains biome. Flax can only be harvested from Fuling villages, so be prepared for combat when gathering it. Once you’ve planted and harvested flax, process it into linen thread using a spinning wheel, which also requires Artisan Table access.\n\nAfter gathering all the materials, head to your forge to craft the black metal axe. The forge must be upgraded to at least level 2 to craft this weapon. Once crafted, you can upgrade the black metal axe to increase its damage and durability. Upgrading requires additional black metal bars and fine wood, with each level requiring more resources. For example, upgrading to level 2 requires 2 black metal bars and 5 fine wood, while level 4 requires 8 black metal bars and 10 fine wood.\n\nOne common challenge players face is surviving in the Plains biome while gathering resources. Fulings are fast, deal high damage, and often attack in groups. To mitigate this, always scout Fuling villages from a distance and plan your approach. Use ranged weapons like the Draugr Fang bow to pick off enemies from afar before engaging in melee combat. Additionally, bring healing meads and stamina-boosting foods like serpent stew or bread to sustain yourself during fights.\n\nAnother tip is to build a small outpost near the Plains biome to store resources and respawn if needed. This outpost should include a portal for quick travel back to your main base, as well as a workbench and forge for repairs and crafting. This setup ensures you can efficiently gather and process materials without risking long treks across dangerous terrain.\n\nFinally, always prioritize upgrading your gear before venturing into the Plains. The black metal axe is a powerful tool, but it’s only as effective as the Viking wielding it. Pair it with strong armor like the padded set, and consider using a shield for added defense. With proper preparation and strategy, crafting and upgrading the black metal axe will significantly enhance your survival and combat capabilities in Valheim’s late-game content.