What’s the best way to craft and upgrade the porcupine mace?

The Porcupine mace is one of the most powerful weapons in Valheim, combining blunt and piercing damage, making it highly effective against a variety of enemies. To craft and upgrade the Porcupine, you’ll need to progress through the game’s biomes, gather rare materials, and unlock advanced crafting stations. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including how to overcome common challenges.\n\nFirst, you’ll need to unlock the Porcupine recipe by gathering its required materials: 5 Fine Wood, 20 Iron, 10 Needles, and 5 Linen Thread. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Iron is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome, which requires a Wishbone (dropped by Bonemass) or a lot of exploration to locate. Needles are dropped by Deathsquitos in the Plains biome, and Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which is also found in the Plains.\n\nTo gather Iron, you’ll need to venture into the Swamp biome, which is one of the most dangerous early-game areas. Bring poison resistance mead, a good shield, and a weapon like the Iron Mace to deal with Draugr and Blobs. Use a Bronze Pickaxe or better to mine Muddy Scrap Piles in Sunken Crypts. Once you’ve collected enough Iron, smelt it in a Blast Furnace, which requires Artisan Table access and materials like Surtling Cores and Stone.\n\nFor Needles, you’ll need to face Deathsquitos in the Plains biome. These enemies are fast and deadly, so bring a strong bow or a shield to block their attacks. Deathsquitos are most active during the day, so plan your trips accordingly. Linen Thread requires Flax, which grows in Fuling villages in the Plains. Harvest Flax using a Cultivator and plant it in your base to create a sustainable source. Process Flax into Linen Thread at a Spinning Wheel.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered all the materials, craft the Porcupine at a level 2 Forge. Upgrading the Porcupine requires additional Iron and Linen Thread, so stockpile these resources. Each upgrade increases the weapon’s damage and durability, making it even more effective in combat. To maximize its potential, pair the Porcupine with a strong shield and armor set like Padded Armor, which is also crafted using Iron and Linen Thread.\n\nA common challenge is surviving in the Plains biome, where Deathsquitos and Fulings pose a significant threat. To mitigate this, build a small outpost near the Plains border and use a portal to travel back to your main base for repairs and restocking. Always carry healing mead and stamina mead to stay alive during encounters. Additionally, consider bringing a friend for co-op play, as teamwork makes farming materials and fighting enemies much easier.\n\nIn summary, crafting and upgrading the Porcupine mace requires careful preparation and exploration. Focus on gathering Iron in the Swamp, farming Flax and Needles in the Plains, and upgrading your Forge to maximize the weapon’s potential. With the Porcupine in hand, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Valheim’s toughest challenges, including the Mistlands biome and beyond.