What is the best way to gather black metal scrap in the Plains?

Gathering black metal scrap in the Plains biome is essential for crafting high-tier gear and weapons in Valheim. Black metal scrap is primarily obtained by defeating Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that inhabit the Plains. These aggressive creatures are tough to handle, so preparation is key. To maximize your efficiency and safety, you’ll need the right gear, strategy, and understanding of the biome’s mechanics.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-equipped before venturing into the Plains. Black metal scrap is a late-game resource, so you should already have access to padded armor or wolf armor, a strong shield like the black metal shield, and a powerful weapon such as the black metal sword or atgeir. Additionally, bring healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads, as Fulings can deal significant damage and some may throw poison spears. A fully upgraded bow and arrows, such as obsidian or needle arrows, are also useful for ranged combat.\n\nWhen entering the Plains, look for Fuling villages or camps. These are the most reliable sources of black metal scrap, as they contain multiple Fulings and sometimes Fuling Berserkers or Shamans. Approach cautiously, as Fulings are highly aggressive and will swarm you if alerted. Use the terrain to your advantage by luring them into narrow spaces or behind obstacles to fight them one at a time. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safer area and use your bow to pick them off from a distance.\n\nFuling Berserkers and Shamans drop more black metal scrap than regular Fulings, so prioritize taking them down first. Berserkers are melee-focused and deal heavy damage, so block or parry their attacks with your shield. Shamans, on the other hand, can heal other Fulings and summon fire attacks, making them a high-priority target. Use your bow to eliminate Shamans quickly before focusing on the rest of the group.\n\nAnother effective method for gathering black metal scrap is to hunt Lox in the Plains. While Lox do not drop black metal scrap directly, they provide Lox meat and pelts, which are valuable for crafting and trading. Additionally, Lox can be tamed and used as mounts or allies to help you fight Fulings. Taming Lox requires cloudberries, which are abundant in the Plains, and a secure enclosure to prevent them from wandering off or being attacked.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to avoid the Plains until you’ve progressed through earlier biomes and acquired strong gear. Attempting to gather black metal scrap without proper preparation can lead to quick deaths and frustration. Focus on upgrading your gear in the Swamp and Mountain biomes first, as these areas provide the materials needed to craft the equipment required for Plains exploration.\n\nFinally, consider building a small outpost near the Plains for respawn and storage purposes. This allows you to recover quickly if you die and provides a safe place to store your loot. Use workbenches and campfires to create a small base, and consider building a portal to connect it to your main base for easy access.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather black metal scrap in the Plains is to hunt Fulings in their villages or camps while using the right gear and strategies. Prioritize taking down Berserkers and Shamans, use the terrain to your advantage, and always be prepared with healing and stamina items. With proper preparation and tactics, you’ll efficiently gather black metal scrap and progress further in Valheim.