How do you gather wood in the Meadows biome without a workbench?

Gathering wood in the Meadows biome without a workbench is a fundamental skill in Valheim, especially for new players who have yet to craft their first workbench. The Meadows biome is the starting area, and wood is one of the most essential resources for crafting tools, building shelters, and progressing in the game. Without a workbench, you are limited to basic methods of gathering wood, but these methods are still highly effective and can help you get started on your Viking journey.\n\nTo gather wood without a workbench, you can use your fists or a basic tool like a stone axe. The most straightforward method is to punch trees, which will yield wood over time. While this method is slow and inefficient, it is a viable option if you have no tools. To punch a tree, simply approach it and press the left mouse button (or the corresponding button on your controller). Each punch will deal a small amount of damage to the tree, and after several hits, the tree will fall, dropping wood and sometimes seeds.\n\nA more efficient way to gather wood is by crafting a stone axe. To craft a stone axe, you need 5 wood and 4 stone. Wood can be gathered by punching small trees or picking up branches scattered on the ground in the Meadows biome. Stone can be found on the ground or by breaking small rocks with your fists. Once you have the required materials, open your inventory (press Tab) and craft the stone axe. Equip the stone axe and use it to chop down trees. This method is significantly faster than punching trees and allows you to gather wood more effectively.\n\nWhen chopping trees, be cautious of their falling direction. Trees can fall on you or nearby structures, causing damage. Always position yourself so that the tree falls away from you or into an open area. Additionally, chopping down multiple trees in the same area can create a domino effect, where one falling tree knocks down others nearby. This can be a quick way to gather large amounts of wood but requires careful planning to avoid accidents.\n\nAnother method to gather wood without a workbench is by breaking fallen logs or stumps. Fallen logs are often found in the Meadows biome and can be broken by punching them or using a stone axe. Stumps, which are the remains of previously chopped trees, can also be broken for wood. These methods are useful if you are low on stamina or want to conserve your tools'' durability.\n\nFor new players, it is important to prioritize gathering wood early in the game. Wood is used to craft essential items like the workbench, which unlocks more advanced crafting options. Once you have a workbench, you can craft better tools like the flint axe, which further increases your wood-gathering efficiency. However, even without a workbench, the stone axe is a reliable tool for gathering wood in the Meadows biome.\n\nIn summary, gathering wood in the Meadows biome without a workbench is achievable through punching trees, using a stone axe, or breaking fallen logs and stumps. While punching trees is slow, crafting a stone axe early on will significantly improve your efficiency. Always be mindful of tree-falling mechanics to avoid accidents, and prioritize gathering wood to progress in the game. With these tips, you will be well-equipped to gather wood and build your Viking empire in Valheim.