How do you craft a Black Metal Axe and what materials are needed?

The Black Metal Axe is one of the most powerful tools and weapons in Valheim, offering high damage and efficiency for both combat and resource gathering. To craft this advanced item, you must first progress through the game and unlock the necessary materials and crafting station. The Black Metal Axe requires a Forge, which is a mid-to-late-game crafting station, and specific materials that are only obtainable in certain biomes.\n\nTo begin crafting the Black Metal Axe, you need to gather the following materials: 6 Fine Wood, 20 Black Metal, and 5 Linen Thread. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes using a Bronze Axe or better. Black Metal is a rare resource dropped by Fulings, hostile creatures found in the Plains biome. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which is also found in the Plains biome and requires a Spinning Wheel to process.\n\nBefore you can craft the Black Metal Axe, you must first build a Forge. The Forge requires 4 Stone, 4 Coal, 10 Wood, and 6 Copper. Once the Forge is constructed, you can upgrade it using additional materials like an Anvil, Tool Shelf, and Bellows to unlock higher-tier crafting options. Ensure your Forge is fully upgraded to level 4, as this is required to craft the Black Metal Axe.\n\nTo obtain Black Metal, you must venture into the Plains biome, which is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. Fulings, the primary source of Black Metal, are aggressive and often travel in groups. Equip yourself with strong armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and a reliable weapon like a Silver Sword or Frostner to handle these enemies. Fuling Berserkers and Fuling Shamans are particularly challenging, so approach them with caution and use terrain to your advantage.\n\nOnce you have gathered all the materials, return to your Forge and open the crafting menu. Navigate to the weapons tab and select the Black Metal Axe. If you have all the required materials, you can craft it immediately. The Black Metal Axe has a base damage of 95 and is highly effective against both enemies and trees, making it a versatile tool for late-game exploration and resource gathering.\n\nA common challenge players face is surviving in the Plains biome while farming Black Metal. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the Plains biome with a portal for quick access. This allows you to retreat to safety if overwhelmed. Additionally, use food items like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding to maximize your health and stamina during combat.\n\nIn summary, crafting the Black Metal Axe requires careful preparation, exploration of dangerous biomes, and efficient resource management. By following these steps and utilizing strategic gameplay, you can unlock one of the most powerful tools in Valheim and enhance your Viking survival experience.