How do you craft a Black Metal Shield and what makes it strong?

Crafting a Black Metal Shield in Valheim is a significant milestone for players looking to enhance their defensive capabilities. This shield is one of the strongest in the game, offering high block power and durability, making it ideal for late-game combat scenarios. To craft it, you’ll need to progress through the game’s biomes, gather rare materials, and unlock advanced crafting stations.\n\nFirst, you must acquire Black Metal, a resource exclusive to the Plains biome. Black Metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that inhabit this dangerous area. Fulings drop Black Metal Scraps, which can be smelted into Black Metal Bars at a Blast Furnace. The Plains biome is high-risk, so ensure you have strong armor, weapons, and food buffs before venturing in. A fully upgraded Iron Armor set and a powerful weapon like the Porcupine or Frostner are recommended for survival.\n\nNext, you’ll need Fine Wood and Linen Thread to craft the Black Metal Shield. Fine Wood is obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which grows in the Plains biome and can be processed at a Spinning Wheel. Flax is often found in Fuling villages, so be prepared to raid these settlements. Once you’ve gathered the necessary materials, you’ll need a Forge to craft the shield.\n\nThe Black Metal Shield requires 10 Fine Wood, 8 Black Metal Bars, and 5 Linen Thread. Ensure your Forge is upgraded to at least level 3, as this is a high-tier item. The shield’s strength lies in its 90 block power, which reduces incoming damage significantly when blocking. It also has a parry bonus of 2x, allowing skilled players to stagger enemies and create openings for counterattacks. This makes it a versatile tool for both defense and offense.\n\nOne common challenge players face is surviving in the Plains biome to gather Black Metal and Flax. To mitigate this, always approach Fuling villages cautiously. Use a bow to pick off enemies from a distance, and avoid engaging large groups without a plan. Additionally, bring healing meads and stamina-boosting foods like Serpent Stew or Lox Meat Pie to sustain yourself during combat. Building a small outpost near the Plains can also help you respawn and restock supplies if needed.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize upgrading your Black Metal Shield at the Forge. Each upgrade increases its block power and durability, making it even more effective in battle. To upgrade, you’ll need additional Black Metal Bars and Fine Wood. This investment is well worth it, as a fully upgraded shield can block nearly all damage from even the toughest enemies, including Fuling Berserkers and Lox.\n\nIn summary, crafting a Black Metal Shield requires careful preparation, resource gathering, and combat skill. Focus on securing Black Metal Scraps, Flax, and Fine Wood while navigating the dangers of the Plains biome. Once crafted, this shield will serve as a reliable defense against Valheim’s most formidable foes. Pair it with strong armor and weapons to maximize your survivability and combat effectiveness in the late game.