How do you build a functional cooking station inside your shelter?

Building a functional cooking station inside your shelter in Valheim is essential for survival, as it allows you to cook raw food into more nutritious meals. To start, you need to craft a Campfire, which is the foundation for any cooking setup. Gather 5 Stone and 2 Wood from the Meadows biome, as these are the basic resources required. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (default key: Tab) and select the Campfire. Place it on the ground inside your shelter, ensuring it is on a flat surface and not too close to flammable structures like wooden walls or roofs.\n\nNext, you need to build a Cooking Station to place over the Campfire. This requires 2 Wood, which can be obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Open the crafting menu again and select the Cooking Station. Place it directly on top of the Campfire. The Cooking Station allows you to cook raw meat, fish, and other food items, which are crucial for restoring health and stamina. Make sure the Campfire is lit (right-click with a torch or use Flint and Wood to ignite it) before attempting to cook.\n\nOne common challenge is smoke buildup inside your shelter, which can cause damage to your character over time. To avoid this, ensure proper ventilation by leaving gaps in your roof or walls. Alternatively, you can build a chimney by stacking vertical wooden beams or walls to direct the smoke outside. This not only prevents health damage but also adds a realistic touch to your shelter design. If you''re in a hurry, you can also place the Campfire and Cooking Station near the entrance of your shelter, where smoke can escape more easily.\n\nTo cook food, interact with the Cooking Station and place raw ingredients like Raw Meat, Neck Tails, or Fish in the slots. Each item takes a few seconds to cook, and you must monitor it closely to avoid burning. Burnt food is less effective and can only be used as fuel for the Campfire. To maximize efficiency, consider building multiple Cooking Stations if you have a large supply of raw food. This allows you to cook multiple items simultaneously, saving time and ensuring you always have a steady supply of cooked meals.\n\nFor advanced players, upgrading to a Cauldron is a great way to expand your cooking options. The Cauldron requires 10 Tin, which is found in the Black Forest biome, and can be crafted at a Forge. It allows you to create more complex recipes like Sausages, Blood Pudding, and Turnip Stew, which provide better health and stamina bonuses. Place the Cauldron near your Campfire and Cooking Station for a complete kitchen setup. Remember to stockpile ingredients like Thistle, Carrots, and Honey, as these are often required for advanced recipes.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your Campfire''s fuel. It consumes Wood over time, so make sure to refill it regularly. If you''re planning to leave your shelter for extended periods, consider building a second Campfire outside as a backup. This ensures you always have a way to cook food, even if your primary station runs out of fuel. By following these steps, you can create a functional and efficient cooking station inside your shelter, ensuring your Viking survives and thrives in the harsh world of Valheim.