What’s the best way to farm copper and tin for bronze upgrades?
Farming copper and tin in Valheim is essential for crafting bronze, which is used for mid-game tools, weapons, and armor upgrades. Both resources are found in specific biomes and require specific tools to mine. Copper is found in the Black Forest biome, while tin is found along the shores of the same biome. To efficiently farm these resources, you’ll need a pickaxe, a cart or boat for transportation, and a solid plan to maximize your efforts.\n\nTo start, you’ll need to craft an Antler Pickaxe, which requires 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler from defeating Eikthyr, the first boss. Once you have the pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome. Copper deposits are large, dark rocks with greenish veins, often partially buried underground. Use your pickaxe to mine them, but be prepared for a lengthy process as each deposit yields a significant amount of copper ore. A single deposit can provide 30-50 copper ore, so prioritize clearing out entire deposits to save time.\n\nTin, on the other hand, is found along the edges of rivers, lakes, and coastlines in the Black Forest. It appears as small, shiny rocks that are easier to spot during the day. Each tin deposit yields 4-6 tin ore, so you’ll need to gather multiple deposits to accumulate enough for crafting. Unlike copper, tin deposits are quicker to mine, making them a good starting point if you’re low on stamina or time.\n\nTransporting large amounts of copper and tin can be challenging due to their weight. To solve this, craft a Cart, which requires 20 Bronze Nails, 10 Wood, and 20 Leather Scraps. The Cart allows you to carry heavy loads over land, but be cautious of uneven terrain and enemies. Alternatively, if you’re near water, use a Karve or Longship to transport ore more efficiently. Boats are faster and safer for long-distance travel, especially when moving between biomes.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough copper and tin, smelt them into bars using a Smelter. A Smelter requires 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which can be found in Burial Chambers or near Fire Geysers in the Swamp biome. Place the Smelter near your base and fuel it with Coal, which can be obtained by burning Wood in a Charcoal Kiln. Combine 2 Copper Bars and 1 Tin Bar at a Forge to create Bronze, which is used for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and armor.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with enemies while mining. The Black Forest is home to Greydwarfs, Trolls, and Skeletons, which can interrupt your mining. To mitigate this, bring a shield and weapon for defense, and consider building a small outpost near mining sites with a Campfire and Workbench. This allows you to repair tools and rest for stamina regeneration. Additionally, mining at night increases the risk of enemy encounters, so plan your trips during the day.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up a portal network to streamline resource transportation. Portals require 20 Fine Wood, 10 Greydwarf Eyes, and 2 Surtling Cores, and they allow instant travel between two points. Place a portal near your mining site and another at your base to quickly transport ore without the need for carts or boats. This strategy is especially useful for long-term mining operations.\n\nIn summary, farming copper and tin requires preparation, efficient transportation, and defense strategies. Focus on clearing entire deposits, use carts or boats for heavy loads, and build portals for quick travel. With these tips, you’ll have a steady supply of bronze for all your crafting needs.