What’s the best way to gather tar for base upgrades in the Plains biome?

Gathering tar in the Plains biome is essential for upgrading your base with dark wood structures and other advanced building materials. Tar is a valuable resource found in tar pits, which are large, bubbling pools of black liquid scattered across the Plains. These pits are guarded by Growths, hostile creatures that can deal significant damage if you’re unprepared. To efficiently gather tar, you’ll need to plan your approach carefully and equip yourself with the right tools and gear.\n\nFirst, ensure you’re adequately prepared before venturing into the Plains. This biome is one of the most dangerous in Valheim, home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. Wear upgraded armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and bring a strong weapon like a Blackmetal Sword or Frostner. A shield is also highly recommended to block attacks from Growths. Additionally, bring a pickaxe, as tar is harvested from tar nodes around the pits. A bow and arrows can help you deal with enemies from a distance.\n\nWhen you locate a tar pit, approach cautiously. Growths will emerge from the tar and attack if you get too close. These enemies are slow but deal heavy damage, so keep your distance and use ranged attacks to eliminate them. Once the area is clear, use your pickaxe to mine the tar nodes around the pit. Each node yields 4-6 tar, and you’ll need a significant amount for base upgrades, so gather as much as you can. Be mindful of your stamina, as mining and fighting can drain it quickly.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with multiple Growths or other Plains enemies while gathering tar. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost nearby with a portal for quick escapes and resupplies. You can also lure Growths away from the pit using ranged attacks, giving you time to mine tar safely. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your efforts—one player can distract enemies while the other gathers tar.\n\nTar is used to craft dark wood building pieces, such as dark wood beams, shingles, and decorative items. These materials give your base a sleek, polished look and are highly durable. To craft dark wood items, you’ll need both tar and fine wood, which can be obtained by chopping birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Plains. Combine these resources at a workbench to create your desired upgrades.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for gathering tar efficiently. Always scout the area around tar pits for nearby enemies before engaging. Use the terrain to your advantage—Growths can’t climb steep slopes, so position yourself on higher ground to avoid their attacks. If you’re low on health or stamina, retreat to a safe distance and recover before continuing. And remember, tar pits are renewable resources, so you can return to them later for more tar if needed.\n\nBy following these steps and preparing adequately, you’ll be able to gather tar safely and efficiently, allowing you to upgrade your base with stylish and durable dark wood structures. Happy building, Viking!