What’s the most efficient way to gather tar for dark wood builds?

Gathering tar in Valheim is essential for crafting dark wood builds, which require tar as a key resource. Tar is primarily found in the Plains biome, specifically in tar pits. These pits are large, bubbling pools of black tar surrounded by muddy terrain. To efficiently gather tar, you’ll need to prepare for the dangers of the Plains biome, including hostile enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos.\n\nBefore venturing into the Plains, ensure you have the right gear and tools. A fully upgraded iron pickaxe is highly recommended for mining tar nodes, as it speeds up the process. Additionally, bring a strong weapon, such as a black metal sword or atgeir, to defend yourself against Fulings. Equip a shield and wear armor like padded or wolf armor to increase your survivability. Don’t forget to bring healing meads and stamina-boosting foods like serpent stew or lox meat pie.\n\nOnce you’ve located a tar pit, approach cautiously. Tar pits are guarded by Growths, which are tar-like enemies that can spit tar at you, slowing your movement and dealing damage. Clear the area of Growths and other enemies before starting to mine. Use your pickaxe to break the tar nodes, which will drop tar as a resource. Each node typically yields 4-6 tar, so you’ll need to mine multiple nodes to gather enough for your builds.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with the tar’s slowing effect. If you step into the tar pit, your movement speed will be drastically reduced, making you an easy target for enemies. To avoid this, mine from the edges of the pit or use the hoe to level the ground around the pit, creating a safe platform to stand on. Alternatively, you can use the stagbreaker or iron sledge to destroy Growths from a distance before mining.\n\nFor maximum efficiency, consider setting up a small outpost near the tar pits. Build a portal to connect the outpost to your main base, allowing you to quickly transport tar and other resources. A workbench and chests can also be useful for repairs and storage. If you’re playing with friends, coordinate your efforts to clear enemies and mine tar nodes simultaneously.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough tar, you can use it to craft dark wood builds, such as dark wood beams, shingles, and decorative items. Tar is also used to craft tarred wood, which is resistant to rain damage, making it ideal for outdoor structures. To craft tarred wood, combine tar with regular wood at a workbench.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient way to gather tar involves preparing for the Plains biome, clearing enemies around tar pits, and mining tar nodes with a strong pickaxe. Use tools like the hoe or stagbreaker to mitigate the tar’s slowing effect, and consider building an outpost for convenience. With these strategies, you’ll be able to gather tar efficiently and create stunning dark wood builds in Valheim.