What’s the best way to gather tar for darkwood building pieces?

Gathering tar in Valheim is essential for crafting darkwood building pieces, which are both durable and visually striking. Tar is primarily found in the Plains biome, specifically near tar pits. These pits are large, bubbling pools of black tar surrounded by hostile Growths, which are fast-moving enemies that can deal significant damage. To efficiently gather tar, you’ll need to prepare adequately and understand the mechanics of tar extraction.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-equipped before venturing into the Plains. This biome is dangerous, with enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos posing a constant threat. Equip yourself with strong armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and bring a powerful weapon like a Blackmetal Sword or Frostner. Additionally, carry a shield to block attacks from Growths. A bow and arrows are also useful for dealing with enemies from a distance. Always bring healing items like cooked food and meads to sustain yourself during combat.\n\nOnce you locate a tar pit, approach cautiously. Growths will emerge from the tar and attack if you get too close. Use your bow to eliminate them from a safe distance before proceeding. After clearing the area, you can begin extracting tar. Tar is collected by interacting with the tar nodes around the pit. These nodes look like small, black mounds and can be mined using a pickaxe. Each node yields 4-6 tar, so you’ll need to mine multiple nodes to gather a significant amount.\n\nA common challenge is managing the Growths while mining tar. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost nearby with walls or trenches to keep enemies at bay. You can also use the terrain to your advantage by positioning yourself on higher ground, making it harder for Growths to reach you. If you’re playing with friends, assign one person to defend while others mine tar for maximum efficiency.\n\nAfter gathering tar, you can use it to craft darkwood building pieces at a workbench. Darkwood structures require both tar and fine wood, so ensure you have a steady supply of fine wood from Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Plains biomes. Darkwood pieces include beams, arches, and decorative items, making them ideal for creating intricate and durable builds.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to note that the Plains biome is end-game content. You should only attempt to gather tar after defeating Moder in the Mountains biome and obtaining the necessary gear to survive. Experienced Vikings can optimize their tar-gathering runs by using portals to quickly travel between their base and the Plains, reducing the risk of losing resources during long journeys.\n\nIn summary, gathering tar for darkwood building pieces requires preparation, strategy, and careful execution. Equip yourself with strong gear, clear the area of Growths, and mine tar nodes efficiently. Use terrain and structures to defend against enemies, and consider teaming up with friends for faster results. With these tips, you’ll be able to gather tar safely and craft stunning darkwood structures in no time.