How do you use the Elder power to improve woodcutting for resource gathering?

The Elder power in Valheim is a game-changing ability that significantly enhances woodcutting efficiency, making it a must-have for resource gathering. To unlock this power, you must defeat The Elder, the second boss in the game. The Elder is found in the Black Forest biome, and summoning him requires three Ancient Seeds, which can be obtained by destroying Greydwarf Nests or defeating Greydwarf Brutes and Shamans. Once defeated, interact with the glowing runestone at the boss altar to gain The Elder power.\n\nTo activate The Elder power, open your inventory and navigate to the power selection menu. The Elder power reduces stamina consumption by 60% when chopping wood, mining, or performing other stamina-intensive tasks. This effect lasts for 5 minutes and has a cooldown of 20 minutes. To maximize its utility, plan your woodcutting sessions around this cooldown. For example, gather all necessary tools and resources before activating the power, and focus on high-value targets like Beech trees, Pine trees, and Oak trees in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes.\n\nOne of the most effective ways to use The Elder power is to clear large areas of forest for building materials or to stockpile wood for crafting. Equip a high-tier axe, such as the Bronze Axe or Iron Axe, to speed up the process. The Elder power pairs exceptionally well with the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer that can knock down multiple trees in a single swing, though it requires significant stamina. By reducing stamina consumption, The Elder power allows you to use such tools more efficiently.\n\nA common challenge players face is managing stamina while gathering resources. The Elder power mitigates this issue, but it’s still important to prepare. Bring stamina-boosting foods like Honey, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam to further enhance your efficiency. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near your woodcutting area with a workbench, chest, and portal for quick access to storage and repairs. This setup ensures you can maximize your time during the power’s active duration.\n\nFor advanced players, The Elder power can be combined with other strategies to optimize resource gathering. For example, use the power to clear large areas of the Plains biome for Fine Wood, which is essential for high-tier crafting. Alternatively, pair it with the Cart or Longship to transport large quantities of wood back to your base. Remember to deactivate the power when not in use to save it for critical tasks.\n\nIn summary, The Elder power is a versatile tool for improving woodcutting efficiency in Valheim. By reducing stamina consumption, it allows players to gather resources faster and with less downtime. To make the most of this power, plan your woodcutting sessions, use high-tier tools, and prepare with stamina-boosting foods. Whether you’re a new player building your first base or an experienced Viking preparing for endgame content, The Elder power is an invaluable asset for resource gathering.