How do you efficiently gather wood and stone in the Meadows?

Gathering wood and stone efficiently in the Meadows biome is essential for early-game survival and progression in Valheim. The Meadows is the starting biome, and it provides abundant resources like wood from trees and stone from rocks. To maximize efficiency, you need to understand the game mechanics, use the right tools, and adopt smart strategies.\n\nFirst, craft a Flint Axe as soon as possible. This tool is essential for chopping down trees, which are the primary source of wood in the Meadows. To craft a Flint Axe, you need 4 Wood and 6 Flint. Flint can be found along the shores of rivers and lakes in the Meadows. Once you have the axe, prioritize chopping down Birch and Oak trees, as they yield more wood compared to smaller trees like Beech. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage or kill you if you stand too close.\n\nFor stone, you can gather small rocks scattered across the ground or mine larger boulders. Use a Pickaxe to mine boulders, which requires crafting a basic Antler Pickaxe. To craft this, you need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have the pickaxe, target large boulders, as they provide more stone than small rocks. Additionally, stone can be found in dungeons like Burial Chambers, but these are more common in the Black Forest biome.\n\nTo optimize your resource gathering, always carry a Workbench with you. Place it near your gathering area to repair tools on the go, saving time and resources. You can also build a small shelter with a Workbench and a Chest to store excess materials temporarily. This is especially useful if you plan to gather large quantities of wood and stone in one session.\n\nOne common challenge is managing inventory space. Wood and stone are heavy, and your inventory can fill up quickly. To address this, consider building a Cart. Carts require 20 Wood and 10 Bronze Nails, which are crafted from Bronze at a Forge. While Bronze is found in the Black Forest, you can focus on gathering wood and stone in the Meadows first, then upgrade to a Cart later. Alternatively, use a Karve or Longship to transport large amounts of resources if you are near water.\n\nAnother tip is to clear large areas of trees and rocks systematically. This not only provides resources but also creates open spaces for building or farming. Use the terrain to your advantage by rolling logs down hills to gather wood faster. For stone, look for clusters of boulders in open areas or near water, as they are easier to spot and mine.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for combat while gathering resources. The Meadows are relatively safe, but Greylings and Boars can still pose a threat. Carry a weapon like a Club or Spear and keep an eye on your surroundings. If you venture near the Black Forest, be cautious of stronger enemies like Greydwarfs.\n\nIn summary, efficient wood and stone gathering in the Meadows requires the right tools, smart strategies, and preparation. Start with a Flint Axe and Antler Pickaxe, use a Workbench for repairs, and manage inventory space with Carts or boats. Clear areas systematically and stay alert for enemies. These tips will help you gather resources quickly and safely, setting you up for success in Valheim.