How do you build a smelter for processing ores?

Building a smelter in Valheim is a crucial step in progressing from the early game to more advanced crafting and survival. A smelter allows you to process raw ores like copper and tin into usable metal bars, which are essential for crafting stronger tools, weapons, and armor. To build a smelter, you must first gather the necessary materials and unlock the recipe by obtaining Surtling Cores, which are found in the Black Forest biome.\n\nTo begin, you need to explore the Black Forest biome, which is typically adjacent to the Meadows where you start the game. Inside the Black Forest, you will find Burial Chambers, which are dungeon-like structures. These chambers contain Surtling Cores, which are dropped by Surtlings or found in chests. You will need at least 5 Surtling Cores to unlock the smelter recipe. Additionally, you will need 20 Stone and 5 Wood to craft the smelter itself.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and navigate to the Crafting tab. Look for the smelter icon, which will now be available if you have the Surtling Cores. Place the smelter in a suitable location near your base, preferably close to your forge and other crafting stations for convenience. The smelter requires a flat surface, so ensure the area is clear of obstacles.\n\nAfter placing the smelter, you need to fuel it with coal to start processing ores. Coal can be obtained by burning wood in a charcoal kiln, which is another crafting station unlocked with Surtling Cores. Place wood into the charcoal kiln, and after a short time, it will convert into coal. Once you have coal, load it into the smelter along with your raw ores. For example, place copper ore into the smelter, and it will slowly convert into copper bars over time.\n\nOne common challenge players face is managing the smelter''s fuel and ore input efficiently. To optimize this, always keep a steady supply of coal by maintaining a charcoal kiln. Additionally, consider building multiple smelters if you have a large amount of ore to process. This will save time and allow you to focus on other tasks while the smelters work in the background.\n\nAnother tip is to protect your smelter and other crafting stations from enemy raids. Build a sturdy wall around your base and place workbenches nearby to prevent enemy spawns. This will ensure your smelter remains safe and operational. Finally, always keep an eye on the smelter''s progress and refill it with coal and ores as needed to maintain continuous production.\n\nIn summary, building a smelter in Valheim requires exploring the Black Forest for Surtling Cores, gathering Stone and Wood, and crafting the smelter at your base. Fuel it with coal from a charcoal kiln, and process ores like copper and tin to create metal bars. By following these steps and optimizing your setup, you can efficiently progress through the game and unlock advanced crafting options.