How do I craft a pickaxe to start mining in the Black Forest?

Crafting a pickaxe in Valheim is essential for mining resources like copper and tin in the Black Forest, which are critical for progressing to the Bronze Age. To craft a pickaxe, you first need to gather the necessary materials: wood and hard antler. Wood is easily obtained by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, while hard antler is dropped by Eikthyr, the first boss in the game. Defeating Eikthyr is a key step, as it unlocks the recipe for the Antler Pickaxe, the first mining tool available to players.\n\nTo defeat Eikthyr, you must first craft a crude bow and arrows, as ranged combat is the safest way to take down this boss. Gather wood and feathers to craft arrows, and use leather scraps from boars to craft the bow. Once prepared, place Eikthyr''s summoning item, the Eikthyr Trophy, on the sacrificial altar in the Meadows biome. This will summon the boss, and you can engage it in combat. After defeating Eikthyr, you will receive hard antler, which is required to craft the pickaxe.\n\nWith hard antler in hand, head to a workbench to craft the Antler Pickaxe. You will need 10 wood and 1 hard antler. Wood can be gathered from trees in the Meadows or Black Forest, and the workbench must be placed under a roof or shelter to function. Once crafted, the Antler Pickaxe allows you to mine copper and tin deposits in the Black Forest, which are necessary for crafting bronze tools and weapons.\n\nWhen mining in the Black Forest, be prepared for encounters with Greydwarfs and other hostile creatures. It is recommended to bring a shield and melee weapon for defense, as well as food to boost your health and stamina. Mining can be time-consuming, so ensure you have enough stamina by consuming cooked meat, berries, or mushrooms. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near mining areas to store resources and rest, as this will save time and reduce the risk of losing items upon death.\n\nA common challenge for new players is locating copper and tin deposits. Copper nodes are large, rocky outcrops found on the ground, while tin deposits are smaller, shiny rocks found near water in the Black Forest. Use your pickaxe to mine these resources, but be aware that mining can attract nearby enemies. Clear the area of threats before starting to mine, and always keep an eye on your surroundings.\n\nOnce you have gathered enough copper and tin, you can smelt them into bronze at a smelter. This requires building a charcoal kiln to produce coal, which is used as fuel for the smelter. With bronze, you can craft stronger tools, weapons, and armor, significantly improving your chances of survival in Valheim''s more dangerous biomes.\n\nIn summary, crafting a pickaxe in Valheim involves defeating Eikthyr, gathering hard antler, and using a workbench to create the Antler Pickaxe. This tool is essential for mining copper and tin in the Black Forest, which are key resources for progressing in the game. Always prepare for combat when mining, and consider building outposts to streamline your resource-gathering efforts. With these tips, you will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the Black Forest and beyond.