How do you craft and use Black Metal weapons effectively?

Crafting and using Black Metal weapons in Valheim is a significant milestone for players venturing into the Plains biome. These weapons are among the strongest in the game, offering high damage and durability, but they require careful preparation and resource gathering. To craft Black Metal weapons, you must first defeat Fulings in the Plains biome to collect Black Metal scraps. These scraps are the primary material for crafting Black Metal weapons, but you also need a Blast Furnace to refine them into usable bars.\n\nTo build a Blast Furnace, you need 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, 20 Stone, and 5 Surtling Cores. Fine Wood can be obtained from Birch or Oak trees, Iron is mined in the Swamp biome crypts, Stone is abundant in most biomes, and Surtling Cores are found in Burial Chambers or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands. Once you have the Blast Furnace, place it near your Forge and smelt Black Metal scraps into bars. Each bar requires 2 Black Metal scraps and 2 Coal.\n\nWith Black Metal bars, you can craft a variety of weapons, such as the Black Metal Sword, Black Metal Atgeir, and Black Metal Knife. Each weapon requires additional materials like Fine Wood, Linen Thread, or Leather Scraps. For example, the Black Metal Sword requires 20 Black Metal bars, 5 Fine Wood, and 3 Leather Scraps. Linen Thread is crafted from Flax, which grows in the Plains biome and must be processed at a Spinning Wheel.\n\nUsing Black Metal weapons effectively requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses. These weapons excel in close combat, with high damage output and fast attack speeds. The Black Metal Sword is ideal for quick, slashing attacks, while the Black Metal Atgeir offers sweeping strikes that can hit multiple enemies. The Black Metal Knife is perfect for stealthy, high-damage backstabs. Pair these weapons with a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield, to maximize your survivability in the Plains biome.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Fuling Berserkers and Fuling Shamans, which are tough enemies in the Plains. Fuling Berserkers deal massive damage with their clubs, while Fuling Shamans can summon fireballs and heal their allies. To counter them, use the Black Metal Atgeir''s special attack to stagger enemies, giving you time to land critical hits. Alternatively, use the Black Metal Knife''s fast attacks to quickly eliminate Shamans before they can cast spells.\n\nAnother tip is to always carry healing items like Mead: Healing and Stamina potions. The Plains biome is dangerous, and you need to stay mobile and healthy during combat. Additionally, consider upgrading your Black Metal weapons at the Forge using more Black Metal bars and Fine Wood. Upgrading increases their damage and durability, making them even more effective against tough enemies.\n\nFinally, remember that Black Metal weapons are best used in the Plains biome but can also be effective in other biomes like the Mountains or Swamps. However, their high damage output makes them particularly useful against the Plains'' toughest foes. Always keep your weapons repaired and your inventory stocked with essential items to ensure you''re ready for any challenge.\n\nIn summary, crafting and using Black Metal weapons requires defeating Fulings, building a Blast Furnace, and gathering materials like Fine Wood and Linen Thread. These weapons are powerful tools for surviving the Plains biome, but they require strategic use and preparation. By upgrading your weapons, carrying healing items, and mastering their combat mechanics, you can dominate the Plains and beyond.