What are the best strategies for farming Black Cores in the Plains?

Farming Black Cores in Valheim''s Plains biome is essential for crafting advanced items like the Artisan Table and Galdr Table, which are crucial for late-game progression. Black Cores are found in Fuling Villages and Infested Mines, but acquiring them requires careful preparation and strategy. This guide will walk you through the best methods to farm Black Cores efficiently while minimizing risks.\n\nFirst, ensure you are well-equipped before venturing into the Plains. The Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim, home to deadly enemies like Fulings, Deathsquitos, and Lox. Equip yourself with high-tier armor, such as Padded Armor or Wolf Armor, and bring a strong weapon like the Blackmetal Sword or Frostner. A Draugr Fang bow with Needle or Obsidian arrows is also highly recommended for ranged combat. Always carry healing meads, stamina meads, and poison resistance meads to survive unexpected encounters.\n\nTo locate Black Cores, focus on Fuling Villages and Infested Mines. Fuling Villages are large settlements filled with Fulings and their Berserker variants. These villages often contain structures with chests that may hold Black Cores. Infested Mines, on the other hand, are dungeon-like areas filled with Seekers and other hostile creatures. These mines are the primary source of Black Cores, as they are scattered throughout the tunnels and chambers. Use a Wishbone (obtained by defeating Bonemass) to detect hidden silver veins or buried treasure near these locations, as it can also help you find Infested Mines.\n\nWhen exploring Infested Mines, proceed with caution. These dungeons are dark and filled with tight spaces, making it easy to get overwhelmed by enemies. Bring a torch or a Dvergr lantern to light your way, and consider using a shield to block attacks from Seekers. Clear each room methodically, and always check for hidden passages or lootable containers. Black Cores are often found in small piles or inside chests, so be thorough in your search. If you encounter a Seeker Soldier or a Gjall, prioritize dodging their attacks and use ranged weapons to take them down safely.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with the sheer number of enemies in Infested Mines. To mitigate this, consider bringing a friend or two for co-op play. Having multiple players allows you to divide tasks, such as one person focusing on combat while another searches for Black Cores. Additionally, you can use the terrain to your advantage by funneling enemies into narrow corridors, making it easier to manage large groups.\n\nAfter collecting Black Cores, store them in a secure location like your base or a nearby portal. Black Cores are non-renewable resources, so losing them to death or misplacement can be frustrating. Set up a portal near the Plains biome to quickly transport your loot back to safety. If you die while carrying Black Cores, mark the location of your tombstone on the map and return with backup to retrieve your items.\n\nFinally, remember that farming Black Cores is a time-consuming process. Be patient and persistent, as it may take multiple trips to gather enough for your crafting needs. Use the downtime between expeditions to upgrade your gear, stockpile resources, and prepare for future challenges. With the right preparation and strategy, you''ll be able to farm Black Cores efficiently and progress further in Valheim''s late-game content.\n\nPractical tips: Always scout the Plains during the day, as visibility is better and enemies are less aggressive. Use the Hoe to level terrain and create safe paths around Fuling Villages. If you''re struggling with Infested Mines, consider bringing a stack of Ooze Bombs to deal with groups of Seekers. Lastly, don''t forget to repair your gear before each expedition to avoid being caught off guard by unexpected battles.