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How can I optimize my beehive setup for honey production?

Optimizing your beehive setup in Valheim is essential for maximizing honey production, which is a key resource for crafting mead and maintaining stamina. Honey is produced by beehives, which require specific conditions to function efficiently. To start, you need to craft beehives using 10 wood, 1 queen bee, and 1 core wood. Queen bees are found by destroying wild beehives in the Meadows biome, so prioritize exploring this area early in the game.\n\nOnce you have the materials, place your beehives in a safe and accessible location. Beehives require a clear space around them to function, so avoid placing them too close to walls, roofs, or other structures. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least 2 meters of open space on all sides. If the hive is obstructed, it will display a message saying ''Needs more space,'' and honey production will stop until the issue is resolved.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, group your beehives together in a dedicated area. This makes it easier to collect honey and monitor their status. A common setup is to create a small apiary with multiple hives arranged in rows or a grid pattern. Ensure the area is well-lit and protected from enemies, as raids or wandering creatures can destroy your hives. Building a fence or wall around your apiary can help keep it safe.\n\nHoney production is time-based, with each hive producing one honey every 20 minutes in real-time. This means you can collect honey multiple times per in-game day if you check regularly. To streamline the process, consider placing a workbench nearby to repair any damaged hives quickly. Additionally, placing a cart or chest near your apiary allows you to store honey efficiently without running back and forth to your main base.\n\nOne common challenge is managing space in crowded bases. If you''re short on room, consider building a raised platform or a second floor for your beehives. This vertical setup can save ground space while keeping the hives accessible. Just ensure the area above the hives is also clear to avoid the ''Needs more space'' message.\n\nFor advanced players, consider automating honey collection by using mods or creative building techniques. While Valheim doesn''t natively support automation, some mods allow for item collection from nearby containers. Alternatively, you can design your apiary with a central collection point, such as a cart or chest, to minimize travel time between hives.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your hives during raids or storms. Events like the ''The Ground is Shaking'' raid can spawn trolls that can easily destroy your apiary. Having a defensive perimeter and a nearby portal for quick escapes can save your setup from disaster. By following these tips, you can create an efficient and productive beehive system that ensures a steady supply of honey for all your crafting needs.