How do you efficiently farm trolls for troll hide armor in a speedrun?

Farming trolls efficiently for troll hide armor in a Valheim speedrun requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and knowledge of game mechanics. Trolls are found in the Black Forest biome, and their hides are essential for crafting troll hide armor, which provides excellent stealth and mobility bonuses. To maximize efficiency, you need to focus on locating trolls quickly, engaging them safely, and gathering resources without wasting time.\n\nFirst, prepare for the hunt by crafting essential gear. A bow and arrows are critical for taking down trolls from a distance, as melee combat is risky and time-consuming. Flint arrows are the best early-game option, but fire arrows can be crafted later for additional damage. Equip a crude bow and at least 50 arrows to ensure you have enough ammunition. Additionally, bring a shield and a melee weapon like a flint axe or spear as a backup. Trolls deal heavy damage, so having a shield to block their attacks can save your life.\n\nNext, head to the Black Forest biome, which is identifiable by its dense pine trees and dark atmosphere. Trolls spawn in specific areas, often near caves or large rock formations. Use the environment to your advantage by scouting from high ground or using trees as cover. Trolls are slow but powerful, so maintaining distance is key. If you spot a troll, avoid aggroing other enemies like greydwarves, as they can overwhelm you during the fight.\n\nWhen engaging a troll, aim for headshots with your bow to maximize damage. Trolls have a large hitbox, making it easier to land critical hits. Kite the troll by backing away while shooting arrows, using trees and rocks to block its path. If the troll gets too close, use your shield to block its attacks and create distance. Avoid standing in one place for too long, as trolls can destroy terrain and create hazards. Once the troll is defeated, collect the troll hide and any other loot it drops.\n\nA common challenge is running out of arrows during the fight. To mitigate this, gather flint and feathers in advance to craft more arrows. Feathers can be obtained by hunting birds near water, while flint is found along riverbanks in the Meadows biome. Another issue is trolls destroying the terrain, which can make it difficult to retrieve loot. To solve this, lure the troll to an open area before engaging to minimize environmental damage.\n\nAfter farming enough troll hides, return to your base to craft troll hide armor. You will need a workbench and 5 troll hides per armor piece (chest, legs, and cape). The armor provides excellent stealth bonuses, making it ideal for speedrunning and avoiding unnecessary combat. Additionally, the cape requires a troll hide and 10 bone fragments, which can be obtained from skeletons in the Black Forest.\n\nTo optimize your speedrun, consider building a small outpost near the Black Forest to store resources and craft gear on the go. This saves time traveling back to your main base. Finally, always carry healing items like cooked meat or berries to recover health during fights. With these strategies, you can efficiently farm trolls and craft troll hide armor, giving you a significant advantage in your Valheim speedrun.