What’s the best way to level up the Pickaxe skill quickly?

Leveling up the Pickaxe skill in Valheim is essential for efficient mining and resource gathering, especially in the mid-to-late game. The Pickaxe skill increases your mining speed, allowing you to break rocks, ores, and other hard materials faster. To level up this skill quickly, you need to focus on consistent mining activities while optimizing your gameplay strategy.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the best available Pickaxe for your current progression. The Antler Pickaxe is the starting tool, but upgrading to the Bronze Pickaxe, Iron Pickaxe, or Black Metal Pickaxe as you progress will significantly improve your mining efficiency. Each tier of Pickaxe allows you to mine tougher materials, which also grants more skill experience per hit. For example, mining Copper in the Black Forest with a Bronze Pickaxe will yield more experience than mining Tin with an Antler Pickaxe.\n\nNext, identify the best biomes for mining. The Black Forest is ideal for early-game players, as it contains abundant Copper and Tin deposits. For mid-game players, the Swamp biome offers Scrap Iron, while the Mountains provide Silver. Late-game players should focus on the Plains biome for Black Metal. Each biome has unique challenges, so prepare accordingly. For example, bring Frost Resistance Mead when mining in the Mountains or Poison Resistance Mead for the Swamp.\n\nTo maximize skill gains, focus on mining large deposits like Copper nodes or Silver veins. These require multiple hits to break, providing more opportunities to gain experience. Avoid wasting time on small rocks or flint, as they yield minimal experience. Additionally, mining in areas with high resource density, such as Copper-rich zones in the Black Forest, will allow you to spend more time mining and less time traveling.\n\nOne effective strategy is to create a mining outpost near resource-rich areas. Build a small base with a workbench, chests, and a portal for easy access. This setup allows you to store mined materials and return to your main base without overburdening your inventory. It also reduces downtime, letting you focus on continuous mining.\n\nAnother tip is to use the Eikthyr power, which reduces stamina consumption when running and jumping. This power is particularly useful for mining, as it allows you to mine longer without needing to rest. Alternatively, the Bonemass power increases your resistance to physical damage, which can be helpful in dangerous biomes like the Swamp or Plains.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using mods or console commands to speed up the process, though this may reduce the sense of achievement. If you prefer a more challenging approach, try mining in dangerous areas without backup gear or food. This high-risk, high-reward method can make the process more engaging.\n\nFinally, remember that the Pickaxe skill levels up based on the number of successful hits, not the amount of material gathered. Therefore, focus on consistent mining rather than hoarding resources. With these strategies, you can quickly level up your Pickaxe skill and become a master miner in Valheim.