What’s the most efficient way to level up the Pickaxe skill?

Leveling up the Pickaxe skill in Valheim is essential for efficient mining and resource gathering, especially in the late game. The Pickaxe skill determines how quickly you can mine resources like stone, copper, tin, and silver, as well as how much stamina you consume while doing so. Higher skill levels reduce stamina usage and increase mining speed, making it a valuable skill to prioritize.\n\nTo level up the Pickaxe skill, you need to use it frequently. Every successful hit on a mineable resource grants experience points (XP) toward the skill. The amount of XP gained depends on the type of resource you''re mining. For example, mining harder materials like silver or obsidian grants more XP compared to softer materials like stone or copper. Therefore, focusing on mining higher-tier resources is more efficient for leveling up the skill.\n\nOne of the best ways to level up the Pickaxe skill is to target specific biomes and resources. In the early game, the Black Forest biome is ideal for mining copper and tin. These resources are abundant and relatively easy to mine, making them a good starting point for skill progression. As you progress, the Mountain biome becomes a prime location for mining silver and obsidian, which provide significantly more XP per hit. Prioritize these biomes to maximize your skill gains.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to create a dedicated mining session. Gather food that boosts stamina regeneration, such as cooked meat, carrots, or turnips, to ensure you can mine continuously without running out of stamina. Additionally, bring a rested buff from sleeping or sitting near a fire to further reduce stamina consumption. This setup allows you to mine for extended periods, increasing the number of hits and XP gained.\n\nA common challenge players face is running out of inventory space while mining. To address this, consider building a cart or portal near your mining site. A cart allows you to transport large quantities of ore back to your base, while a portal lets you quickly return to drop off resources and restock on food or tools. This minimizes downtime and keeps your mining sessions productive.\n\nFor experienced players, combining Pickaxe skill leveling with other objectives can be highly efficient. For example, while exploring the Mountain biome for silver, you can also hunt wolves or gather obsidian for crafting. This multitasking approach ensures you''re making progress in multiple areas while focusing on leveling your Pickaxe skill.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your Pickaxe to the highest tier available. A better Pickaxe not only mines faster but also reduces the number of hits required to break resources, indirectly increasing the XP gained per stamina point spent. For example, the Iron Pickaxe is a significant upgrade over the Antler Pickaxe, and the Black Metal Pickaxe is the best option in the late game.\n\nIn summary, leveling up the Pickaxe skill requires consistent use and strategic planning. Focus on mining higher-tier resources in biomes like the Black Forest and Mountains, prepare with stamina-boosting food and rested buffs, and use tools like carts and portals to optimize your mining sessions. By following these steps, you can efficiently level up your Pickaxe skill and become a master miner in Valheim.