What’s the best way to farm tar for darkwood building materials?

Farming tar in Valheim is essential for crafting darkwood building materials, which are used for advanced construction and decorative purposes. Tar is primarily found in the Plains biome, specifically in tar pits. These pits are large, bubbling pools of black tar surrounded by hostile Growths, which are tar-like creatures that can deal significant damage. To efficiently farm tar, you need to prepare adequately and understand the mechanics of the Plains biome.\n\nBefore heading to the Plains, ensure you have the right gear and tools. A fully upgraded iron or better weapon, such as a sword or mace, is recommended for dealing with Growths. Additionally, bring a pickaxe to mine the tar deposits. Armor-wise, wear at least iron armor or better to withstand the attacks from Growths and other Plains enemies like Fulings. Bring healing meads, stamina meads, and a bow with plenty of arrows for ranged combat. A shield is also useful for blocking Growth attacks.\n\nOnce you arrive in the Plains biome, locate a tar pit. These are easily identifiable by their dark, bubbling appearance and the presence of Growths. Approach cautiously, as Growths can quickly overwhelm you if you’re not prepared. Use your bow to take out Growths from a distance before engaging in close combat. If you’re swarmed, retreat to a safe distance and use terrain to your advantage, such as rocks or hills, to funnel enemies into manageable groups.\n\nAfter clearing the area of Growths, use your pickaxe to mine the tar deposits in the pit. Each deposit yields 4-6 tar, and a single pit can contain multiple deposits. Be mindful of your stamina while mining, as Growths can respawn quickly. If you’re low on stamina, use stamina meads or retreat to a safe spot to recover. It’s also a good idea to build a small outpost nearby with a portal for quick access and storage.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with Fulings, which often patrol near tar pits. Fulings are aggressive and can call for reinforcements, so it’s best to eliminate them before focusing on the tar. Use your bow to pick off Fulings from a distance, and avoid engaging multiple enemies at once. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat and regroup. Building a temporary wall or using terrain to block their path can also help.\n\nTo maximize your tar farming efficiency, consider bringing a cart or a longship to transport large amounts of tar back to your base. Tar is heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down. If you’re farming with friends, assign roles such as one person clearing enemies while another mines the tar. This teamwork can significantly speed up the process and reduce the risk of death.\n\nFinally, remember that tar is used to craft darkwood building materials, such as darkwood beams, darkwood arches, and darkwood decor. These materials require a level 2 or higher workbench and a stonecutter. Plan your farming trips accordingly, and always prioritize safety and preparation. With the right strategy, you can efficiently farm tar and create stunning darkwood structures in Valheim.