What’s the best way to estimate stone for a stone fortress?

Estimating the amount of stone required for a stone fortress in Valheim is a critical step in planning your build. Stone is one of the most durable and versatile building materials in the game, but gathering it in large quantities can be time-consuming. To estimate the stone needed, you must first understand the game''s building mechanics and the scale of your fortress.\n\nStart by deciding the size and layout of your fortress. Stone walls, floors, and other structures require varying amounts of stone. For example, a single stone wall (2x2) costs 6 stone, while a stone floor (2x2) costs 4 stone. If you plan to build a large fortress with multiple layers, towers, and defensive structures, you will need to calculate the total number of walls, floors, and other components.\n\nTo simplify the process, break your fortress into sections. For instance, calculate the stone needed for the outer walls, inner walls, floors, and any additional structures like staircases or watchtowers. Use the in-game building grid to measure the dimensions of each section. For example, if your outer wall is 20 meters long and 4 meters high, you can estimate the number of stone wall pieces required by dividing the total length and height by the size of each piece (2x2 meters).\n\nOnce you have a rough estimate, add a buffer of 10-20% to account for mistakes, design changes, or additional features. Stone is abundant in the Black Forest biome, where you can mine large boulders and stone deposits. However, transporting stone can be challenging, so consider building near a stone-rich area or using a cart to haul large quantities.\n\nA practical example: If you plan to build a 10x10 meter fortress with 4-meter-high walls, you would need approximately 120 stone for the walls (10 walls per side x 4 sides x 6 stone per wall). Add another 100 stone for floors and 50 stone for a central tower, bringing the total to 270 stone. With a 20% buffer, you should aim to gather around 324 stone.\n\nTo optimize your stone gathering, use a pickaxe to mine boulders and stone deposits in the Black Forest or Mountains biome. The Antler Pickaxe is a good starting tool, but upgrading to a Bronze or Iron Pickaxe will speed up the process. Additionally, consider using a cart to transport stone efficiently, as it can carry up to 18 stacks of items.\n\nFinally, remember that stone is heavy, and your inventory space is limited. Plan your trips carefully and consider building a temporary storage area near your mining site. By following these steps, you can accurately estimate and gather the stone needed for your fortress, ensuring a smooth and efficient building process.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a hammer and workbench to repair your tools while mining. If you''re building in a dangerous biome like the Mountains, bring a portal to quickly return to your base for repairs or additional supplies. Lastly, consider using stone sparingly in combination with wood or other materials to reduce the overall stone requirement and add variety to your fortress design.