How can I use the Hoe and Cultivator to prepare land for building?

Preparing land for building in Valheim using the Hoe and Cultivator is a crucial step to ensure a stable and aesthetically pleasing base. The Hoe is primarily used to level and raise terrain, while the Cultivator is essential for clearing vegetation and preparing soil for farming or landscaping. Both tools are crafted at the Forge and require specific materials: the Hoe needs 5 Wood and 2 Stone, while the Cultivator requires 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. These tools are indispensable for creating flat, even ground, which is vital for constructing buildings, farms, or decorative areas.\n\nTo begin, equip the Hoe and approach the area you wish to modify. The Hoe has two primary functions: leveling and raising terrain. To level the ground, hold the left mouse button and move the cursor over uneven terrain. This will flatten the area to match the height of the point where you initially clicked. Raising terrain requires Stone as a resource. Hold the right mouse button to raise the ground, which is useful for creating elevated platforms or filling in low areas. Be mindful of your Stone supply, as raising large areas can consume significant amounts.\n\nThe Cultivator is used after the terrain is prepared with the Hoe. Equip the Cultivator and use it to clear grass, bushes, and other vegetation by left-clicking. This tool also allows you to cultivate soil, which is necessary for planting crops like Carrots, Turnips, or Barley. Cultivated soil appears darker and smoother, making it ideal for farming or creating clean, landscaped areas. Combining the Hoe and Cultivator ensures your land is both functional and visually appealing.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with uneven terrain in biomes like the Black Forest or Mountains, where slopes and rocks can complicate building. In these cases, use the Hoe to level the ground first, then raise or lower specific areas as needed. For example, in the Black Forest, you may need to remove large rocks or stumps using a Pickaxe before using the Hoe. In the Mountains, focus on creating flat platforms for structures to avoid instability caused by steep slopes.\n\nAnother practical tip is to plan your base layout before starting. Use the Hoe to mark out the boundaries of your building area, ensuring it is large enough for your intended structures. This prevents the need for extensive rework later. Additionally, consider the biome''s resources and challenges. For instance, in the Meadows, you may need to clear trees and rocks, while in the Plains, you might focus on creating defensive walls or elevated platforms to protect against Fuling raids.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your stamina while using these tools, as they consume stamina with each use. Carry food items like Cooked Meat or Berries to maintain your stamina levels during large projects. By mastering the Hoe and Cultivator, you can transform any biome into a functional and beautiful base, tailored to your survival needs and creative vision.