How do I track my progress in finding and using tar?

Tracking your progress in finding and using tar in Valheim is essential for advancing your crafting and building capabilities. Tar is a valuable resource found in the Plains biome, primarily used for crafting dark wood building pieces and other advanced items. To begin your search, you must first prepare for the dangers of the Plains biome, which is home to hostile creatures like Fulings and Deathsquitos. Ensure you have strong armor, weapons, and food buffs before venturing into this area.\n\nTo locate tar, explore the Plains biome and look for tar pits. These are large, dark pools of tar surrounded by muddy terrain. Tar pits are often guarded by Growths, which are tar-like enemies that can deal significant damage. Defeating Growths is crucial, as they drop tar when killed. Use ranged weapons like bows to take them down from a safe distance, as their melee attacks can be deadly. Once the area is clear, you can safely collect tar from the pits using a pickaxe.\n\nAfter gathering tar, you can use it to craft advanced items at the Artisan Table. Tar is required for crafting dark wood building pieces, such as dark wood beams, arches, and decorative items. These pieces are highly durable and aesthetically pleasing, making them ideal for building sturdy and visually impressive structures. Additionally, tar is used to craft the tarred torch, which provides a unique lighting option for your base.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the difficulty of surviving in the Plains biome. To mitigate this, ensure you have fully upgraded armor, such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and bring healing items like mead and cooked food. It''s also wise to set up a small outpost near the Plains biome to store resources and respawn if needed. This outpost should include a portal for quick travel back to your main base.\n\nAnother tip is to bring a cart or a longship to transport large quantities of tar. Tar is heavy, and carrying too much can slow you down, making you vulnerable to attacks. Using a cart or longship allows you to efficiently transport tar back to your base without multiple trips. Additionally, consider bringing a friend or two to help with combat and resource gathering, as the Plains biome is significantly easier to navigate with a team.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for unexpected encounters. The Plains biome is unpredictable, and you may encounter Fuling villages or Lox herds while searching for tar. Having a plan for retreat or combat is essential. Use the terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees to avoid ranged attacks. With proper preparation and strategy, you can successfully track your progress in finding and using tar, unlocking new crafting possibilities in Valheim.