What are the best tools for mining copper and tin in the Black Forest?
Mining copper and tin in Valheim''s Black Forest is a critical step in progressing from the early game to the Bronze Age. These resources are essential for crafting stronger tools, weapons, and armor, but gathering them efficiently requires the right tools and strategies. The best tools for mining copper and tin are the Antler Pickaxe and the Bronze Pickaxe, each suited for different stages of your progression.\n\nTo start mining, you''ll first need the Antler Pickaxe, which is crafted using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler. The Hard Antler is obtained by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss in the Meadows biome. While the Antler Pickaxe is not the most durable or efficient tool, it is the only option available early in the game. Use it to mine tin deposits, which are small, shiny rocks found near water in the Black Forest. Tin is easier to mine than copper and requires fewer hits, making it a good starting point for new players.\n\nCopper, on the other hand, is found in large, rocky deposits scattered throughout the Black Forest. These deposits are much larger and require significantly more hits to mine. The Antler Pickaxe can be used to mine copper, but its low durability means you''ll need to repair it frequently at a Workbench. To maximize efficiency, bring extra Wood to build a temporary Workbench near the mining site. This allows you to repair your pickaxe without traveling back to your base.\n\nOnce you''ve gathered enough copper and tin, you can smelt them into Bronze at a Smelter. To craft a Smelter, you''ll need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which are found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest. Combine 2 Copper and 1 Tin at a Forge to create Bronze, which is used to craft the Bronze Pickaxe. The Bronze Pickaxe is a significant upgrade, offering higher durability and faster mining speed. It is the best tool for mining copper and tin in the mid-game.\n\nA common challenge when mining in the Black Forest is dealing with hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. To mitigate this, always mine during the day when fewer enemies spawn. Bring a shield and a weapon like a Flint Spear or Club to defend yourself. Additionally, consider building a small outpost with a Campfire and Workbench near your mining site. This provides a safe zone to recover health and stamina while mining.\n\nAnother tip is to dig around copper deposits to expose more of the ore. Copper deposits extend deep underground, and mining the entire node can yield over 100 Copper Ore. Use your pickaxe to dig a trench around the deposit, then mine from the bottom up. This method ensures you collect all available ore and reduces the risk of missing hidden sections.\n\nFor experienced players, consider bringing a Cart to transport large amounts of ore. Carts are crafted using 20 Wood and 10 Bronze Nails and can carry up to 18 slots of items. This is especially useful when mining multiple copper deposits in a single trip. However, be cautious when moving through the Black Forest, as Carts can attract unwanted attention from enemies.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is your starting tool for mining tin and copper, while the Bronze Pickaxe is the best option once you''ve progressed to the Bronze Age. Always prepare for combat, build temporary outposts, and use efficient mining techniques to maximize your resource gathering. With these strategies, you''ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of the Black Forest and gather the materials needed for advanced crafting.