How do you craft a hearth and what is its primary use?

Crafting a hearth in Valheim is an essential step for advancing your base and improving your quality of life in the game. A hearth is a large, permanent fire source that provides warmth, light, and the ability to cook food or smelt metals. Unlike smaller fire sources like the campfire, the hearth is a more advanced structure that requires specific materials and a workbench to craft. It is a key component for creating a functional and efficient home base, especially in colder biomes like the Mountains or during harsh weather conditions.\n\nTo craft a hearth, you will need the following materials: 15 Stone and 4 Surtling Cores. Stone is a common resource found throughout the world, particularly in the Black Forest biome, where you can mine it from large boulders or gather it from the ground. Surtling Cores, on the other hand, are rarer and are primarily found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest or dropped by Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once you have gathered these materials, you can craft the hearth at a workbench, provided you have the required level of crafting progression.\n\nTo place the hearth, you need to ensure you have a suitable location. The hearth requires a flat surface and enough space to build, as it is a large structure. It cannot be placed on uneven terrain or too close to other structures, so plan your base layout carefully. Once placed, the hearth functions similarly to a campfire but with a larger radius of warmth and light. It also serves as a prerequisite for crafting other advanced structures, such as the stone oven and the blast furnace, which are crucial for late-game progression.\n\nOne of the primary uses of the hearth is to provide a consistent source of heat, which is vital for surviving in colder biomes like the Mountains. Without a heat source, your character will suffer from the Freezing debuff, which reduces health regeneration and stamina recovery. The hearth also allows you to cook food, which is essential for maintaining high health and stamina levels during exploration or combat. Additionally, the hearth can be used to smelt metals like Copper and Tin, making it a versatile tool for resource processing.\n\nA common challenge players face is gathering Surtling Cores, as they are not as readily available as other resources. To overcome this, focus on exploring Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome. These dungeons are filled with enemies and traps, so come prepared with weapons, armor, and healing items. Alternatively, you can farm Surtling Cores by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome, though this is more dangerous and requires better gear. Another tip is to bring a portal with you when exploring Burial Chambers, as it allows you to quickly transport resources back to your base.\n\nIn terms of game mechanics, the hearth is considered a permanent structure, meaning it cannot be picked up once placed. If you need to relocate it, you will have to destroy it and craft a new one, which can be resource-intensive. To avoid wasting materials, plan your base layout carefully and consider placing the hearth in a central location where it can benefit multiple areas of your home. Additionally, the hearth requires a chimney or proper ventilation to prevent smoke buildup, which can cause the Fire Smoked Out debuff and extinguish the fire.\n\nFor new players, the hearth is a significant upgrade from the basic campfire and should be prioritized once you have access to the required materials. For experienced Vikings, the hearth is a stepping stone to more advanced crafting stations and base improvements. Always keep a stockpile of Stone and Surtling Cores, as you will need them for other late-game structures and upgrades. By mastering the use of the hearth, you can create a thriving base that supports your survival and progression in Valheim.