What’s the most efficient way to gather Obsidian in the Mountains?

Gathering Obsidian in Valheim is essential for crafting high-tier items like the Obsidian Arrow and Frostner. Obsidian is found exclusively in the Mountains biome, a dangerous area filled with freezing temperatures, Drakes, and Stone Golems. To efficiently gather Obsidian, you’ll need to prepare properly and understand the game mechanics involved.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right gear. The Mountains biome is extremely cold, so you’ll need Frost Resistance to survive. This can be achieved by crafting a Wolf Fur Cape, Lox Cape, or drinking Frost Resistance Mead. Additionally, bring a strong weapon like an Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow to deal with enemies like Drakes and Wolves. A pickaxe is mandatory for mining Obsidian, so upgrade your Bronze or Iron Pickaxe to speed up the process.\n\nObsidian nodes are black, shiny rocks found on the sides of cliffs or near rocky outcrops in the Mountains. They are often located at higher elevations, so be prepared to climb. Use your pickaxe to mine the Obsidian, which will drop 4-6 pieces per node. Keep an eye out for Drakes, as they are common in this biome and can attack while you’re mining. Use your bow to take them down from a distance or dodge their ice attacks.\n\nOne of the biggest challenges in the Mountains is the freezing weather. If you don’t have Frost Resistance, you’ll take constant damage. Always carry Frost Resistance Mead as a backup, and consider building a small shelter or campfire near Obsidian nodes to warm up if needed. Additionally, Stone Golems can spawn near Obsidian deposits. These enemies are tough to defeat, so use terrain to your advantage—lure them into narrow spaces or use ranged attacks to avoid their powerful melee strikes.\n\nFor maximum efficiency, plan your route through the Mountains. Use the map to mark Obsidian nodes as you find them, and revisit these locations later. Obsidian respawns after a few in-game days, so you can return to the same spots for more resources. If you’re playing with friends, divide tasks—one person can mine while the other defends against enemies.\n\nFinally, consider building a portal near the Mountains biome to reduce travel time. Portals require Fine Wood, Greydwarf Eyes, and Surtling Cores, but they are invaluable for transporting Obsidian and other resources back to your base. This saves time and reduces the risk of losing items if you die in the Mountains.\n\nIn summary, gathering Obsidian efficiently requires preparation, the right gear, and strategic planning. Equip Frost Resistance, bring a strong weapon and pickaxe, and mark Obsidian nodes on your map. Defend against Drakes and Stone Golems, and consider building a portal for quick access. With these tips, you’ll gather Obsidian safely and effectively in Valheim’s Mountains biome.