What are the best tools for mining Copper in the Black Forest?

Mining Copper in Valheim''s Black Forest is a critical step in progressing through the game, as Copper is essential for crafting Bronze and upgrading your gear. To efficiently mine Copper, you need the right tools, preparation, and knowledge of game mechanics. The best tool for mining Copper is the Antler Pickaxe, which is the first pickaxe you can craft. To make it, you need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have the Antler Pickaxe, you''re ready to start mining.\n\nBefore heading into the Black Forest, ensure you are well-prepared. The biome is dangerous, with Greydwarfs, Skeletons, and Trolls posing significant threats. Equip yourself with a shield, a weapon like a Flint Spear or Club, and wear Leather Armor for basic protection. Bring food such as Cooked Meat, Raspberries, or Honey to boost your health and stamina. Stamina management is crucial, as mining consumes a lot of it. Additionally, carry a Workbench and materials to repair your pickaxe on-site, as it will degrade over time.\n\nTo find Copper deposits, explore the Black Forest biome. Copper nodes appear as large, greenish-brown boulders with distinct veins running through them. These nodes are often partially buried, so you may need to dig around them to fully expose the ore. Use your pickaxe to mine the Copper, but be aware that each node yields a significant amount of ore, so plan to make multiple trips or bring a Cart to transport the heavy load. Mining a single Copper node can take several minutes, so patience is key.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with enemies while mining. Greydwarfs are particularly persistent and will attack you repeatedly. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the mining site. Place a Workbench, a Campfire, and a few walls to create a safe zone. This allows you to repair your tools, rest for stamina regeneration, and fend off enemies more effectively. If you encounter a Troll, avoid engaging it directly unless you''re confident in your combat skills. Instead, use the terrain to your advantage by kiting it around trees or rocks.\n\nAnother tip is to mine during the day. The Black Forest is more dangerous at night, with increased enemy spawns and reduced visibility. If you must mine at night, bring a torch or craft a Dverger Circlet for light. Additionally, consider bringing a friend or taming a Wolf for extra protection. Multiplayer mining can significantly speed up the process and make it safer.\n\nOnce you''ve gathered enough Copper, smelt it in a Smelter to create Copper Bars. To build a Smelter, you need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which are found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest. Combine Copper Bars with Tin, which is also found in the Black Forest, to craft Bronze at a Forge. Bronze is used to create stronger tools, weapons, and armor, making it a vital resource for mid-game progression.\n\nIn summary, the best tool for mining Copper in the Black Forest is the Antler Pickaxe. Prepare thoroughly by equipping proper gear, bringing food, and setting up a safe mining outpost. Mine during the day to avoid increased enemy spawns, and consider using a Cart for efficient ore transport. With these strategies, you''ll be able to gather Copper safely and efficiently, paving the way for crafting powerful Bronze equipment.