How can you efficiently mine silver in the Mountains without a wishbone?

Mining silver in the Mountains biome without a wishbone is a challenging but achievable task in Valheim. The wishbone, obtained by defeating Bonemass, is typically used to locate silver veins underground. However, with careful observation and strategic gameplay, you can still find and mine silver efficiently. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including game mechanics, tools, and practical tips.\n\nFirst, you need to prepare for the Mountains biome. This area is dangerous due to freezing temperatures, Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems. To survive, craft a Wolf Fur Cape or Lox Cape, which provides frost resistance. Alternatively, you can use Frost Resistance Mead, crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye. Bring a strong weapon like an Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow, as well as a shield for defense. Food like Sausages, Turnip Stew, and Cooked Meat will help sustain your health and stamina.\n\nTo locate silver without a wishbone, you must rely on visual cues. Silver veins are often found near large, flat rock formations in the Mountains. These rocks are distinct and stand out from the surrounding terrain. Look for areas where the ground appears cracked or uneven, as this can indicate the presence of silver beneath the surface. Additionally, silver veins are often located near Obsidian deposits, so keep an eye out for these black, glass-like rocks.\n\nOnce you identify a potential silver vein location, use a Pickaxe to dig into the ground. Silver veins are buried deep, so you may need to dig extensively. Start by creating a wide trench around the suspected area, as this will help you determine the vein''s exact location. If you hit a silver vein, you will see a shiny, metallic texture in the rock. Continue mining until you collect all the silver ore. Be cautious of enemies while mining, as they can interrupt your progress.\n\nA common challenge is dealing with the steep terrain of the Mountains. To make mining easier, flatten the ground around the vein using a Hoe. This will create a stable platform and prevent rocks or ore from rolling away. Additionally, bring a Cart to transport large amounts of silver ore back to your base. If you are far from your base, consider building a temporary shelter with a Portal for quick travel.\n\nAnother strategy is to use Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer, to detect silver veins. Equip the hammer and strike the ground in areas where you suspect silver. If you see a ''Too Hard'' message, it indicates the presence of a silver vein. This method is time-consuming but effective if you lack a wishbone. Once you locate the vein, switch to a Pickaxe to mine it.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for unexpected threats. Wolves and Stone Golems are common in the Mountains and can quickly overwhelm you. Use terrain to your advantage by luring enemies into narrow spaces or off cliffs. If you encounter a Stone Golem, focus on dodging its attacks and striking when it is vulnerable. For Wolves, use a shield to block their attacks and counter with a strong weapon.\n\nIn summary, mining silver without a wishbone requires preparation, observation, and persistence. Equip frost-resistant gear, bring strong weapons and food, and use visual cues to locate silver veins. Dig strategically, use tools like Stagbreaker for detection, and manage the terrain to make mining easier. With these tips, you can efficiently gather silver and progress in Valheim.