How can you speedrun the Meadows biome for early resources?

Speedrunning the Meadows biome in Valheim is an efficient way to gather early-game resources quickly, allowing you to progress faster into more challenging biomes. The Meadows is the starting biome and is relatively safe, but optimizing your time here is crucial for a strong early-game foundation. Focus on gathering essential resources like wood, stone, flint, and leather scraps while avoiding unnecessary detours. This guide will walk you through the mechanics, strategies, and step-by-step instructions to maximize your efficiency.\n\nFirst, prioritize crafting a basic set of tools. Start by punching small trees to gather wood, which allows you to craft a crude axe. Use the axe to chop down larger trees for more wood and to collect seeds for future farming. Next, gather stones from the ground to craft a stone axe and hammer. These tools are essential for building a workbench, which unlocks more crafting options. Always keep an eye out for flint near water sources, as it is required for crafting better tools and weapons.\n\nOnce you have a workbench, focus on building a small shelter. A simple 2x2 structure with a roof and a bed will suffice. This allows you to set a spawn point and avoid losing progress if you die. Place a campfire inside for warmth and cooking. While building, gather additional resources like leather scraps from boars and feathers from birds. These are essential for crafting a bow, which is invaluable for hunting and self-defense.\n\nEfficient resource gathering is key to speedrunning the Meadows. Use the terrain to your advantage by marking resource-rich areas on your map. For example, flint is commonly found near rivers and lakes, while boars tend to spawn in open grassy areas. Use the bow to hunt boars from a distance, as they drop leather scraps and raw meat. Cook the meat over your campfire to restore health and stamina, which are critical for maintaining your speed.\n\nAvoid unnecessary combat with Greylings and Greydwarves, as they can slow you down. If you encounter them, use your bow or stone axe to dispatch them quickly. Always keep an eye on your stamina bar, as running out of stamina can leave you vulnerable. Consume cooked meat or berries to replenish stamina during long resource-gathering sessions.\n\nOnce you have gathered enough resources, craft a raft to explore nearby islands or coastal areas. The Meadows biome often borders the Black Forest, which contains more advanced resources like copper and tin. However, avoid venturing too far into the Black Forest until you have better gear. Instead, focus on upgrading your tools and weapons using the resources you have gathered in the Meadows.\n\nFinally, always plan ahead. Before leaving your shelter, make a checklist of the resources you need and the tools required to gather them. This minimizes backtracking and ensures you make the most of your time. For example, if you need flint for a flint axe, head directly to the nearest water source instead of wandering aimlessly. By following these strategies, you can speedrun the Meadows biome efficiently and set yourself up for success in the mid-game.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a stack of wood and stone for quick repairs or crafting on the go. Use the map to mark resource locations and avoid revisiting empty areas. Prioritize upgrading your workbench to unlock better tools and weapons. Lastly, keep an eye out for beehives, as honey is a valuable early-game food source that restores both health and stamina.