What is the best way to level up the pickaxe skill quickly?

Leveling up the pickaxe skill in Valheim is essential for efficient mining and resource gathering. The pickaxe skill determines how quickly you can break rocks, ores, and other hard materials, as well as how much stamina you consume while doing so. To level up this skill quickly, you need to focus on consistent mining activities and optimize your gameplay to maximize skill gains.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a high-quality pickaxe. The Antler Pickaxe is the earliest pickaxe you can craft, requiring Hard Antlers from the first boss, Eikthyr, and 10 Wood. As you progress, upgrade to the Bronze Pickaxe, Iron Pickaxe, and eventually the Black Metal Pickaxe. Higher-tier pickaxes not only mine faster but also allow you to gather more valuable resources, which indirectly helps you level up the skill faster.\n\nTo level up the pickaxe skill, focus on mining in biomes rich in rocks and ores. The Black Forest biome is ideal for early-game players, as it contains plenty of Copper and Tin deposits. Later, the Swamp biome offers Iron Scrap from Muddy Scrap Piles, and the Mountains biome provides Silver and Obsidian. Each biome offers unique challenges, so prepare accordingly with proper food, armor, and potions.\n\nOne effective method to level up the pickaxe skill quickly is to mine large deposits repeatedly. For example, Copper deposits in the Black Forest are massive and require significant effort to fully mine. By focusing on these large nodes, you can gain substantial skill experience over time. Additionally, mining Stone and Flint in the Meadows biome is a low-risk way to practice and level up early on.\n\nAnother strategy is to combine mining with other activities. For instance, while exploring dungeons like Burial Chambers or Sunken Crypts, you will encounter many breakable objects like muddy piles or stone walls. Breaking these objects with your pickaxe contributes to skill progression. This dual-purpose approach ensures you are always making progress, whether you are gathering resources or exploring.\n\nStamina management is crucial for efficient skill leveling. Always carry food that boosts stamina, such as Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Turnip Stew. Stamina meads can also help replenish your stamina quickly during long mining sessions. Additionally, resting near a campfire or in a shelter will provide the Rested buff, which increases stamina regeneration and reduces the time spent waiting between mining actions.\n\nFor experienced players, consider setting up a dedicated mining outpost near resource-rich areas. This allows you to store materials, repair your pickaxe, and rest without traveling long distances. Building a portal network can also save time, enabling you to transport resources back to your main base quickly.\n\nFinally, avoid distractions and focus on mining consistently. The pickaxe skill levels up based on the number of successful hits, not the type of material mined. Therefore, prioritize quantity over quality when leveling up. Even mining simple Stone or Flint can be effective if done in large quantities.\n\nIn summary, leveling up the pickaxe skill in Valheim requires a combination of proper tools, strategic biome selection, stamina management, and consistent effort. By following these tips, you can quickly improve your mining efficiency and become a master of resource gathering in the Viking survival world.