How do you unlock the Cultivator and what crops can you plant with it?

The Cultivator is an essential tool in Valheim for farming and cultivating crops, allowing players to grow their own food and resources. To unlock the Cultivator, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are required to craft the Antler Pickaxe. This pickaxe is necessary to mine Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome, which are key materials for progressing in the game.\n\nOnce you have Tin and Copper, you can smelt them into Bronze at a Smelter. Bronze is used to craft the Forge, a workstation required to create the Cultivator. To craft the Cultivator, you need 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. Core Wood is obtained by chopping down Pine Trees in the Black Forest biome. Once you have the materials, craft the Cultivator at the Forge.\n\nWith the Cultivator in hand, you can prepare soil for planting. Equip the Cultivator and use it on grass or dirt to create cultivated soil. This is the only type of soil where crops can grow. Once the soil is prepared, you can plant seeds. The Cultivator allows you to plant a variety of crops, including Carrots, Turnips, Barley, and Flax. Carrot Seeds and Turnip Seeds are found in the Black Forest biome, while Barley and Flax are exclusive to the Plains biome.\n\nTo plant crops, select the seed type from your inventory while holding the Cultivator and click on the cultivated soil. Each crop has specific growth requirements. Carrots and Turnips grow in any biome, but Barley and Flax only grow in the Plains biome. Crops take time to grow, so ensure they are protected from enemies and environmental hazards like Greydwarfs or Fulings.\n\nA common challenge is protecting your crops from wildlife and raids. To solve this, build a fence or wall around your farm. You can also place Workbenches nearby to prevent enemy spawns. Another tip is to plant crops in rows with enough space between them to avoid overcrowding, which can hinder growth.\n\nFor efficient farming, consider creating a dedicated farming area near your base. This makes it easier to tend to your crops and harvest them when they are ready. Additionally, use the Hoe to level the ground before cultivating to ensure even growth. If you are venturing into the Plains biome for Barley and Flax, be cautious of the dangerous enemies there, such as Fulings and Deathsquitos.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Cultivator requires defeating Eikthyr, mining Tin and Copper, and crafting Bronze. Once crafted, the Cultivator allows you to plant Carrots, Turnips, Barley, and Flax. Protect your crops with fences, plan your farm layout carefully, and always be prepared for biome-specific challenges. With these tips, you can establish a thriving farm to support your Viking adventures.