How do you unlock the Windmill and what recipes does it enable?

The Windmill is a crucial crafting station in Valheim that allows players to process barley and flax into barley flour and linen thread, respectively. These materials are essential for advanced crafting recipes, particularly in the late game. To unlock the Windmill, you must first defeat Moder, the fourth boss in the game, located in the Mountain biome. Moder drops the Dragon Tear, which is required to craft the Artisan Table, the workstation needed to build the Windmill.\n\nTo begin your journey toward unlocking the Windmill, you must first prepare for the Moder fight. Moder is a challenging boss, so ensure you have upgraded gear, including Wolf Armor or better, and a strong weapon like the Draugr Fang bow or Frostner. Stock up on healing meads, frost resistance meads, and arrows. Once you defeat Moder, you will receive the Dragon Tear, which unlocks the Artisan Table recipe at the Forge.\n\nCrafting the Artisan Table requires 10 wood, 2 dragon tears, and 4 iron. Place the Artisan Table in your base, as it is a prerequisite for building the Windmill. The Windmill itself requires 20 stone, 30 wood, and 30 iron nails. Once built, the Windmill must be placed in an open area with sufficient wind to function. Wind strength varies, so experiment with placement to find the most efficient spot.\n\nThe Windmill enables two key recipes: barley flour and linen thread. Barley flour is crafted by placing barley into the Windmill, which grinds it into flour. Barley flour is used to make bread, lox meat pie, and blood pudding, all of which provide significant health and stamina boosts. Linen thread is crafted by placing flax into the Windmill, and it is used to craft high-tier armor like the Padded Armor and advanced building materials such as the black metal shield.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding barley and flax. Both crops are exclusive to the Plains biome, one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. To safely farm barley and flax, establish a small outpost in the Plains, protected by walls and workbenches to prevent enemy spawns. Use a cultivator to plant the seeds, and ensure you have a nearby portal for quick access to your main base.\n\nAnother tip is to optimize Windmill placement. Since the Windmill requires wind to operate, placing it on elevated terrain or near the coast often yields better results. If the Windmill stops spinning, it means there is no wind, and you may need to wait or relocate it. Additionally, always keep a stockpile of barley and flax to ensure continuous production of flour and linen thread.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Windmill in Valheim involves defeating Moder, crafting the Artisan Table, and gathering the necessary resources to build the Windmill. Once operational, it enables the production of barley flour and linen thread, which are vital for advanced crafting. By carefully planning your Plains biome farming and optimizing Windmill placement, you can efficiently produce these materials and enhance your gameplay experience.