What’s the best way to use torches to stay warm in cold biomes?
In Valheim, staying warm in cold biomes like the Mountain biome is crucial for survival. Cold weather inflicts the ''Freezing'' debuff, which reduces health regeneration and stamina recovery, making exploration and combat more challenging. Torches are a simple yet effective tool to counteract this debuff, especially for new players who may not yet have access to advanced gear like the Wolf Fur Cape.\n\nTo use torches effectively, you must first craft them. Torches require 1 Wood and 1 Resin, both of which are easily obtainable early in the game. Wood can be gathered by chopping trees, while Resin drops from Greydwarfs or can be found in the Black Forest biome. Once crafted, torches can be placed on the ground or held in your hand. Holding a torch provides a small radius of warmth, which temporarily removes the ''Freezing'' debuff.\n\nWhen exploring cold biomes, it’s important to plan your route carefully. Place torches along your path at regular intervals to create a network of warmth. This is especially useful in the Mountain biome, where the cold is relentless. For example, if you’re mining Silver or fighting Drakes, place torches near your work area to ensure you stay warm during extended activities. Torches can also be placed near portals or temporary shelters to create safe zones.\n\nOne common challenge is running out of Resin or Wood while exploring. To avoid this, always carry extra materials in your inventory. A stack of 20 Wood and 20 Resin is usually sufficient for a short expedition. Additionally, consider building small outposts with workbenches to craft torches on the go. These outposts can also serve as respawn points if you die, making them doubly useful.\n\nTorches are not a permanent solution, however. As you progress, you’ll want to craft better gear to withstand the cold. The Wolf Fur Cape, for instance, provides permanent resistance to the ''Freezing'' debuff and is crafted using Wolf Pelts, Silver, and a Wolf Trophy. Until then, torches are a reliable and accessible way to stay warm. They also provide light, which is useful for navigating dark caves or nighttime exploration.\n\nFor experienced players, torches can still be useful in specific scenarios. For example, when building a base in the Mountains, torches can be used to create warm pathways between buildings. They can also be used to mark trails or important locations, such as ore deposits or enemy spawns. Combining torches with other heat sources, like campfires, can create larger warm zones for extended activities.\n\nIn summary, torches are a versatile and essential tool for surviving cold biomes in Valheim. They are easy to craft, provide immediate warmth, and can be strategically placed to support exploration and combat. While they are not a long-term solution, they are invaluable for new players and remain useful for experienced Vikings in specific situations. Always carry extra materials, plan your routes, and consider upgrading to better gear as you progress.