How do you unlock the antler pickaxe for mining stone?

To unlock the antler pickaxe in Valheim, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr. Eikthyr is a giant stag found in the Meadows biome, and defeating him is a critical step in progressing your mining capabilities. The antler pickaxe is the first tool you can craft that allows you to mine stone and other hard materials like copper and tin, which are essential for advancing to the Bronze Age.\n\nTo summon Eikthyr, you need to locate his altar, which is marked by a glowing red rune stone in the Meadows biome. These rune stones often provide hints about the boss and how to summon them. To summon Eikthyr, you must place two deer trophies on his altar. Deer trophies are obtained by hunting deer in the Meadows biome. Deer are skittish and will flee if you approach too quickly, so it’s best to use a bow and arrows for hunting. Once you have two trophies, return to the altar and place them to summon Eikthyr.\n\nEikthyr is a relatively straightforward boss, but he can still pose a threat if you’re unprepared. He has two main attacks: a charge and a lightning AoE (area of effect) attack. To defeat him, equip a bow and arrows, as well as a shield and melee weapon for close combat. Keep your distance and dodge his charge attacks, then strike when he pauses. After defeating Eikthyr, he will drop hard antlers, which are the key ingredient for crafting the antler pickaxe.\n\nOnce you have the hard antlers, you can craft the antler pickaxe at a workbench. The crafting recipe requires 10 wood and 1 hard antler. Wood can be gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome using a stone axe. After crafting the pickaxe, you can equip it and start mining stone, copper, and tin. Stone is found in large boulders scattered throughout the Meadows and Black Forest biomes, while copper and tin are found in the Black Forest biome.\n\nA common challenge for new players is locating enough deer to obtain the required trophies. Deer are more active during the day, so focus your hunting efforts during daylight hours. Additionally, deer tend to spawn near open areas in the Meadows biome, so explore these regions thoroughly. If you’re struggling to find deer, consider building a small base near a deer spawn point to make hunting easier.\n\nAnother tip is to prepare adequately before fighting Eikthyr. Craft a full set of leather armor for increased defense, and bring plenty of food like cooked meat or berries to replenish health during the fight. Stamina management is also crucial, as Eikthyr’s attacks can drain your stamina quickly if you’re not careful. Use the environment to your advantage by placing campfires near the altar to heal during the battle.\n\nOnce you have the antler pickaxe, you can begin mining stone and other resources to build stronger tools and structures. Stone is essential for crafting a stonecutter, which allows you to build stone structures like walls and floors. Copper and tin, found in the Black Forest biome, are used to craft bronze, which is necessary for more advanced tools and weapons. The antler pickaxe is a stepping stone to these advancements, so prioritize unlocking it early in your gameplay.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the antler pickaxe involves defeating Eikthyr, crafting the pickaxe at a workbench, and using it to gather stone and other resources. By following these steps and preparing adequately, you’ll be well on your way to progressing through Valheim’s early game and unlocking new crafting opportunities.