How do you unlock the reinforced chest for storing resources?

To unlock the reinforced chest in Valheim, you must first progress through the game''s crafting system and gather specific materials. The reinforced chest is a significant upgrade over the standard chest, offering 24 storage slots compared to the standard chest''s 10. This makes it an essential item for mid-to-late-game resource management. To craft the reinforced chest, you need to unlock the recipe by obtaining iron, which is found in the Swamp biome.\n\nTo begin, you must first defeat the second boss, The Elder, in the Black Forest biome. This boss drops a Swamp Key, which is required to access Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. These crypts contain muddy scrap piles, which can be mined with an Antler Pickaxe or better to obtain scrap iron. Once you have scrap iron, you need to smelt it in a Smelter using coal, which is obtained by burning wood in a Charcoal Kiln. Smelted iron is then used to craft iron nails at a Forge.\n\nWith iron nails in hand, you can now craft the reinforced chest. The recipe requires 10 wood, 2 iron nails, and 1 bronze. Wood is easily gathered from trees in any biome, while bronze is crafted by combining copper and tin at a Forge. Copper is mined from copper deposits in the Black Forest, and tin is found along the shores of the same biome. Once you have all the materials, interact with a Workbench to craft the reinforced chest.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. These crypts are often hidden among the dense trees and murky waters, making them difficult to spot. To make this easier, explore the Swamp during the day when visibility is better, and look for green torches outside the crypt entrances. Additionally, bringing a Hoe to level the ground can help you navigate the uneven terrain and avoid drowning in deep water.\n\nAnother challenge is dealing with the hostile creatures in the Swamp biome, such as Draugr and Leeches. To survive, equip yourself with upgraded armor, such as bronze or iron gear, and bring healing items like cooked meat or mead. A shield is also highly recommended for blocking attacks. If you''re struggling with combat, consider bringing a friend or taming wolves to assist you.\n\nOnce you have your reinforced chest, place it in a secure location, such as your base or a fortified outpost. This chest is ideal for storing valuable resources like iron, silver, and other rare materials. To maximize efficiency, organize your chests by category, such as one for metals, one for food, and another for crafting materials. This will save you time when searching for specific items.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the reinforced chest requires defeating The Elder, exploring the Swamp biome, and gathering iron, wood, and bronze. By following these steps and preparing for the challenges of the Swamp, you can craft this essential storage solution and improve your resource management in Valheim.