How do you avoid Wolves while gathering stone in the Mountains?

Gathering stone in the Mountains biome of Valheim is a high-risk, high-reward activity due to the presence of Wolves, one of the most dangerous enemies in the game. Wolves are fast, aggressive, and deal significant damage, making them a serious threat to unprepared players. To avoid Wolves while gathering stone, you need to understand their behavior, prepare adequately, and use strategic gameplay techniques.\n\nFirst, preparation is key. Before venturing into the Mountains, ensure you have the best available gear. A fully upgraded Wolf Armor set or Padded Armor is ideal for defense, as it provides high resistance to cold and physical damage. Equip a strong shield, such as the Black Metal Shield, and a powerful melee weapon like the Frostner or Black Metal Sword. Additionally, bring a bow and arrows, preferably Frost Arrows or Needle Arrows, for ranged attacks. Always carry healing items like Cooked Lox Meat, Blood Pudding, and Health Mead to recover quickly if attacked.\n\nUnderstanding Wolf behavior is crucial. Wolves are most active during the night and in snowy weather, so avoid gathering stone during these times if possible. They often roam in packs, so if you encounter one Wolf, others are likely nearby. Wolves are also attracted to noise, so avoid sprinting or using loud tools like the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge near their spawn areas. Instead, move quietly and use the Antler Pickaxe or Iron Pickaxe to minimize noise while mining stone.\n\nWhen gathering stone, always scout the area first. Use high ground to survey the terrain and identify Wolf spawn points. Look for stone deposits in safer areas, such as near cliffs or rocky outcrops, where Wolves are less likely to patrol. If you spot Wolves in the distance, avoid engaging them unless necessary. Instead, use stealth by crouching (press Ctrl) to reduce your visibility and noise. This allows you to mine stone without alerting nearby Wolves.\n\nIf you are forced to fight Wolves, use terrain to your advantage. Wolves cannot climb steep slopes or jump over large rocks, so position yourself on higher ground or behind obstacles to limit their movement. Use your shield to block their attacks and counter with quick melee strikes. Alternatively, use your bow to take them out from a distance before they can close the gap. Frost Arrows are particularly effective, as they slow Wolves down, giving you more time to react.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use distractions. Wolves are attracted to noise, so you can throw items like Flint or Stone to create a diversion. This allows you to mine stone while the Wolves investigate the noise source. Alternatively, you can build temporary structures like walls or fences to block their path while you gather resources. However, be cautious, as Wolves can destroy wooden structures quickly.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. If you are overwhelmed by Wolves, use the Eikthyr power to increase your stamina and sprint away. Alternatively, use portals to quickly return to your base if you have set one up nearby. Portals are invaluable for safe resource gathering, as they allow you to transport stone and other materials without risking a long journey back.\n\nIn summary, avoiding Wolves while gathering stone in the Mountains requires preparation, stealth, and strategic gameplay. Equip the best gear, understand Wolf behavior, and use terrain and distractions to your advantage. By following these tips, you can safely gather stone and other valuable resources in one of Valheim''s most dangerous biomes.