How can I gather wood in the Meadows biome without a shelter?

Gathering wood in the Meadows biome without a shelter is a fundamental task in Valheim, especially for new players who are just starting their survival journey. The Meadows biome is the safest starting area, filled with birch and oak trees, which are excellent sources of wood. To gather wood efficiently, you will need to understand the game mechanics and use the right tools and strategies.\n\nFirst, you need a basic tool to chop down trees. The most accessible tool for this is the Stone Axe, which can be crafted using 5 Wood and 4 Stone. Wood can be gathered by picking up branches scattered on the ground, while Stone can be found by breaking small rocks with your bare hands. Once you have the Stone Axe, you are ready to start gathering wood. Approach a tree, aim at its base, and swing the axe repeatedly until the tree falls.\n\nWhen a tree falls, it will drop wood logs and sometimes additional resources like resin or seeds. Be cautious when chopping trees, as falling trees can damage or kill you if you stand in their path. Always position yourself to the side of the tree and move away quickly after the final swing. Additionally, falling trees can knock down nearby trees, creating a chain reaction that can be dangerous but also efficient for gathering large amounts of wood quickly.\n\nIf you don’t have a shelter, you can still gather wood effectively by focusing on smaller trees or branches. Smaller trees, such as birch saplings, require fewer hits to fell and are less dangerous. Branches can be picked up directly from the ground without any tools, making them a quick and safe source of wood in the early game. However, branches yield less wood compared to full-sized trees, so they are best used as a supplementary resource.\n\nOne common challenge when gathering wood without a shelter is managing your stamina. Chopping trees consumes stamina, and if you run out, you won’t be able to swing your axe. To mitigate this, always keep an eye on your stamina bar and take breaks to let it regenerate. Eating food like berries or mushrooms, which can be found in the Meadows biome, will increase your maximum stamina and make the process more efficient.\n\nAnother practical tip is to gather wood near water or open areas. This reduces the risk of trees falling in unpredictable directions and minimizes the chance of attracting hostile creatures like Greylings or Necks. If you encounter these enemies, use your axe as a weapon to defend yourself, as it deals decent damage in the early game.\n\nFor experienced players, consider upgrading to a Flint Axe once you gather enough Flint from the shores of the Meadows biome. The Flint Axe is more durable and efficient, allowing you to chop trees faster. Flint can be found by exploring the coastline and picking up shiny stones from the ground. Crafting a Flint Axe requires 4 Wood and 6 Flint, making it a worthwhile upgrade for long-term wood gathering.\n\nIn summary, gathering wood in the Meadows biome without a shelter is straightforward but requires careful planning. Use a Stone Axe or Flint Axe to chop trees, avoid standing in the path of falling trees, and manage your stamina by eating food. Focus on smaller trees or branches if you’re low on resources, and always be aware of your surroundings to avoid danger. With these strategies, you’ll have a steady supply of wood to build, craft, and survive in Valheim.