What is the best way to mine copper without breaking my pickaxe?

Mining copper in Valheim is a crucial early-game activity, as it is the first metal you will encounter and is essential for crafting bronze tools, weapons, and armor. However, mining copper can be challenging, especially if you are not prepared. The key to mining copper efficiently without breaking your pickaxe lies in understanding game mechanics, proper preparation, and strategic mining techniques.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools and equipment. To mine copper, you need an Antler Pickaxe, which is crafted using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler obtained from defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. While the Antler Pickaxe is durable, it will still degrade over time, so it is important to maximize its lifespan. Always carry a backup pickaxe or materials to craft a new one in case your current tool breaks mid-mining session.\n\nCopper deposits are found in the Black Forest biome, which is more dangerous than the Meadows. Before heading out, equip yourself with a shield, a weapon, and armor made from leather or troll hide. Bring food like cooked meat, berries, or honey to boost your health and stamina. Stamina is critical for mining, as each swing of the pickaxe consumes stamina. If you run out of stamina, you will mine slower and waste time recovering.\n\nWhen you locate a copper deposit, start by clearing the area of enemies like Greydwarves and Skeletons. These creatures can interrupt your mining and damage your pickaxe indirectly by forcing you to fight. Once the area is safe, begin mining from the edges of the deposit. Copper deposits are larger than they appear, often extending underground. By mining around the edges, you can expose more of the deposit and reduce the number of pickaxe swings needed to break it.\n\nOne effective strategy is to dig beneath the copper deposit. This allows you to mine the entire deposit from below, which can save time and pickaxe durability. To do this, dig a trench around the deposit and then tunnel underneath it. Be cautious of falling rocks, as they can damage you if you are directly beneath the deposit when it collapses. This method also helps you avoid breaking your pickaxe on unnecessary terrain.\n\nAnother tip is to repair your pickaxe frequently. You can repair tools at a Workbench, which requires 10 Wood to build. Always place a Workbench near your mining site to save time and avoid long trips back to your base. Repairing your pickaxe costs no resources, so there is no downside to keeping it in good condition.\n\nFinally, consider upgrading your pickaxe as soon as possible. Once you have mined enough copper and tin, you can craft a Bronze Pickaxe at a Forge. The Bronze Pickaxe is more durable and mines faster, making it a significant upgrade over the Antler Pickaxe. To craft it, you will need 6 Copper and 4 Tin, which are smelted into bars using a Smelter.\n\nIn summary, the best way to mine copper without breaking your pickaxe involves preparation, strategic mining techniques, and frequent repairs. Equip yourself properly, clear the area of enemies, mine from the edges or beneath the deposit, and repair your pickaxe often. By following these steps, you can efficiently gather copper and progress in Valheim without unnecessary setbacks.