How do you increase the forge’s crafting level?

Increasing the forge’s crafting level in Valheim is essential for unlocking advanced crafting recipes and improving your gear. The forge is a critical workstation used to craft and upgrade metal-based items, such as weapons, armor, and tools. To increase its crafting level, you must build and attach specific forge upgrades nearby. Each upgrade adds one level to the forge, allowing you to craft higher-tier items and perform more advanced upgrades.\n\nTo begin, you need to build a forge. This requires 4 stone, 4 coal, 6 wood, and 10 copper. Once the forge is constructed, you can start adding upgrades. These upgrades are crafted separately and must be placed within the forge’s radius to take effect. Each upgrade has unique crafting requirements, and you’ll need to explore different biomes and gather specific resources to build them.\n\nOne of the first upgrades you can add is the Forge Cooler. This requires 25 fine wood and 10 copper. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Copper is mined from copper deposits in the Black Forest. Once crafted, place the Forge Cooler near the forge to increase its level by one.\n\nAnother important upgrade is the Anvil. This requires 5 wood and 20 bronze. Bronze is crafted by combining 2 copper and 1 tin at the forge. Tin is found near water sources in the Black Forest biome. The Anvil is a crucial upgrade that unlocks many advanced crafting recipes, so prioritize building it early.\n\nThe Forge Toolrack is another upgrade that increases the forge’s level. It requires 15 iron and 10 wood. Iron is obtained by smelting scrap iron, which is found in the Swamp biome inside Sunken Crypts. This upgrade is particularly useful for mid-game progression, as it allows you to craft and upgrade iron-based gear.\n\nFor late-game upgrades, you’ll need the Forge Bellows. This requires 5 wood, 5 deer hide, and 4 chain. Chains are obtained by defeating Wraiths in the Swamp biome or by looting chests in Sunken Crypts. The Forge Bellows significantly boosts the forge’s capabilities, enabling you to craft and upgrade end-game items like black metal gear.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating the necessary resources for forge upgrades. For example, finding iron in the Swamp biome can be difficult due to the hostile environment. To overcome this, prepare adequately by bringing poison resistance mead, a strong weapon, and a pickaxe. Clear Sunken Crypts systematically to gather scrap iron efficiently.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize upgrades based on your current needs. If you’re focusing on bronze gear, build the Anvil first. If you’re transitioning to iron gear, focus on the Forge Toolrack. This approach ensures you’re always prepared for the challenges ahead.\n\nIn summary, increasing the forge’s crafting level involves building and placing specific upgrades nearby. Each upgrade requires unique resources, so explore biomes like the Black Forest and Swamp to gather materials. Plan your upgrades strategically to match your progression, and always prepare thoroughly for resource-gathering expeditions. By following these steps, you’ll maximize your forge’s potential and craft powerful gear to conquer Valheim’s challenges.