How do you unlock the forge’s level 3 upgrades?

Unlocking the forge’s level 3 upgrades in Valheim is a crucial step for progressing your crafting capabilities and accessing higher-tier gear. The forge is essential for crafting and upgrading metal tools, weapons, and armor, and upgrading it to level 3 allows you to unlock advanced recipes and improve your equipment further. To achieve this, you’ll need to gather specific resources and build additional forge upgrades, which are tied to your exploration and progression in the game.\n\nTo begin, you must first build a forge if you haven’t already. The forge requires 4 stone, 4 coal, 10 wood, and 6 copper. Once built, you can start upgrading it by adding various forge upgrades, such as the forge cooler, forge bellows, and anvils. Each upgrade increases the forge’s level, and reaching level 3 requires a combination of these upgrades. The key items needed for level 3 upgrades include the forge cooler, forge bellows, and anvils, which are crafted using materials found in different biomes.\n\nThe forge cooler is crafted using 25 fine wood and 10 copper. Fine wood is obtained by chopping down birch or oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest biomes, while copper is mined from copper deposits in the Black Forest. The forge bellows require 5 wood, 4 leather scraps, and 4 chain. Leather scraps are dropped by boars, and chains can be found in chests in the Swamp biome or dropped by Wraiths. The anvils are crafted using 5 wood and 2 bronze, which is made by combining copper and tin at the forge.\n\nOne common challenge players face is locating chains, as they are not craftable early in the game. To overcome this, focus on exploring the Swamp biome. Look for sunken crypts, which often contain chests with chains. Wraiths, which spawn at night in the Swamp, also drop chains when defeated. Be prepared with poison resistance mead and decent armor, as the Swamp is a dangerous biome with hostile enemies like Draugr and Leeches.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, return to your forge and interact with it to add the upgrades. Place the forge cooler, forge bellows, and anvils near the forge to increase its level. Each upgrade adds a specific level, and combining them will bring your forge to level 3. This unlocks advanced recipes, such as the iron mace, iron armor, and other mid-to-late-game gear.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prioritize exploration and resource gathering. Focus on building a strong base in the Meadows or Black Forest, as these biomes provide the resources needed for early-game progression. Experienced Vikings should plan expeditions to the Swamp biome to secure chains and other rare materials. Always bring a portal to set up a quick return route, as the Swamp can be treacherous.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the forge’s level 3 upgrades requires gathering fine wood, copper, leather scraps, and chains, and crafting the forge cooler, forge bellows, and anvils. Explore the Black Forest and Swamp biomes to secure these materials, and be prepared for combat in the Swamp. With a level 3 forge, you’ll unlock advanced crafting options and significantly improve your gear, making your journey through Valheim much smoother.