How do you repair tools at the workbench or forge?

Repairing tools in Valheim is a straightforward but essential mechanic for maintaining your gear and ensuring survival in the harsh world of the tenth realm. Tools, weapons, and armor degrade over time with use, but unlike many survival games, Valheim does not require additional resources to repair items. Instead, you only need access to the appropriate crafting station, such as a workbench or forge, depending on the item''s tier and type.\n\nTo repair tools at a workbench, first ensure you have built and placed a workbench in your base. The workbench is one of the earliest crafting stations you can create, requiring 10 wood. Once the workbench is placed, interact with it to open the crafting menu. On the right side of the menu, you will see a small hammer icon labeled ''Repair.'' Clicking this button will repair all damaged items in your inventory that are compatible with the workbench, such as basic tools like the stone axe, pickaxe, and hammer.\n\nFor higher-tier tools and weapons, such as bronze or iron gear, you will need to use a forge. The forge is a more advanced crafting station that requires additional resources to build, including 6 copper, 4 wood, 4 coal, and 10 stone. Once the forge is constructed, interact with it to open its menu. Similar to the workbench, the forge has a repair button that will restore the durability of compatible items, such as bronze axes, iron maces, and metal armor. Always ensure your forge is fueled with coal, as it is required for both crafting and repairing.\n\nOne common challenge players face is forgetting to repair their tools before embarking on long expeditions. For example, if you venture into the Black Forest biome to mine copper without repairing your pickaxe, you may find yourself unable to complete the task. To avoid this, make it a habit to repair all tools and weapons before leaving your base. Additionally, consider building a portal network to quickly return to your base for repairs if needed.\n\nAnother practical tip is to keep spare tools in your base. For instance, if your bronze axe breaks while chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, having a backup stone axe can save you time and frustration. This is especially useful in the early game when resources are scarce, and crafting replacements can be time-consuming.\n\nUnderstanding the game mechanics behind durability and repair is crucial for efficient gameplay. Durability decreases with each use of a tool or weapon, and once it reaches zero, the item becomes unusable until repaired. However, unlike other survival games, Valheim does not destroy items when their durability is depleted, making repair a cost-effective way to maintain your gear.\n\nIn summary, repairing tools in Valheim is a simple yet vital process that ensures your survival and progress. Always repair your gear at the appropriate crafting station before heading out, and consider building backup tools to avoid interruptions in your adventures. By mastering this mechanic, you can focus on exploring biomes, gathering resources, and conquering the challenges of the tenth realm.