What is the purpose of the forge level 21 upgrade?

The forge level 21 upgrade in Valheim is a significant milestone for players looking to craft and upgrade the highest-tier gear in the game. This upgrade unlocks the ability to craft and improve items made from black metal, which is one of the strongest materials available. Black metal weapons and armor are essential for tackling the game''s toughest challenges, such as the Plains biome and its formidable enemies like Fulings and Lox.\n\nTo achieve forge level 21, you must build and place specific upgrades around your forge. These upgrades include the forge cooler, forge bellows, anvils, and the grinding wheel. Each of these items increases the forge''s level by a certain amount, and you need all of them to reach level 21. For example, the forge cooler adds +1 level, the forge bellows add +2, and the anvils and grinding wheel each add +1. Additionally, the sharpening stone and tool rack, which are also forge upgrades, contribute to the total level.\n\nCrafting these upgrades requires materials that are often found in different biomes. For instance, the forge cooler requires fine wood and copper, which can be gathered from the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. The forge bellows require leather scraps and chains, with chains being a rare drop from Wraiths in the Swamp biome. The grinding wheel requires sharpening stones and wood, while the anvils require iron, which is also found in the Swamp biome. Gathering these materials can be time-consuming, so it''s important to plan your resource collection trips carefully.\n\nOnce your forge reaches level 21, you gain access to crafting and upgrading black metal gear. Black metal weapons, such as the black metal sword and black metal atgeir, are some of the most powerful weapons in the game. They deal high damage and are particularly effective against enemies in the Plains biome. Black metal armor, including the black metal shield, provides excellent protection and is crucial for surviving encounters with Fulings and other dangerous foes.\n\nA common challenge players face is gathering enough black metal scraps to craft these items. Black metal scraps are dropped by Fulings, which are aggressive enemies found in the Plains biome. To farm black metal efficiently, consider setting up a small base near a Fuling village or patrol route. Use a bow and arrows to pick off Fulings from a distance, and always be prepared for a fight, as they can quickly overwhelm you if you''re not careful.\n\nAnother tip for maximizing your forge''s potential is to keep it well-protected. Place your forge inside a sturdy building with walls and a roof to prevent damage from enemies or environmental hazards. Additionally, consider building a portal nearby to quickly transport materials and gear between your forge and other bases.\n\nIn summary, the forge level 21 upgrade is essential for crafting and upgrading black metal gear, which is vital for surviving the Plains biome and beyond. By gathering the necessary materials and building all required upgrades, you can unlock the full potential of your forge and prepare yourself for Valheim''s toughest challenges. Plan your resource collection carefully, protect your forge, and use black metal gear to dominate your enemies.