How do you unlock the Windmill for processing crops?

Unlocking the Windmill in Valheim is a crucial step for efficient crop processing, especially for turning barley and flax into flour and linen. To unlock the Windmill, you must first defeat Moder, the fourth boss in the game, located in the Mountain biome. Moder drops the Dragon Tear, which is required to craft the Artisan Table, a key workstation for advanced crafting.\n\nOnce you have the Dragon Tear, you can build the Artisan Table using 10 wood, 2 dragon tears, and 4 iron. Place the Artisan Table in your base, as it unlocks several advanced crafting recipes, including the Windmill. The Windmill itself requires 20 stone, 30 wood, and 30 iron nails to craft. These materials are relatively easy to gather, but iron nails require a forge and iron bars, which are smelted from scrap iron found in the Swamp biome.\n\nTo process crops, you need to place the Windmill in an open area with sufficient wind. Windmills only operate when there is wind, so avoid placing them in enclosed spaces or areas with obstructions. Once built, you can load barley or flax into the Windmill by interacting with it. Barley is processed into flour, which is essential for baking bread and other advanced foods, while flax is turned into linen, used for crafting high-tier armor and tools.\n\nA common challenge is finding enough barley and flax, as these crops are only found in the Plains biome, one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim. To safely farm barley and flax, establish a small outpost in the Plains, preferably near a Fuling village. Clear the area of enemies and build a protective wall around your farm. Use a cultivator to plant the seeds, and ensure you have a steady supply of these crops for processing.\n\nAnother tip is to optimize your Windmill placement. Since wind is essential for its operation, consider building multiple Windmills in different locations to ensure continuous processing. Additionally, store excess flour and linen in chests near your Windmill to streamline your crafting workflow. This setup will save time and make your farming operations more efficient.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Windmill requires defeating Moder, crafting the Artisan Table, and gathering the necessary materials. Place the Windmill in a windy area, and use it to process barley and flax into flour and linen. With careful planning and resource management, the Windmill will become a cornerstone of your Valheim farming and crafting operations.