How do you unlock the hammer tool for building structures?

Unlocking the hammer tool in Valheim is a critical step for building your first shelter and progressing in the game. The hammer is essential for constructing structures, crafting workbenches, and creating a safe base. To unlock the hammer, you must first gather basic resources and craft a workbench, which serves as the foundation for many early-game tools and items.\n\nTo begin, you need to collect wood, which is obtained by chopping down trees using your starting axe. Trees are abundant in the Meadows biome, the starting area for most players. Once you have at least 10 wood, you can craft a workbench. Open your inventory (press Tab) and navigate to the crafting tab. Select the workbench and place it in a suitable location near your intended building site. The workbench requires a flat, open area to function properly.\n\nAfter placing the workbench, interact with it to access its crafting menu. Here, you will find the hammer under the Tools category. Crafting the hammer requires 3 wood and 2 stone. Stone can be found scattered on the ground in the Meadows biome or mined from small rocks using your axe. Once you have the required materials, craft the hammer, and it will be added to your inventory.\n\nWith the hammer equipped, you can now start building structures. Press the right mouse button to open the building menu, which displays various construction options such as walls, roofs, and floors. Each structure requires specific materials, such as wood or thatch, which you can gather from the environment. For example, walls require 2 wood each, while roofs require 4 wood. Plan your shelter carefully to ensure it provides adequate protection from enemies and the elements.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is running out of materials while building. To avoid this, gather extra resources before starting construction. For example, collect at least 50 wood and 20 stone to build a small, functional shelter. Additionally, ensure your workbench is protected by building walls and a roof around it, as it can be destroyed by enemies or weather.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize building a bed early on. Beds serve as respawn points and allow you to skip the night by sleeping. To craft a bed, you need 8 wood and 2 leather scraps. Leather scraps can be obtained by hunting boars in the Meadows biome. Place the bed inside your shelter to ensure it is safe and functional.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the hammer in Valheim involves gathering wood and stone, crafting a workbench, and then crafting the hammer itself. Once you have the hammer, you can build a shelter, protect your workbench, and create a respawn point with a bed. By following these steps and gathering extra resources, you can establish a strong foundation for your Viking adventure.\n\nPractical tips for new players include always carrying extra materials, building near resources like trees and rocks, and protecting your workbench from damage. For experienced players, consider upgrading your workbench with additional crafting stations, such as the chopping block and tanning rack, to unlock more advanced building options. With the hammer in hand, you are ready to conquer the challenges of Valheim and build a thriving Viking settlement.