How do you unlock the stonecutter and upgrade your shelter to stone?

Unlocking the stonecutter and upgrading your shelter to stone in Valheim is a significant milestone that requires preparation, exploration, and crafting. The stonecutter is a crucial workstation that allows you to build and upgrade structures using stone, which is far more durable than wood. To unlock it, you must first progress through the game by defeating the second boss, The Elder, and acquiring the Swamp Key. This key grants access to the Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome, where you can gather Iron Scrap, a key resource for crafting the stonecutter.\n\nTo begin, you need to defeat The Elder, a boss found in the Black Forest biome. The Elder is summoned by placing three Ancient Seeds in its altar, which are obtained by defeating Greydwarf Brutes or Shamans or by looting chests in Burial Chambers. Once The Elder is defeated, it drops the Swamp Key, which unlocks the Sunken Crypts. These crypts are found in the Swamp biome, a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr and Blobs. Be prepared with poison resistance mead and strong weapons before venturing into the Swamp.\n\nInside the Sunken Crypts, you will find Muddy Scrap Piles that can be mined with a Bronze or Iron Pickaxe. These piles yield Iron Scrap, which is essential for crafting the stonecutter. Once you have gathered enough Iron Scrap, return to your base and smelt it in a Smelter to create Iron Bars. You will need 2 Iron Bars, 4 Wood, and 2 Stone to craft the stonecutter at a Workbench. Place the stonecutter near your shelter to begin upgrading your structures.\n\nWith the stonecutter unlocked, you can now craft stone building pieces, such as stone walls, floors, and arches. Stone structures are much stronger than wood and can withstand attacks from enemies and harsh weather conditions. To gather stone, mine large boulders or smaller rocks found throughout the world. You can also dismantle existing stone structures in ruins for additional resources. Be sure to stockpile stone, as building with it requires a significant amount.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the difficulty of surviving in the Swamp biome while gathering Iron Scrap. To overcome this, ensure you have a strong weapon, such as a Bronze Mace or Iron Sword, and wear upgraded armor like Troll Hide or Bronze. Additionally, bring plenty of healing items, such as Cooked Meat or Honey, and use Poison Resistance Mead to mitigate damage from Blobs and other poisonous enemies. Building a small outpost near the Swamp can also help you store resources and recover quickly.\n\nFinally, when upgrading your shelter to stone, consider reinforcing the foundation and walls with stone first, as these are the most vulnerable parts of your structure. Stone floors and roofs can be added later for aesthetic and functional purposes. Remember to keep your Workbench and stonecutter nearby to repair and expand your shelter as needed. By following these steps, you can create a durable and impressive stone shelter that will protect you from the dangers of Valheim.\n\nPractical tips for success include always carrying a portal to quickly return to your base, marking Sunken Crypt locations on your map, and using a Cart to transport large amounts of Iron Scrap. Additionally, consider building a moat or wall around your shelter to further protect it from raids. With patience and preparation, upgrading to stone will make your base nearly impervious to threats.