What is the best way to gather stone for building your shelter?

Gathering stone for building your first shelter in Valheim is a critical early-game task. Stone is one of the most versatile resources, used for crafting tools, building structures, and creating defensive walls. To gather stone efficiently, you need to understand the game mechanics and where to find this resource. Stone can be found scattered across most biomes, but the Meadows biome is the safest and most beginner-friendly area to start your search.\n\nTo begin, equip yourself with a basic tool like the Stone Axe, which is crafted using 5 Wood and 4 Stone. While the Stone Axe is primarily used for chopping trees, it can also break small rocks and boulders. Look for small stones on the ground, which appear as gray, pebble-like objects. These can be picked up directly by walking over them or by using the interact key (default E). Each small stone provides 1 unit of stone, making them a quick but limited source.\n\nFor larger quantities of stone, you’ll need to break rocks and boulders. These are found throughout the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Use your Stone Axe or a Pickaxe to break them. To craft a Pickaxe, you’ll need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have a Pickaxe, target large rocks and boulders, which yield 5-10 stone per rock. This method is far more efficient than collecting small stones.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is running out of stone in their immediate area. If this happens, explore nearby areas or venture into the Black Forest biome, where stone is abundant. However, be cautious, as the Black Forest is home to hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. Always bring a weapon, shield, and food for health and stamina regeneration when exploring dangerous biomes.\n\nAnother effective way to gather stone is by mining ore deposits in the Black Forest. While mining Copper or Tin, you’ll often receive stone as a byproduct. This is a great way to multitask and gather multiple resources simultaneously. Additionally, stone can be found in dungeons like Burial Chambers, which are scattered throughout the Black Forest. These dungeons contain piles of stone that can be mined for large quantities.\n\nTo maximize your stone-gathering efficiency, consider building a Cart. Carts are crafted using 20 Wood and 10 Bronze Nails and allow you to transport large amounts of resources, including stone, back to your base. This is especially useful when mining in distant areas. Always plan your trips and bring enough food and tools to avoid running out of stamina or durability mid-task.\n\nFinally, here are some practical tips for gathering stone: Always mark stone-rich areas on your map for future reference. Use the Hoe to flatten terrain and uncover hidden stones. If you’re playing with friends, divide tasks—one person can gather stone while another collects wood or food. And remember, stone is heavy, so prioritize building storage solutions like Chests near your mining sites to avoid frequent trips back to your base.\n\nBy following these steps and tips, you’ll have a steady supply of stone to build and upgrade your shelter, ensuring your survival in the harsh world of Valheim.