What’s the most efficient way to gather core wood for sturdy base structures?

Core wood is a vital resource in Valheim for building sturdy base structures like log beams, log poles, and reinforced walls. Unlike regular wood, core wood is obtained from pine trees, which are found exclusively in the Black Forest biome. To gather core wood efficiently, you’ll need a bronze axe or better, as flint or stone axes cannot chop down pine trees. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, including tips for maximizing your yield and overcoming common challenges.\n\nFirst, ensure you’re prepared for the Black Forest biome. This area is home to hostile creatures like Greylings, Greydwarfs, and Trolls, so bring a shield, a weapon, and some food for health and stamina. A bow and arrows are also useful for dealing with ranged threats. Once you’re equipped, head to the Black Forest and locate pine trees. These are tall, thin trees with dark bark and a distinct conical shape. They’re easy to spot among the regular oak and birch trees.\n\nTo chop down a pine tree, equip your bronze axe and start hitting the base of the tree. Each pine tree yields 8-12 core wood logs, depending on its size. Be cautious of falling trees, as they can damage or kill you if you’re standing in the wrong spot. After the tree falls, use your axe to break it into smaller logs, which will automatically convert into core wood in your inventory. Repeat this process until you’ve gathered enough core wood for your needs.\n\nOne common challenge is managing your inventory space. Core wood stacks up to 50 per slot, so plan accordingly. If you’re far from your base, consider building a cart to transport large quantities of core wood. Carts can carry up to 18 slots of items, making them ideal for hauling resources. Alternatively, you can build a small outpost in the Black Forest with a workbench and chests to store your core wood temporarily.\n\nAnother tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. Pine trees often grow on slopes, so position yourself uphill when chopping to avoid being crushed by falling trees. Additionally, if you’re playing with friends, coordinate your efforts to maximize efficiency. One player can chop trees while another gathers the logs, speeding up the process significantly.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using portals to streamline resource gathering. Build a portal in your base and another near your core wood harvesting site. This allows you to quickly transport core wood back to your base without the need for long trips. Just remember to bring portal materials like fine wood and surtling cores when venturing into the Black Forest.\n\nFinally, always be mindful of your surroundings. The Black Forest is a dangerous biome, especially at night when enemies become more aggressive. If you’re overwhelmed, retreat to a safe area or use campfires to create temporary safe zones. With these strategies, you’ll be able to gather core wood efficiently and build the sturdy base structures you need to thrive in Valheim.