How can you use the pickaxe to mine stone without damaging nearby structures?

Mining stone in Valheim without damaging nearby structures requires careful planning and understanding of the game''s mechanics. The pickaxe is a powerful tool for gathering stone, but its area-of-effect damage can unintentionally harm nearby buildings or terrain. To avoid this, you need to control the direction and distance of your mining efforts while using the environment to your advantage.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a high-quality pickaxe. The Antler Pickaxe is the earliest available, crafted using 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler from the first Eikthyr boss. Later, you can upgrade to the Bronze Pickaxe, which is more efficient. The quality of your pickaxe affects mining speed and durability, so always aim to use the best one available. Additionally, having a workbench nearby can help repair your pickaxe quickly, saving time and resources.\n\nWhen mining near structures, always start by assessing the area. Look for natural barriers like cliffs, large rocks, or trees that can act as buffers between your mining site and your buildings. If no natural barriers exist, consider creating artificial ones. For example, you can dig a trench or build a stone wall to absorb the pickaxe''s splash damage. This is especially useful in biomes like the Meadows or Black Forest, where stone is abundant but structures are often close by.\n\nTo minimize damage, aim your pickaxe strikes carefully. The pickaxe deals damage in a small radius around the point of impact, so avoid swinging it directly at structures. Instead, position yourself so that your strikes face away from buildings. If you''re mining a large rock or boulder, start from the side farthest from your structures and work your way inward. This ensures that any stray damage is directed away from your base.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to use the terrain to your advantage. If you''re mining on a slope, position yourself uphill from your structures. This way, any debris or splash damage will naturally fall away from your buildings. In flat areas, consider digging a small pit around the stone you''re mining. This pit will catch any debris and prevent it from spreading toward your structures.\n\nFor players in later stages of the game, using the Hoe tool can be a game-changer. The Hoe allows you to level terrain and create raised earth walls, which can act as protective barriers. For example, if you''re mining near a wooden house, use the Hoe to raise a small mound of dirt between the mining site and the structure. This mound will absorb any stray damage, keeping your buildings safe.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye on your stamina. Mining consumes stamina quickly, and low stamina reduces your mining efficiency. Bring food items like Cooked Meat or Carrot Soup to maintain high stamina levels. If you''re mining in dangerous biomes like the Mountains or Plains, consider bringing healing items like Health Mead to stay safe from hostile creatures.\n\nIn summary, mining stone without damaging nearby structures requires a combination of careful planning, strategic positioning, and the right tools. Use natural or artificial barriers to protect your buildings, aim your pickaxe strikes away from structures, and leverage the terrain to your advantage. With these tips, you can efficiently gather stone while keeping your base intact.