What’s the most efficient way to gather stone without wasting stamina?

Gathering stone efficiently in Valheim is crucial for building and crafting, especially when you want to conserve stamina. Stone is one of the most common resources in the game, but collecting it without wasting stamina requires understanding game mechanics and using the right tools and strategies.\n\nFirst, equip the Antler Pickaxe or a higher-tier pickaxe like the Bronze Pickaxe. These tools are essential for mining stone efficiently. The Antler Pickaxe is crafted using Hard Antlers from the first boss, Eikthyr, and 10 Wood. It’s the earliest mining tool available and is sufficient for gathering stone in the early game. For mid-to-late game, upgrade to the Bronze Pickaxe, which is faster and more durable.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, focus on mining stone deposits found in the Meadows and Black Forest biomes. Stone deposits are large boulders that yield 20-30 stone per node. These are more stamina-efficient than picking up small stones scattered on the ground, which only give 1 stone each. Look for clusters of stone deposits to minimize travel time between nodes.\n\nStamina management is key. Always ensure your character is well-fed before mining. Consuming foods like Cooked Meat, Carrot Soup, or Queens Jam will boost your stamina pool and regeneration. Avoid mining when your stamina is low, as this slows progress and wastes time. If your stamina runs out, wait for it to regenerate fully before continuing.\n\nAnother tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. Position yourself on higher ground when mining stone deposits. This reduces the need to move around and helps you hit the node more consistently, saving stamina. Additionally, avoid mining in areas with steep slopes or uneven terrain, as this can make it harder to target the node accurately.\n\nFor advanced players, consider using the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to break stone deposits. These two-handed hammers can destroy multiple stone nodes in a single swing, making them highly efficient for large-scale stone gathering. However, they require significant stamina per swing, so use them only when your stamina is high and you have a good food supply.\n\nFinally, bring a Cart or Portal with you when gathering stone in large quantities. A Cart allows you to transport hundreds of stone pieces back to your base without multiple trips. Alternatively, set up a Portal near your mining site to quickly teleport back and forth. This saves time and stamina, especially when mining in distant biomes like the Mountains or Plains.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient way to gather stone without wasting stamina involves using the right tools, targeting stone deposits, managing stamina with food, and optimizing your mining strategy with terrain and transportation. By following these steps, you can gather stone quickly and effectively, whether you’re a new player or an experienced Viking.