How do I efficiently farm Black Metal without Plains gear?

Farming Black Metal in Valheim without Plains gear is a challenging but achievable task if you plan carefully and use the right strategies. Black Metal is a valuable resource dropped by Fulings, the aggressive goblin-like creatures found in the Plains biome. However, venturing into the Plains without proper gear can be dangerous, so preparation and smart tactics are key.\n\nFirst, you need to understand the game mechanics. Fulings are highly aggressive and deal significant damage, especially in groups. They drop Black Metal scraps when killed, which can be smelted into Black Metal at a Blast Furnace. However, since you don’t have Plains-tier gear, you’ll need to rely on stealth, ranged combat, and environmental advantages to survive and farm efficiently.\n\nTo start, gather essential gear from earlier biomes. A fully upgraded Troll Armor set is ideal for its high stealth bonus, allowing you to avoid detection. Equip a Finewood Bow with Fire or Obsidian arrows for ranged attacks. These arrows are effective against Fulings and can be crafted using materials from the Meadows, Black Forest, and Mountains. Additionally, bring a shield and a melee weapon like an Iron Mace or Sword for close combat emergencies.\n\nNext, scout the Plains biome carefully. Look for small Fuling camps or isolated Fulings near the edges of the biome. Avoid large villages or groups of Fulings, as they can overwhelm you quickly. Use the terrain to your advantage—stay on higher ground or behind rocks to avoid detection. If you’re spotted, retreat to a safer biome like the Black Forest or Mountains to regroup.\n\nWhen engaging Fulings, use stealth to your advantage. Sneak up on isolated targets and land a critical hit with your bow. Fire arrows are particularly effective because they deal damage over time. If you’re forced into melee combat, use your shield to block attacks and counter with your weapon. Always prioritize killing Shamans and Berserkers first, as they pose the greatest threat.\n\nA practical example of efficient farming is to lure Fulings into traps or environmental hazards. For instance, you can lead them into nearby Tar Pits, where they’ll take damage from the tar blobs. Alternatively, use the terrain to create choke points, such as narrow paths between rocks, to fight them one at a time. This minimizes the risk of being surrounded.\n\nAnother strategy is to use the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer from the Black Forest, to deal AoE (area of effect) damage. While it’s not as effective as Plains-tier weapons, it can help you manage groups of Fulings if you’re cornered. Pair this with a Bonemass power-up for increased resistance to physical damage, giving you a better chance of survival.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for the unexpected. Bring plenty of healing items like Cooked Meat, Queens Jam, and Health Mead. Stamina management is crucial, so consume foods like Carrot Soup or Turnip Stew to maintain your stamina during fights. If you die, make sure to mark your death location and return with a backup set of gear to recover your items.\n\nIn summary, farming Black Metal without Plains gear requires careful planning, stealth, and strategic combat. Use Troll Armor for stealth, a Finewood Bow with Fire arrows for ranged attacks, and the environment to your advantage. Focus on isolated Fulings, avoid large groups, and always have an escape plan. With patience and persistence, you can gather Black Metal scraps and progress toward crafting powerful Plains-tier gear.\n\nPractical tips: Always save your game before entering the Plains, use Bonemass power-up for tough fights, and consider building a small outpost near the Plains for quick respawns and storage. Happy hunting, Viking!