What’s the most efficient route to gather core wood early?

Gathering core wood early in Valheim is essential for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures. Core wood is obtained by chopping down pine trees, which are primarily found in the Black Forest biome. To maximize efficiency, you need a clear plan, the right tools, and an understanding of the game mechanics.\n\nFirst, ensure you have a Flint Axe, the earliest tool capable of cutting down pine trees. To craft it, gather flint from riverbanks in the Meadows biome and wood from basic trees. Combine these materials at a workbench to create the Flint Axe. Without this tool, you cannot harvest core wood, so prioritize crafting it early.\n\nNext, locate the Black Forest biome. This biome is darker and denser than the Meadows, with pine trees, fir trees, and dangerous enemies like Greydwarfs. Use your map to identify the Black Forest by its darker green color. If you haven’t explored yet, head in a direction away from the starting area, as the Black Forest often borders the Meadows.\n\nOnce in the Black Forest, focus on pine trees, which are taller and thinner than fir trees. They drop core wood when chopped down. Be cautious of enemies, as Greydwarfs can overwhelm you if unprepared. Equip a shield and a weapon like a club or spear to defend yourself. If you encounter a Troll, avoid confrontation early on, as they are extremely dangerous without proper gear.\n\nTo optimize your route, start by marking pine tree clusters on your map. This allows you to plan a loop that minimizes backtracking. Begin chopping trees near the edge of the Black Forest, working your way inward. This strategy ensures you have a quick escape route to the Meadows if enemies become too numerous.\n\nA common challenge is managing inventory space. Core wood stacks up to 50, but it can fill your inventory quickly. Consider building a small outpost near the Black Forest with a workbench and chests to store excess wood. This saves time and allows you to gather more core wood in a single trip.\n\nAnother tip is to use the environment to your advantage. Pine trees often grow close together, so chopping one can cause a domino effect, knocking down multiple trees. This saves stamina and time. Additionally, avoid chopping trees on steep slopes, as logs can roll away, making them harder to collect.\n\nFor experienced players, consider bringing a Karve or raft to explore coastal Black Forest areas. These regions often have dense pine tree clusters and fewer enemies. However, this requires access to bronze nails and a workbench, so it’s more suited for mid-game players.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for combat. Carry healing items like cooked meat or berries, and wear the best armor available. If you’re new to the game, leather armor is a good starting point. As you progress, upgrade to troll hide armor for better protection.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient route to gather core wood early involves crafting a Flint Axe, locating the Black Forest, marking pine tree clusters, and managing inventory space. Use the environment to your advantage, build storage outposts, and stay vigilant against enemies. With these strategies, you’ll gather core wood quickly and safely, setting yourself up for success in Valheim.