What is the best tool for mining copper in the Black Forest biome?

Mining copper in the Black Forest biome is a critical step in Valheim, as copper is essential for crafting bronze and progressing through the game. The best tool for mining copper is the Antler Pickaxe, which is the first pickaxe available to players. To craft the Antler Pickaxe, you need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler, which is obtained by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss. This tool is durable enough to handle copper nodes and is accessible early in the game.\n\nCopper nodes are large, dark rocks with greenish veins scattered throughout the Black Forest biome. To mine copper effectively, you must first locate these nodes. They are often partially buried, so you may need to dig around them to expose the entire deposit. Use your Antler Pickaxe to break the node into smaller pieces, which will drop copper ore. Each node yields a significant amount of ore, but mining can be time-consuming, so plan accordingly.\n\nOne common challenge players face is the stamina drain while mining. To mitigate this, ensure you have a rested bonus by resting near a campfire or shelter before starting. Eating high-stamina foods like Honey, Cooked Meat, or Raspberries will also help maintain your stamina during long mining sessions. Additionally, avoid mining at night, as the Black Forest becomes more dangerous with increased enemy spawns.\n\nAnother tip is to clear the area around the copper node before mining. Greydwarfs and other hostile creatures in the Black Forest can interrupt your progress. Building a small workbench and a fence around the mining site can help keep enemies at bay. If you encounter a Troll, it’s best to retreat and return later, as they can destroy your structures and deal significant damage.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough copper ore, you’ll need to smelt it into copper bars using a Smelter. To build a Smelter, you need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which can be found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest. Place the Smelter near your base and fuel it with Coal, obtained by burning Wood in a Charcoal Kiln. Smelting copper ore into bars is a crucial step for crafting stronger tools, weapons, and armor.\n\nFor experienced players, upgrading to the Bronze Pickaxe is a logical next step. To craft it, you’ll need 4 Wood and 6 Bronze, which is made by combining 2 Copper and 1 Tin at a Forge. The Bronze Pickaxe is more durable and efficient, making it ideal for mining larger quantities of copper or other resources like Silver in later biomes.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is the best starting tool for mining copper in the Black Forest biome. Focus on stamina management, clear the area of enemies, and smelt your ore efficiently to progress. Upgrading to the Bronze Pickaxe will further enhance your mining capabilities as you advance in the game.