What is the fastest way to gather stone for building projects?

Gathering stone efficiently in Valheim is essential for building large structures, crafting advanced tools, and progressing through the game. Stone is one of the most versatile resources, used for everything from crafting stone walls to building portals. The fastest way to gather stone depends on your progression level, biome accessibility, and available tools. Here’s a detailed guide to help you maximize your stone collection.\n\nEarly in the game, the easiest way to gather stone is by picking up small rocks scattered across the Meadows biome. These rocks are abundant and require no tools to collect. Simply walk up to them and press the interact key (default E) to pick them up. While this method is slow, it’s accessible to new players and doesn’t require any crafting or preparation. However, for larger building projects, you’ll need a more efficient method.\n\nOnce you’ve crafted a pickaxe, mining stone becomes significantly faster. The Antler Pickaxe, crafted from Hard Antlers dropped by Eikthyr (the first boss), is the first mining tool available. Use it to break larger stone formations found in the Meadows, Black Forest, and other biomes. These formations yield multiple stone pieces per hit, making them a better option than picking up small rocks. Focus on mining boulders and rock towers, as they provide the most stone per node.\n\nFor even faster stone gathering, venture into the Black Forest biome. This biome is rich in stone deposits, including Greydwarf nests and Silver Ore veins (which also drop stone when mined). Greydwarfs, the local enemies, drop stone when killed, making them a passive source of stone while you explore. Additionally, the Black Forest contains large stone structures like ruined towers, which can be dismantled with a pickaxe for massive amounts of stone. Be prepared to fight Greydwarfs and Trolls, as they are common in this biome.\n\nIf you’ve progressed to the Mountains biome, you’ll find an even more efficient method: mining Obsidian and Silver Ore. While these resources are primarily used for crafting, they also drop stone as a byproduct. The Mountains biome is dangerous, with freezing temperatures and powerful enemies like Wolves and Drakes, so ensure you have Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor before venturing there. Use an Iron Pickaxe or better to mine these resources effectively.\n\nAnother advanced method is using the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge, two-handed hammers that deal AoE (area of effect) damage. These weapons can destroy stone formations and Greydwarf nests in a single hit, making them ideal for clearing large areas quickly. However, they require significant resources to craft, so this method is best suited for mid-to-late-game players.\n\nTo optimize your stone gathering, consider using a cart to transport large quantities. Carts can carry up to 18 slots of items, making them ideal for hauling stone from mining sites to your base. Build a cart early in the game and use it to streamline your resource collection. Additionally, always carry a portal with you to quickly return to your base and unload your inventory.\n\nFinally, for late-game players, the Plains biome offers the most efficient stone-gathering method: mining stone pillars. These massive structures yield hundreds of stone when mined with a Black Metal Pickaxe. However, the Plains biome is extremely dangerous, with enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos, so ensure you’re well-equipped before attempting this.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather stone depends on your progression. Early-game players should focus on picking up small rocks and mining boulders with a pickaxe. Mid-game players can explore the Black Forest for Greydwarf nests and stone structures, while late-game players should target the Mountains and Plains biomes for high-yield stone deposits. Always use carts and portals to maximize efficiency, and be prepared for combat in dangerous biomes.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a pickaxe and repair it regularly. Use the Hoe to flatten terrain and uncover hidden stone deposits. Build a stonecutter at your base to craft advanced stone structures. Finally, consider farming Greydwarfs for passive stone drops while exploring.