How do you craft a windmill and what recipes require it?

The windmill is a crucial crafting station in Valheim, primarily used for processing barley and flax into barley flour and linen thread. These materials are essential for advanced recipes like bread, lox meat pie, and padded armor. To craft a windmill, you must first unlock its recipe by obtaining barley or flax, which are found in the Plains biome. This biome is dangerous, so ensure you are well-prepared with strong armor, weapons, and food before venturing there.\n\nTo craft a windmill, you will need the following materials: 20 stone, 30 wood, and 30 iron nails. Stone and wood are common resources found throughout the game, but iron nails require smelting iron scrap in a smelter and crafting them at a forge. Once you have the materials, open the crafting menu and select the windmill. Place it in an open area with sufficient space, as it requires a clear path for the wind to turn its blades.\n\nThe windmill operates based on wind strength, which varies depending on the weather and biome. If the wind is too weak, the windmill will not function. To maximize efficiency, place your windmill in an area with consistent wind, such as elevated terrain or near the coast. If the windmill stops spinning, check the wind direction and strength using the in-game weather system. Relocating the windmill to a better spot may be necessary.\n\nOnce your windmill is operational, you can use it to process barley into barley flour and flax into linen thread. Barley flour is a key ingredient for bread, which provides a significant health and stamina boost. Linen thread is used to craft padded armor, one of the best armor sets in the game. To process materials, place barley or flax into the windmill''s input slot and wait for the output to appear in the output slot.\n\nA common challenge players face is finding enough barley and flax to sustain their crafting needs. Barley and flax are only found in the Plains biome, and they do not respawn naturally. To overcome this, you can cultivate barley and flax by planting their seeds in cultivated soil. Use a cultivator to prepare the soil and plant the seeds. Ensure the crops are protected from enemies, as they can destroy your plants.\n\nFor new players, it is recommended to focus on building a strong base and gathering resources before attempting to craft a windmill. The Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in Valheim, so ensure you have upgraded gear and plenty of food before exploring it. Experienced players can optimize their windmill placement by testing different locations and monitoring wind patterns.\n\nIn summary, the windmill is a vital tool for processing advanced materials in Valheim. By gathering the required resources, placing it in a windy location, and cultivating barley and flax, you can unlock powerful recipes and improve your survival capabilities. Always prioritize safety when exploring the Plains biome, and experiment with windmill placement to maximize efficiency.