How do you calculate the durability loss of tools during use?

In Valheim, durability loss of tools is a critical mechanic that affects gameplay, especially during resource gathering and combat. Every tool, weapon, or piece of equipment has a durability stat that decreases with use. Understanding how durability loss works can help you plan your resource-gathering trips, manage your inventory, and avoid being caught with broken tools in the middle of a task.\n\nDurability loss is calculated based on the number of actions performed with the tool. For example, each swing of an axe or pickaxe reduces its durability by one point. The durability stat is displayed as a percentage, and when it reaches 0%, the tool becomes unusable until repaired at a workbench. The rate of durability loss depends on the tool''s quality and the material it is made from. Higher-tier tools, such as those crafted from bronze or iron, generally have higher durability and lose it at a slower rate compared to lower-tier tools like flint or wood.\n\nTo calculate durability loss, you need to know the tool''s maximum durability and the number of actions it can perform before breaking. For example, a flint axe has a maximum durability of 100. If you use it to chop 100 trees, it will break. However, if you repair it at a workbench before it breaks, you can restore its durability to 100% without losing the tool. Repairing tools is free and only requires access to a workbench, making it essential to carry a portal or build workbenches near resource-rich areas like the Black Forest or Meadows.\n\nCertain actions and conditions can accelerate durability loss. For instance, using a tool on a material it is not designed for, such as hitting a rock with an axe, will cause it to lose durability faster. Additionally, environmental factors like rain can reduce the durability of wooden tools over time. To mitigate this, consider crafting higher-tier tools or using the Forge to upgrade your equipment, which increases both durability and efficiency.\n\nPractical examples can help illustrate durability management. Suppose you are mining copper in the Black Forest with a bronze pickaxe. Each swing of the pickaxe reduces its durability by one point. If your pickaxe has a durability of 200, you can mine 200 copper nodes before it breaks. To avoid interruptions, bring materials to build a workbench nearby or use a portal to return to your base for repairs. This strategy is especially useful in biomes like the Mountains or Plains, where resources are abundant but dangerous enemies lurk.\n\nFor new players, durability management can be challenging. Start by crafting multiple tools, such as two flint axes, so you have a backup if one breaks. As you progress, prioritize upgrading your workbench and forge to unlock better tools with higher durability. Experienced Vikings should focus on optimizing their resource-gathering routes and building repair stations in key locations to minimize downtime.\n\nIn summary, durability loss in Valheim is a straightforward mechanic that requires careful planning and resource management. By understanding how durability works, repairing tools regularly, and upgrading your equipment, you can ensure that your tools remain effective throughout your adventures. Always carry backup tools, build workbenches near resource-rich areas, and avoid using tools on inappropriate materials to maximize their lifespan.