How do you unlock the antler pickaxe and what does it require?
The antler pickaxe is one of the first essential tools you can craft in Valheim, and it is crucial for mining resources like tin, copper, and stone. To unlock the antler pickaxe, you must first defeat Eikthyr, the first boss in the game. Eikthyr is found in the Meadows biome, and you can summon him by placing two Deer Trophies on his altar. Deer Trophies are obtained by hunting deer, which are common in the Meadows biome. Once you defeat Eikthyr, he will drop Hard Antlers, which are the key ingredient for crafting the antler pickaxe.\n\nAfter obtaining the Hard Antlers, you will need to craft a Workbench if you haven''t already. The Workbench is a basic crafting station required for most early-game items. To build a Workbench, you need 10 Wood, which can be gathered by chopping down trees with your fists or a crude axe. Place the Workbench in a sheltered area, as it requires a roof and walls to function properly. Once the Workbench is set up, interact with it to access the crafting menu.\n\nTo craft the antler pickaxe, you will need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler. Wood is easily gathered from trees, while the Hard Antler is obtained from Eikthyr. Open the crafting menu at the Workbench, navigate to the Tools tab, and select the antler pickaxe. Once crafted, the antler pickaxe will be added to your inventory. Equip it to start mining rocks, copper deposits, and tin deposits, which are essential for progressing in the game.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is locating Eikthyr''s altar. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune on a large stone structure, and it can be found in the Meadows biome. If you''re having trouble finding it, explore the biome thoroughly and look for the glowing rune. Another challenge is defeating Eikthyr, as he can deal significant damage with his lightning attacks. To prepare for the fight, craft a crude bow and arrows, and gather food like berries and mushrooms to boost your health and stamina. Kiting Eikthyr while shooting arrows is an effective strategy for defeating him.\n\nOnce you have the antler pickaxe, you can start mining resources to upgrade your tools and build stronger structures. Copper and tin are found in the Black Forest biome, which is adjacent to the Meadows. Use the antler pickaxe to mine these resources, but be cautious of enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls, which are common in the Black Forest. Always bring a weapon and some food when venturing into this biome.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the antler pickaxe requires defeating Eikthyr, crafting a Workbench, and gathering the necessary materials. This tool is essential for mining and progressing in Valheim, so prioritize obtaining it early in your playthrough. With the antler pickaxe, you can gather valuable resources and take your first steps toward building a thriving Viking settlement.