How do I unlock the cultivator and what does it do?

The cultivator is one of the most essential tools in Valheim for farming and landscaping. It allows players to cultivate soil, plant seeds, and grow crops, which are critical for sustaining food supplies and crafting advanced recipes. To unlock the cultivator, you must first progress through the game''s crafting tiers by defeating bosses and gathering specific resources.\n\nTo unlock the cultivator, you need to defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe. This pickaxe allows you to mine Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome, which are essential for crafting Bronze. Once you have Bronze, you can craft a Forge, which is required to make the cultivator.\n\nThe cultivator itself requires specific materials to craft: 5 Core Wood and 5 Bronze. Core Wood is obtained by chopping down Pine Trees in the Black Forest biome, while Bronze is crafted at the Forge using 2 Copper and 1 Tin. Once you have these materials, you can craft the cultivator at the Forge.\n\nOnce crafted, the cultivator has two primary functions: cultivating soil and planting seeds. To cultivate soil, equip the cultivator and right-click to open its menu. Select the ''Cultivate'' option, then left-click on grass or dirt to turn it into fertile soil. Fertile soil is necessary for planting crops like carrots, turnips, and barley. To plant seeds, open the cultivator menu again, select the seed type you want to plant, and left-click on the cultivated soil.\n\nFarming with the cultivator is a game-changer for survival in Valheim. Crops like carrots and turnips can be used to craft food items that provide significant health and stamina boosts. For example, Carrot Soup is a mid-game staple that requires 3 carrots and 1 mushroom. Planting and harvesting crops also allows you to create a sustainable food source, reducing your reliance on hunting and foraging.\n\nOne common challenge players face is finding enough seeds to start farming. Seeds can be found in the wild or purchased from Haldor, the merchant in the Black Forest biome. Carrot seeds are found in the Black Forest, while turnip seeds are located in the Swamp biome. Barley and flax, which are used for advanced recipes and crafting, are found in the Plains biome but require defeating Moder, the fourth boss, to unlock.\n\nTo maximize your farming efficiency, create a dedicated farming area near your base. Use the cultivator to prepare large plots of fertile soil and organize your crops in rows for easy harvesting. Be sure to protect your farm with fences or walls to prevent creatures from destroying your crops. Additionally, use the cultivator to plant trees like Beech and Birch for a steady supply of wood.\n\nIn summary, the cultivator is a vital tool for farming and landscaping in Valheim. To unlock it, defeat Eikthyr, gather Core Wood and Bronze, and craft it at the Forge. Use it to cultivate soil, plant seeds, and grow crops for food and crafting. With proper planning and protection, your farm will become a cornerstone of your survival and progression in the game.