How do I find and mine black metal in the Plains biome?

Finding and mining black metal in Valheim''s Plains biome is a crucial step for progressing to end-game gear and crafting powerful weapons and tools. Black metal is a high-tier resource used to craft items like the Blackmetal Sword, Blackmetal Atgeir, and Blackmetal Shield. However, acquiring it requires preparation, as the Plains biome is one of the most dangerous areas in the game.\n\nTo begin, you must first locate the Plains biome. This biome is characterized by its golden grass, large rock formations, and occasional tar pits. It is often found near other biomes like the Swamp or Mountains. Before venturing into the Plains, ensure you are well-equipped with strong armor (such as Wolf Armor or Padded Armor), a powerful weapon (like a Silver Sword or Frostner), and plenty of healing items like cooked food and meads.\n\nOnce in the Plains, you will encounter Fulings, the primary inhabitants of this biome. Fulings are aggressive goblin-like creatures that drop black metal scraps when defeated. These scraps are the raw form of black metal and must be smelted in a Blast Furnace to create usable black metal bars. To craft a Blast Furnace, you will need Artisan Table access, 20 Fine Wood, 10 Iron, 20 Stone, and 5 Surtling Cores. The Artisan Table itself requires a Forge and a Draugr Fang or other high-tier crafting station.\n\nMining black metal is not like mining other ores, as it does not come from nodes in the ground. Instead, you must defeat Fulings to collect black metal scraps. Fulings come in various types, including standard Fulings, Fuling Berserkers, and Fuling Shamans. Each type has unique attack patterns, so be prepared to dodge and counter their moves. Fuling Berserkers, for example, deal heavy melee damage, while Fuling Shamans can summon fireballs and heal other Fulings.\n\nA practical strategy for farming black metal is to locate a Fuling village. These villages are scattered throughout the Plains and are home to multiple Fulings. Approach cautiously, as Fulings will swarm you if alerted. Use ranged weapons like a Draugr Fang bow to pick off enemies from a distance, or lure them into traps like tar pits to slow them down. Clearing a Fuling village can yield a significant amount of black metal scraps, making it a worthwhile endeavor.\n\nAfter collecting black metal scraps, return to your base and smelt them in the Blast Furnace. Each black metal scrap yields one black metal bar, which can then be used for crafting. Keep in mind that the Plains biome is highly dangerous, so always be prepared for unexpected encounters, such as Deathsquitos or Lox. Bringing a friend or two can make the process safer and more efficient.\n\nFor new players, it is essential to progress through earlier biomes and gear up before attempting to farm black metal. Experienced Vikings should focus on optimizing their combat strategies and building efficient farming routes in the Plains. Always carry a portal with you to quickly return to your base and avoid losing valuable resources.\n\nIn summary, black metal is a vital resource for end-game crafting in Valheim. To obtain it, venture into the Plains biome, defeat Fulings, and smelt their dropped scraps into bars. Prepare thoroughly, use strategic combat tactics, and always be ready for the biome''s dangers. With persistence and skill, you will soon be crafting powerful black metal gear to dominate the Viking world.