What’s the fastest way to gather obsidian for crafting arrows?

Gathering obsidian in Valheim is essential for crafting high-tier arrows like Obsidian Arrows, which are highly effective against tough enemies. Obsidian is found exclusively in the Mountain biome, making it a mid-to-late-game resource. To gather obsidian quickly, you’ll need to prepare adequately and understand the game mechanics involved.\n\nFirst, you must locate the Mountain biome. This biome is characterized by its snowy peaks, freezing temperatures, and dangerous enemies like Drakes and Stone Golems. Before venturing into the Mountains, ensure you have Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor to counteract the freezing effect. Frost Resistance Mead is crafted at a Fermenter using Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye. Alternatively, Wolf Armor provides permanent frost resistance but requires Silver, which is also found in the Mountains.\n\nOnce you’re prepared, head to the Mountain biome and look for large, black, shiny rock formations. These are obsidian deposits. Unlike other resources, obsidian cannot be mined with basic tools. You’ll need an Iron Pickaxe or better to harvest it. If you’re speedrunning, prioritize upgrading your pickaxe as soon as possible. Obsidian deposits are often found near the peaks of mountains, so be prepared to climb and explore thoroughly.\n\nA common challenge in the Mountains is dealing with Drakes, which are flying enemies that shoot ice projectiles. To counter them, bring a bow and arrows, preferably Fire Arrows, as Drakes are weak to fire. Additionally, Stone Golems are tough enemies that can spawn near obsidian deposits. Avoid engaging them unless necessary, as they are slow but deal massive damage. Use terrain to your advantage by luring them away from your mining area.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, bring a Portal with you. Set up a Portal near your base before heading to the Mountains, and place the other end near the obsidian deposit. This allows you to quickly transport obsidian back to your base without making multiple trips. If you don’t have a Portal, consider building a small outpost with a Workbench and Chest to store your obsidian temporarily.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough obsidian, return to your base to craft Obsidian Arrows. Each arrow requires 4 Wood, 8 Obsidian, and 2 Feathers. Feathers can be obtained by hunting birds in Meadows or Black Forest biomes. Obsidian Arrows deal significant piercing damage and are ideal for taking down tough enemies like Trolls or Fulings.\n\nFor speedrunning, focus on optimizing your route. Use the Cartography Table to mark obsidian deposits on your map, allowing you to revisit them quickly. If you’re playing with friends, divide tasks—one player can gather obsidian while another collects feathers or prepares other resources. This teamwork significantly reduces the time required to craft arrows.\n\nIn summary, the fastest way to gather obsidian involves preparation, efficient mining, and strategic planning. Equip Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor, bring an Iron Pickaxe, and use Portals to streamline the process. Deal with Mountain enemies carefully and mark obsidian deposits for future runs. With these strategies, you’ll have a steady supply of obsidian for crafting powerful arrows in no time.