What is the most efficient way to gather stone in the early game?

Gathering stone efficiently in Valheim''s early game is crucial for building structures, crafting tools, and progressing through the game. Stone is one of the most versatile resources, used for everything from crafting a workbench to building defensive walls. The most efficient way to gather stone early on is by mining rocks and boulders found in the Meadows biome, which is the starting area for most players. These rocks are abundant and require only a basic pickaxe to harvest.\n\nTo begin, you''ll need to craft a pickaxe. This requires 10 wood and 1 hard antler, which is obtained by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss. Once you have the pickaxe, head to the Meadows biome and look for large, gray rocks or boulders. These are easily identifiable by their size and texture. Approach the rock and use your pickaxe to mine it. Each rock yields 4-6 stone, and boulders can provide up to 20 stone, making them a highly efficient source.\n\nOne common challenge early players face is running out of stamina while mining. To mitigate this, ensure you have a rested bonus by sitting near a campfire or resting in a shelter. Eating food like cooked meat, berries, or mushrooms will also boost your stamina regeneration. Additionally, avoid mining during rain, as it reduces stamina regeneration. If you encounter enemies while mining, prioritize clearing them out first to avoid interruptions.\n\nAnother effective method for gathering stone is by exploring the Black Forest biome, which is adjacent to the Meadows. The Black Forest contains larger boulders and stone towers that yield significantly more stone. However, this biome is more dangerous, with enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls. If you''re confident in your combat skills, venture into the Black Forest with a shield and weapon to protect yourself while mining.\n\nFor players looking to maximize efficiency, consider building a cart to transport large amounts of stone. Carts require 20 wood and 10 bronze nails, which can be crafted after unlocking the Forge. While this is more of a mid-game strategy, it’s worth planning ahead if you’re gathering stone for a large project. Alternatively, you can use portals to quickly transport stone back to your base, but this requires unlocking the portal crafting recipe.\n\nFinally, always keep an eye out for stone deposits while exploring. Stone is often scattered on the ground in small quantities, and picking these up as you travel can add up over time. Combining these methods will ensure you have a steady supply of stone for all your early-game needs.\n\nIn summary, the most efficient way to gather stone in the early game is by mining rocks and boulders in the Meadows biome with a pickaxe. Manage your stamina by eating food and maintaining a rested bonus, and consider venturing into the Black Forest for larger yields. Plan ahead for transporting stone using carts or portals, and always collect scattered stone while exploring. With these strategies, you''ll have plenty of stone to build and craft your way to success in Valheim.