What is the best way to gather thistle, and where does it spawn?

Thistle is a vital resource in Valheim, used for crafting meads, potions, and high-tier foods like Sausages and Blood Pudding. It is a glowing, blue-green plant that stands out in the dark, making it easier to spot at night. Thistle spawns in specific biomes, primarily the Black Forest and Swamp, but it can also occasionally be found in the Meadows biome. Understanding where and how to gather thistle efficiently is key to progressing in the game.\n\nThistle spawns randomly in the Black Forest biome, which is the first major biome players encounter after the Meadows. It often grows near trees, rocks, or other vegetation, and its glowing appearance makes it easier to spot during nighttime or in dark areas. In the Swamp biome, thistle is less common but still present, usually near water or in dense foliage. While exploring, keep an eye out for its distinctive glow, as it can blend into the environment during the day.\n\nTo gather thistle, you do not need any special tools or equipment. Simply walk up to the plant and press the interact key (default ''E'') to pick it up. Each thistle plant yields one thistle, so you’ll need to gather multiple plants to stockpile this resource. Since thistle does not respawn in the same location, you’ll need to explore new areas or revisit biomes after some time to find more.\n\nOne of the best strategies for gathering thistle is to explore the Black Forest at night. The plant’s glow makes it much easier to spot in the dark, and you’ll often find it near landmarks like burial chambers, troll caves, or large rock formations. However, be cautious of enemies like Greydwarfs and Trolls, which are more active at night. Bringing a torch or wearing armor with high mobility can help you navigate safely.\n\nIn the Swamp biome, thistle is harder to find due to the dense foliage and hostile enemies like Draugr and Leeches. However, it often spawns near waterlogged areas or along the edges of the biome. If you’re struggling to find thistle in the Swamp, consider exploring the outskirts where the biome meets the Black Forest or Meadows. This transitional area often has fewer enemies and more accessible thistle spawns.\n\nFor new players, it’s a good idea to mark thistle locations on your map as you explore. This way, you can revisit these areas later or share the information with other players in multiplayer games. Experienced Vikings can use portals to quickly travel between biomes and gather thistle more efficiently. Setting up a portal near a Black Forest or Swamp area with abundant thistle spawns can save time and effort.\n\nThistle is a non-renewable resource in the sense that it does not regrow in the same spot, but new thistle plants will spawn in different locations over time. To maximize your thistle gathering, consider exploring large areas of the Black Forest or Swamp and revisiting them after a few in-game days. This ensures you’re always finding fresh spawns.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather thistle is to explore the Black Forest and Swamp biomes, especially at night when its glow is most visible. Mark thistle locations on your map, use portals for efficient travel, and revisit biomes periodically to find new spawns. With these strategies, you’ll have a steady supply of thistle for all your crafting needs.