What is the best way to farm silver in the Mountains?

Farming silver in Valheim''s Mountains biome is a crucial step for progressing to mid-to-late game content, as silver is used to craft powerful weapons, armor, and tools. To efficiently gather silver, you need to understand the mechanics of locating and mining it, as well as preparing for the dangers of the Mountains biome.\n\nFirst, you must locate silver deposits. Unlike other ores, silver is not visible on the surface and requires the use of the Wishbone, an item obtained by defeating Bonemass, the third boss. Equip the Wishbone, and it will emit a pulsing green light and a sound when you are near a silver vein. The closer you get, the faster the pulses and louder the sound. This mechanic is essential for pinpointing the exact location of silver deposits.\n\nOnce you locate a silver vein, you need to mine it. Silver is found deep underground, so you must dig down to reach it. Use an Iron Pickaxe or better, as lower-tier tools will not work. Be prepared to dig a large hole, as silver veins are often buried deep. To save time, consider bringing a Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to test the ground for silver. These weapons create an AOE effect that can reveal silver deposits without digging, as they will display a ''Too Hard'' message when hitting silver.\n\nMining silver in the Mountains biome comes with significant challenges. The biome is extremely cold, and you will take constant freezing damage unless you have proper gear. Craft a Wolf Fur Cape or Lox Cape to negate the freezing effect. Additionally, bring Frost Resistance Mead as a backup. The Mountains are also home to dangerous enemies like Drakes, Wolves, and Stone Golems. Always carry a strong weapon, such as an Iron Mace or Draugr Fang bow, and wear upgraded armor like Wolf Armor to survive encounters.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, set up a small base or outpost near the Mountains biome. This base should include a portal for quick travel, a workbench, and a forge for repairing tools. Stockpile food like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Turnip Stew to maintain high health and stamina during mining. If you plan to stay for extended periods, consider building a shelter with a fire to rest and regain comfort bonuses.\n\nA common challenge is transporting large amounts of silver back to your main base. Silver is heavy, and your inventory can quickly fill up. To solve this, use a Cart or Longship to transport ore. If you are far from water, consider smelting the silver on-site using a portable Smelter and transporting the ingots instead. This reduces weight and makes the process more manageable.\n\nFinally, always be prepared for unexpected events. Weather in the Mountains can change rapidly, and blizzards can reduce visibility. Keep an eye on your stamina and health, and avoid mining near cliffs or steep slopes to prevent falling. With proper preparation and strategy, farming silver in the Mountains can be a rewarding and efficient process.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a backup pickaxe, as they can break mid-mining. Use the Hoe to flatten terrain around your mining site for easier navigation. If you encounter a Stone Golem, use blunt weapons like the Iron Mace for effective damage. Lastly, mark silver vein locations on your map for future visits.