Where can you find Surtling Cores, and what are they used for?

Surtling Cores are one of the most essential resources in Valheim, especially for mid-to-late-game progression. These glowing, fiery cores are primarily found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest biome. Burial Chambers are dungeon-like structures that are scattered throughout the Black Forest and are identifiable by their stone entrances and greenish torches. To enter, you’ll need to break the muddy scrap piles blocking the entrance using a pickaxe or other tools.\n\nOnce inside, you’ll encounter Skeletons and other dangers, so it’s wise to bring a shield, a weapon, and some healing items like cooked meat or berries. Surtling Cores are typically found in chests or lying on the ground in these chambers. Each Burial Chamber can yield anywhere from 2 to 6 cores, but the exact number varies. Exploring multiple chambers is often necessary to gather enough cores for your needs.\n\nSurtling Cores are primarily used for crafting two critical items: the Charcoal Kiln and the Smelter. The Charcoal Kiln converts wood into charcoal, which is essential for fueling the Smelter. The Smelter, in turn, processes metal ores like Copper and Tin into usable bars, which are necessary for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and armor. Without Surtling Cores, you cannot progress beyond basic stone-age tools, making them a cornerstone of your crafting progression.\n\nAnother important use for Surtling Cores is crafting Portals, which allow for fast travel between two linked points. Portals require 10 Greydwarf Eyes, 20 Fine Wood, and 2 Surtling Cores to build. This makes them a valuable resource for reducing travel time across Valheim’s vast world. However, note that you cannot transport metal ores or bars through Portals, so plan your resource gathering accordingly.\n\nFor new players, finding Surtling Cores can be challenging due to the dangers of the Black Forest. Skeletons and Greydwarfs are common enemies in this biome, so it’s recommended to craft a Flint Spear or Club and a Wood Shield before venturing in. Additionally, bringing a bow and arrows can help you deal with enemies from a distance. Always clear the area around a Burial Chamber before entering to avoid being overwhelmed by enemies.\n\nExperienced players can optimize their Surtling Core farming by using the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer that deals area-of-effect damage. This weapon is particularly effective in the tight corridors of Burial Chambers, as it can hit multiple Skeletons at once. Additionally, setting up a small base near the Black Forest with a bed and a workbench can save time and provide a respawn point if things go wrong.\n\nA common challenge is running out of Surtling Cores after crafting the initial Smelter and Charcoal Kiln. To address this, prioritize exploring multiple Burial Chambers early in your playthrough. Mark their locations on your map to revisit them later if needed. If you’re struggling to find enough cores, consider sailing to other Black Forest biomes on nearby islands, as they often contain additional Burial Chambers.\n\nIn summary, Surtling Cores are a vital resource for advancing your crafting capabilities in Valheim. They are found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest and are used to craft the Charcoal Kiln, Smelter, and Portals. Prepare adequately for combat, explore multiple chambers, and consider setting up a nearby base to streamline your farming efforts. With these tips, you’ll have no trouble gathering the cores needed to fuel your Viking adventures.