How do you prioritize resource gathering when starting a new Valheim world?

When starting a new Valheim world, prioritizing resource gathering is essential for survival and progression. The early game revolves around gathering wood, stone, and flint, as these are the foundational resources for crafting tools, building shelters, and preparing for future challenges. Begin by punching trees to collect wood, as this is the quickest way to gather resources without tools. Once you have 5 wood, craft a basic wooden club for self-defense and a workbench to unlock more crafting options.\n\nNext, focus on gathering stone and flint, which are scattered across the Meadows biome. Stone is found on the ground and is used for crafting basic tools like the stone axe and hammer. Flint is found near water sources, such as rivers or lakes, and is crucial for crafting better tools like the flint axe and flint spear. Prioritize crafting a stone axe first, as it allows you to chop trees more efficiently, and a flint axe for faster wood gathering. These tools will significantly speed up your resource collection.\n\nAfter securing basic tools, gather enough wood and stone to build a small shelter. A simple 2x2 or 3x3 structure with a roof and a door will protect you from rain and enemies. Place a workbench inside to repair tools and craft additional items. Building a fire inside your shelter is also important, as it provides warmth and allows you to cook food, which restores health and stamina. Use the surrounding Meadows biome to gather more wood and stone, as it is the safest biome for beginners.\n\nAs you progress, prioritize upgrading your tools and weapons. Flint tools are more durable and efficient than stone tools, so gather as much flint as possible. Flint is also used to craft arrows, which are essential for hunting deer and boars. Hunting provides leather scraps and raw meat, which are vital for crafting armor and cooking meals. Always carry a bow and arrows when exploring, as ranged combat is safer and more effective against wildlife and early-game enemies like Greylings.\n\nOne common challenge is managing inventory space, as resources like wood and stone can quickly fill your slots. To address this, build a chest near your shelter to store excess materials. Organize your inventory by keeping essential tools and weapons on your hotbar and storing crafting materials in the chest. This ensures you have space for new resources while exploring.\n\nFinally, prioritize gathering resources in the Meadows biome before venturing into more dangerous areas like the Black Forest. The Meadows is rich in wood, stone, and flint, and its low-level enemies make it ideal for beginners. Once you have a solid foundation of tools, weapons, and a secure base, you can explore other biomes for advanced resources like copper and tin.\n\nIn summary, prioritize gathering wood, stone, and flint in the early game to craft tools, build a shelter, and prepare for future challenges. Use the Meadows biome as your primary resource hub, and always carry a bow for hunting and self-defense. Organize your inventory with chests to maximize efficiency, and upgrade your tools as soon as possible. By following these steps, you will establish a strong foundation for survival and progression in Valheim.