How do you efficiently gather wood in the Plains biome without dying?

Gathering wood in the Plains biome in Valheim is a high-risk, high-reward activity due to the presence of dangerous enemies like Deathsquitos, Fulings, and Lox. To efficiently gather wood without dying, you need to prepare thoroughly and use smart strategies. Start by ensuring you have the best gear available, such as fully upgraded Wolf Armor or Padded Armor, and a strong weapon like a Blackmetal Sword or Frostner. These will help you survive encounters with hostile creatures. Additionally, bring a powerful shield, such as the Blackmetal Shield, to block attacks effectively.\n\nBefore entering the Plains, scout the area from a safe distance, such as a nearby Black Forest or Meadows biome. Use the Hoe to level the ground and create a safe path or base camp near the Plains border. This allows you to retreat quickly if overwhelmed. Bring a Portal with you and set it up in your base camp to ensure you can return easily if you die or need to resupply. Always carry healing items like Cooked Meat, Sausages, and Health Mead to sustain yourself during combat or emergencies.\n\nWhen gathering wood, focus on Birch and Oak trees, which are abundant in the Plains and yield high amounts of wood. Use a fully upgraded Blackmetal Axe or better to chop trees quickly. Be cautious of your surroundings while chopping, as the noise can attract nearby enemies. To minimize risk, clear the area of threats before starting. Use the Stagbreaker or Atgeir to deal with groups of Fulings, and always keep an eye out for Deathsquitos, which can be one-shot with a well-timed arrow or melee attack.\n\nOne effective strategy is to use the environment to your advantage. For example, lure Lox into fighting Fulings or Deathsquitos, as they will attack each other. This reduces the number of enemies you need to deal with directly. Additionally, use the terrain to create choke points or barriers with raised ground or structures like walls. This can slow down enemies and give you time to react.\n\nIf you’re playing with friends, coordinate your efforts to gather wood more efficiently. One player can focus on chopping trees while others guard against enemies. This teamwork significantly reduces the risk of dying and speeds up the process. For solo players, consider using a Cart to transport large amounts of wood back to your base. However, be cautious when moving through the Plains, as the Cart can slow you down and make you an easy target.\n\nFinally, always have an escape plan. If you’re overwhelmed, run toward your base camp or Portal. Use Eikthyr’s power to increase your stamina for sprinting, or Moder’s power to reduce wind resistance if you’re sailing nearby. By combining preparation, smart strategies, and situational awareness, you can efficiently gather wood in the Plains biome without dying.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a backup weapon and shield in case your primary gear breaks. Use the Bonemass power to reduce physical damage if you’re facing multiple enemies. Lastly, avoid gathering wood at night, as Fuling Berserkers and Shamans are more active and dangerous during this time.