How do you unlock the stonecutter and what materials are needed?

Unlocking the stonecutter in Valheim is a crucial step for advancing your base-building capabilities, as it allows you to craft stone structures and decorative pieces. To unlock the stonecutter, you must first defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and progress to the Black Forest biome. This biome is essential because it contains the materials and resources needed to craft the stonecutter, such as tin and copper.\n\nTo begin, you need to craft a pickaxe, which is required to mine copper and tin. After defeating Eikthyr, you will receive Hard Antlers, which are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe at a workbench. Once you have the pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome. Look for copper deposits, which appear as large, greenish rocks, and tin deposits, which are smaller, shiny rocks found near water. Mine these resources using your pickaxe.\n\nAfter gathering enough copper and tin, return to your base and smelt the ores in a smelter. Copper ore requires 2 wood to smelt into copper bars, while tin ore requires 1 wood. Once you have both copper and tin bars, you can craft bronze at a forge. Bronze is created by combining 2 copper bars and 1 tin bar. This process unlocks the ability to craft the stonecutter.\n\nTo build the stonecutter, you will need 10 wood and 2 stone. Place the stonecutter near your workbench, as it requires proximity to function. Once placed, you can use it to craft stone blocks, stone walls, and other stone-based structures. This is a game-changer for base defense and aesthetics, as stone structures are more durable than wood.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating the Black Forest biome early in the game. If you spawn in a Meadows biome without a nearby Black Forest, explore the map by sailing or running along the coastlines. Black Forest biomes are often adjacent to Meadows, so keep an eye out for dense, dark trees and rocky terrain. Another challenge is managing inventory space while mining. Bring a cart or portal materials to streamline resource transportation.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the stonecutter involves defeating Eikthyr, crafting a pickaxe, mining copper and tin in the Black Forest, smelting the ores, and crafting bronze. Once you have the stonecutter, you can build stronger and more visually appealing structures. This progression is essential for surviving tougher biomes and preparing for future boss fights.\n\nPractical tips for new players: Always carry a portal with you when exploring new biomes to avoid long treks back to your base. For experienced Vikings, consider setting up a mining outpost in the Black Forest to efficiently gather resources. Additionally, prioritize upgrading your forge and workbench to unlock advanced stonecutter recipes, such as reinforced stone walls and decorative pieces.