What are the best locations to find stone in the Meadows biome?

Finding stone in the Meadows biome is essential for early-game progression in Valheim, as it is used for crafting tools, building structures, and upgrading your base. Stone is one of the most abundant resources in the game, but knowing where to look and how to gather it efficiently can save you time and effort. In the Meadows biome, stone can be found in several forms, including small rocks scattered on the ground, larger boulders, and stone deposits near water or cliffs.\n\nSmall rocks are the easiest to find and gather. They are scattered throughout the Meadows biome and can be picked up by hand without any tools. These rocks are ideal for quick stone collection, especially for new players who haven’t yet crafted a pickaxe. However, small rocks only yield one stone each, so they are not the most efficient source for large-scale stone gathering.\n\nFor larger quantities of stone, look for boulders. These are large, round rocks that require a pickaxe to break. Boulders are common in the Meadows biome and can be found near forests, hills, or open fields. When you break a boulder, it will drop multiple stone pieces, making it a more efficient way to gather stone. To mine boulders, you’ll need to craft a pickaxe, which requires wood and stone. Early-game players can craft the Antler Pickaxe using Hard Antlers obtained from defeating Eikthyr, the first boss.\n\nAnother excellent source of stone in the Meadows biome is stone deposits. These are clusters of rocks that appear near water or cliffs. Stone deposits are larger than boulders and yield even more stone when mined. They are often found along riverbanks or at the base of hills. To mine stone deposits, you’ll need a pickaxe, and it’s a good idea to bring a workbench nearby to repair your tools if they break during mining.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of stone in their immediate area. If you’ve exhausted the stone resources near your base, consider exploring further into the Meadows biome. Stone is a renewable resource, as boulders and deposits will respawn over time, but this can take several in-game days. To avoid running out of stone, mark stone-rich areas on your map for future visits.\n\nFor experienced players, combining stone gathering with other activities can save time. For example, while exploring the Meadows biome for wood or food, keep an eye out for boulders and stone deposits. This way, you can gather stone while completing other tasks. Additionally, using a cart to transport large amounts of stone back to your base can be a game-changer, especially if you’re building large structures.\n\nPractical tips for stone gathering include always carrying a pickaxe and keeping an eye out for boulders and deposits while exploring. If you’re planning a large building project, consider setting up a temporary outpost near a stone-rich area to minimize travel time. Finally, remember that stone is heavy, so managing your inventory and using carts or portals can make transporting stone much easier.\n\nIn summary, the best locations to find stone in the Meadows biome are areas with small rocks, boulders, and stone deposits. Small rocks are easy to gather but yield less stone, while boulders and deposits require a pickaxe but provide larger quantities. Efficient stone gathering involves exploring the biome, marking resource-rich areas, and using tools like carts to transport stone. With these strategies, you’ll have plenty of stone for crafting and building in no time.