What is the best way to gather stone in the Mountains biome?

Gathering stone in the Mountains biome in Valheim is a crucial task for crafting and building, but it requires preparation and strategy due to the biome''s harsh environment. The Mountains biome is home to large stone deposits, silver veins, and other valuable resources, but it is also one of the most dangerous areas in the game. To gather stone efficiently, you need to understand the biome''s mechanics, prepare the right tools, and take precautions to survive the cold and hostile creatures.\n\nFirst, you must prepare for the Mountains biome by crafting Frost Resistance Mead. This biome is extremely cold, and without proper resistance, you will take constant freezing damage. To craft Frost Resistance Mead, you need a Cauldron and Fermenter. The recipe requires Honey, Thistle, Bloodbag, and Greydwarf Eye. Brew the mead and bring several bottles to ensure you can stay warm during your stone-gathering expedition. Additionally, equip warm clothing like the Wolf Armor set, which provides both frost resistance and high defense.\n\nOnce prepared, head to the Mountains biome with a high-tier pickaxe, such as the Iron Pickaxe or better. Stone deposits in the Mountains are large and yield significantly more stone than those in other biomes. Look for towering rock formations or boulders scattered across the landscape. These deposits can be mined with your pickaxe, and each hit will yield multiple stone units. Be cautious of your surroundings, as the Mountains are home to dangerous enemies like Stone Golems, Wolves, and Drakes.\n\nA common challenge in the Mountains biome is dealing with Stone Golems, which are aggressive and highly durable. These creatures often spawn near stone deposits, making mining risky. To handle them, use a high-damage weapon like the Iron Mace or Frostner and focus on dodging their attacks. Alternatively, you can lure them away from the stone deposits or use the terrain to your advantage by climbing onto rocks where they cannot reach you. Always keep an eye out for Drakes, which fly overhead and shoot ice projectiles. A bow and arrows are essential for taking them down quickly.\n\nAnother effective way to gather stone in the Mountains is by mining silver veins. While silver is primarily used for crafting high-tier gear, mining it also yields a significant amount of stone as a byproduct. To locate silver veins, you need the Wishbone, which is obtained by defeating Bonemass, the third boss. Equip the Wishbone and explore the Mountains biome until you detect a silver vein underground. Use your pickaxe to mine the vein, and you will receive both silver ore and stone.\n\nFor new players, it is advisable to start with smaller stone deposits in safer biomes like the Meadows or Black Forest before venturing into the Mountains. However, experienced Vikings can maximize their stone yield by focusing on the Mountains biome. Always bring a portal with you to quickly transport stone back to your base, as stone is heavy and can quickly fill your inventory. Additionally, consider building a small outpost in the Mountains biome to store resources and rest safely.\n\nIn summary, gathering stone in the Mountains biome requires preparation, the right tools, and caution. Use Frost Resistance Mead, a high-tier pickaxe, and warm clothing to survive the cold. Mine large stone deposits and silver veins for maximum yield, and be ready to defend yourself against hostile creatures. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather stone and thrive in the challenging Mountains biome.