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

Gathering stone in the Plains biome in Valheim can be challenging due to the biome''s dangerous enemies and lack of abundant stone deposits. However, with the right strategy and preparation, you can efficiently collect stone while minimizing risks. The Plains biome is home to large rock formations called Monoliths, which are the primary source of stone in this area. These Monoliths are tall, pillar-like structures that can be mined for large amounts of stone.\n\nTo gather stone in the Plains biome, you will need a high-tier pickaxe, such as the Iron Pickaxe or better. The Black Metal Pickaxe is ideal for faster mining. Before venturing into the Plains, ensure you have adequate food, armor, and weapons to handle the biome''s threats, such as Deathsquitos, Fulings, and Lox. Bringing a portal setup is also recommended to quickly transport stone back to your base.\n\nWhen you locate a Monolith, clear the area of enemies before starting to mine. Use your pickaxe to break the Monolith into smaller pieces. Each Monolith yields a significant amount of stone, often over 100 units. Be cautious of the noise generated by mining, as it can attract nearby Fulings or other hostile creatures. If you are overwhelmed, retreat to a safe distance and regroup.\n\nAnother method to gather stone in the Plains is by mining smaller rock formations scattered across the biome. These rocks are less efficient than Monoliths but can still provide a decent amount of stone. Additionally, you can find stone deposits in the ground, which can be mined similarly to rocks in other biomes. Use your pickaxe to break these deposits and collect the stone.\n\nOne common challenge in the Plains biome is dealing with Deathsquitos, which can quickly kill unprepared players. To counter this, always keep your health high by consuming food with high health regeneration, such as Serpent Stew or Lox Meat Pie. Wearing strong armor, such as Padded Armor, can also help mitigate damage. If you are mining near a Lox herd, be cautious, as they can become aggressive if provoked.\n\nFor efficient stone gathering, consider setting up a temporary base or outpost near a cluster of Monoliths. This allows you to store stone and other resources without needing to travel far. Use a Cart or Longship to transport large quantities of stone back to your main base. If you are playing with friends, coordinate mining efforts to maximize efficiency and safety.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather stone in the Plains biome is to focus on mining Monoliths with a high-tier pickaxe while staying prepared for combat. Clear the area of enemies, use food and armor to stay alive, and consider setting up a temporary base for storage. With these strategies, you can efficiently gather stone and survive the dangers of the Plains biome.