Can you gather wood from fallen trees without a tool in Valheim?

In Valheim, gathering wood is one of the most essential tasks for survival and progression. While tools like axes are the most efficient way to collect wood, it is possible to gather wood from fallen trees without any tools. This method is particularly useful for new players who have not yet crafted an axe or for those who find themselves in a pinch without tools.\n\nTo gather wood from fallen trees without a tool, you need to locate a tree that has already fallen naturally or been knocked down by other means, such as storms or enemy attacks. Fallen trees can be found in various biomes, including the Meadows, Black Forest, and Swamp. Once you find a fallen tree, approach it and look for the wood logs scattered on the ground. These logs can be picked up by simply walking over them and pressing the interact key (default ''E'').\n\nThis method is limited in its efficiency, as you can only collect wood from logs that are already on the ground. Unlike using an axe, you cannot chop down trees or break logs into smaller pieces without a tool. However, this can still provide a small but steady supply of wood for basic crafting needs, such as building a workbench or crafting a crude bow for hunting.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is the lack of resources to craft an axe early in the game. To overcome this, you can gather flint from the shores of the Meadows biome, which is required to craft a stone axe. Flint can be found along riverbanks and coastlines, and it glimmers slightly, making it easier to spot. Once you have enough flint and wood, you can craft a stone axe at a workbench, significantly improving your wood-gathering efficiency.\n\nFor experienced players, this method can serve as a backup when tools break or are lost. For example, if you are exploring a dangerous biome like the Swamp and your axe breaks, you can still gather wood from fallen trees to craft a replacement tool or build a temporary shelter. This ensures you are never completely stranded without resources.\n\nIn summary, while gathering wood from fallen trees without a tool is possible, it is not the most efficient method. It is best used as a temporary solution until you can craft a proper axe. For new players, focus on gathering flint and wood to craft a stone axe as soon as possible. For experienced Vikings, this method can be a lifesaver in emergencies. Always keep an eye out for fallen trees in your travels, as they can provide valuable resources when you need them most.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a backup axe or repair materials when exploring dangerous biomes. Use the environment to your advantage by knocking trees into each other to create fallen logs without using your axe. This can save durability on your tools and provide a quick source of wood.