How do you unlock the Stonecutter for advanced stone gathering?

To unlock the Stonecutter in Valheim, you must first progress through the game''s early stages and gather specific resources. The Stonecutter is a crafting station that allows you to create advanced stone structures, such as stone walls, floors, and decorative pieces. However, it cannot be built until you defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, and acquire the Antler Pickaxe, which is essential for mining Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome.\n\nAfter defeating Eikthyr, head to the Black Forest biome to gather Tin and Copper. These metals are found in large deposits scattered throughout the biome. Use the Antler Pickaxe to mine them, then smelt the ores in a Smelter to create Bronze. Bronze is a key material for crafting the Forge, which is required to make the Stonecutter. To build a Smelter, you will need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which can be found in Burial Chambers or by defeating Surtlings in the Swamp biome.\n\nOnce you have a Forge, you can craft the Stonecutter. The recipe requires 10 Wood and 2 Iron. Iron is obtained by mining Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome, which requires a Bronze Pickaxe or better. After gathering the necessary materials, place the Stonecutter near your base. It must be placed on a flat surface and within range of a Workbench to function properly.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Surtling Cores for the Smelter. If you''re struggling to find them, explore multiple Burial Chambers in the Black Forest biome. These dungeons often contain several Surtling Cores, along with other valuable resources. Additionally, Surtlings in the Swamp biome drop Cores when defeated, so consider farming them if you need more.\n\nAnother tip is to prioritize upgrading your Forge and Workbench. Higher-tier crafting stations unlock more advanced recipes and improve the durability of your tools. For example, upgrading the Forge with a Forge Cooler and Anvils will allow you to craft stronger weapons and armor, which are essential for surviving in later biomes like the Mountains or Plains.\n\nFinally, always plan your stone structures carefully. Stone is a heavy resource, and transporting large quantities can be time-consuming. Consider building a Cart to transport stone efficiently, or set up a secondary base near a stone-rich area to minimize travel time. With the Stonecutter unlocked, you can create durable and aesthetically pleasing structures to fortify your base against raids and harsh weather.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Stonecutter requires defeating Eikthyr, mining Tin and Copper in the Black Forest, smelting Bronze, and crafting a Forge. Gather Surtling Cores for the Smelter and Iron for the Stonecutter itself. Upgrade your crafting stations and plan your resource gathering to maximize efficiency. With these steps, you''ll be able to build advanced stone structures and enhance your Valheim experience.