What is the best way to gather stone for building a stone fortress?

Gathering stone for building a stone fortress in Valheim requires a strategic approach, as stone is one of the most essential resources for mid-to-late-game construction. Unlike wood, which is abundant and easy to gather, stone requires more effort and planning. The best way to gather stone efficiently involves understanding game mechanics, using the right tools, and targeting specific biomes and methods.\n\nFirst, you need the right tools to gather stone effectively. A basic Antler Pickaxe is the starting point, but upgrading to a Bronze Pickaxe or Iron Pickaxe significantly increases your efficiency. These tools allow you to mine stone faster and break larger boulders, which yield more resources. Always ensure your pickaxe is repaired before heading out, as durability loss can slow your progress.\n\nStone can be found in several forms across Valheim''s biomes. The most common sources are small rocks scattered across Meadows and Black Forest biomes, as well as larger boulders and rock formations. In the Meadows, small rocks are abundant and easy to gather, but they provide only 1-2 stone each. For larger quantities, focus on boulders in the Black Forest or Mountains. Boulders in the Black Forest yield 10-20 stone each, while those in the Mountains can provide even more.\n\nAnother efficient method is mining stone from rocky outcrops in the Mountains biome. These outcrops are large, immovable structures that can be mined for hundreds of stone. However, the Mountains biome is dangerous, with freezing temperatures and hostile creatures like Wolves and Drakes. To survive, bring Frost Resistance Mead or wear Wolf Armor to counteract the cold. Additionally, bring a strong weapon and shield to defend yourself.\n\nIf you''re looking for a safer option, consider mining stone from the ground in the Plains biome. The Plains biome has large, flat stone deposits that can be mined with a pickaxe. While this biome is also dangerous due to Fulings and Deathsquitos, it offers a high yield of stone with minimal effort. Always scout the area and clear enemies before mining.\n\nFor new players, the Meadows biome is the safest place to start gathering stone. While the yield is lower, the lack of hostile creatures makes it an ideal location for beginners. As you progress and acquire better gear, venture into the Black Forest or Mountains for larger stone deposits. Always bring a cart or portal to transport stone efficiently, as it is heavy and can slow you down.\n\nOne common challenge is transporting large amounts of stone back to your base. Stone is heavy, and carrying too much can reduce your movement speed. To solve this, use a Cart to haul stone over land or a Longship to transport it across water. Alternatively, set up a portal near your mining site to quickly teleport stone back to your base. This saves time and reduces the risk of losing resources to enemies or accidents.\n\nFinally, consider recycling stone from abandoned structures or ruins. Many biomes, such as the Black Forest and Plains, have stone ruins that can be dismantled for resources. Use a hammer to deconstruct these structures and collect the stone. This method is particularly useful if you''re low on tools or want to avoid mining.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather stone for a stone fortress involves using upgraded pickaxes, targeting high-yield biomes like the Black Forest and Mountains, and employing efficient transportation methods. Always prepare for biome-specific challenges, such as cold weather or hostile creatures, and use portals or carts to streamline the process. With these strategies, you''ll have enough stone to build a formidable fortress in no time.