What is the best way to gather flint for early-game survival tools?

Flint is a crucial resource in Valheim, especially in the early game, as it is used to craft essential survival tools like the Flint Axe, Flint Knife, and Flint Arrows. Gathering flint efficiently can significantly improve your chances of survival and progression. Flint is primarily found in the Meadows biome, which is the starting area for most players. It spawns along the shores of rivers, lakes, and the ocean, appearing as small, shiny white stones scattered on the ground.\n\nTo gather flint, you don’t need any special tools—just your bare hands. Simply walk along the water’s edge in the Meadows biome and look for the small, white stones. When you approach them, a prompt will appear to pick them up. Flint is relatively common, but it can sometimes blend in with the environment, so keep a sharp eye out. If you’re having trouble spotting it, try adjusting your camera angle or moving closer to the ground for a better view.\n\nOne of the best strategies for gathering flint is to follow the coastline. The ocean shores in the Meadows biome are particularly rich in flint deposits. Make sure to explore both sides of the shoreline, as flint can spawn on either side. If you’re near a river or lake, check those areas as well. Flint can also appear in shallow water, so don’t hesitate to wade in if you see something shiny. However, be cautious of enemies like Greylings or Boars, which may attack you while you’re distracted.\n\nA common challenge for new players is running out of flint quickly, especially when crafting multiple tools or arrows. To avoid this, prioritize gathering flint in bulk during your exploration trips. Dedicate time to scouring the shoreline and collecting as much flint as possible. If you’re playing with friends, split up to cover more ground and share the resources later. This teamwork can save time and ensure everyone has the tools they need.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered enough flint, head back to your base to craft your tools. The Flint Axe is particularly important, as it allows you to chop down Birch and Oak trees, which are necessary for advanced crafting. The Flint Knife is a reliable weapon for early-game combat, and Flint Arrows are essential for hunting or defending yourself from afar. Remember that flint is also used to repair these tools at a Workbench, so always keep a small stockpile in your base.\n\nFor experienced players, flint gathering can be optimized by using a Karve or Longship to explore distant shores. These boats allow you to travel quickly and access flint-rich areas that may be far from your starting location. Additionally, if you’ve unlocked the Wishbone from defeating Bonemass, you can use it to locate buried flint deposits in the Meadows biome, though this is more of a late-game strategy.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather flint in Valheim is to explore the Meadows biome, particularly along the shores of rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Use your hands to pick up flint, and prioritize gathering it in bulk to avoid running out. Work with friends to cover more ground, and always keep a stockpile for crafting and repairs. With these tips, you’ll have all the flint you need to thrive in the early game.