How do I unlock the stonecutter for building with metals?

To unlock the Stonecutter in Valheim, you must first progress through the game''s crafting and exploration mechanics. The Stonecutter is essential for building with stone and metal structures, but it requires specific materials and knowledge to craft. This guide will walk you through the steps to unlock and use the Stonecutter effectively.\n\nFirst, you need to defeat the first boss, Eikthyr, in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are required to craft the Antler Pickaxe. This pickaxe is your first tool for mining Copper and Tin, the foundational metals in Valheim. Without these metals, you cannot progress to the next stages of crafting and building.\n\nOnce you have the Antler Pickaxe, head to the Black Forest biome to mine Copper and Tin. Copper nodes are large, rocky deposits found on the surface or partially buried, while Tin appears as smaller, shiny deposits near water. Use your pickaxe to gather these resources. Smelt the ores in a Smelter, which requires Surtling Cores (found in Burial Chambers) and Coal (from burning wood in a Kiln).\n\nAfter smelting Copper and Tin, combine them at a Forge to craft Bronze. Bronze is a crucial material for crafting better tools, weapons, and the Stonecutter. To unlock the Stonecutter recipe, you must first craft a Forge and place it in your base. The Forge requires 6 Copper, 4 Wood, 4 Stone, and 10 Coal. Once the Forge is built, you can craft Bronze using 2 Copper and 1 Tin.\n\nWith Bronze in hand, you can now craft the Stonecutter. The Stonecutter requires 2 Wood, 4 Stone, and 10 Iron. However, Iron is not available in the Black Forest. To obtain Iron, you must venture into the Swamp biome and explore Sunken Crypts. These crypts contain Muddy Scrap Piles, which yield Scrap Iron when mined. Smelt Scrap Iron in a Smelter to produce Iron bars.\n\nOnce you have the required materials, place the Stonecutter near your base. It allows you to craft stone structures like stone walls, floors, and decorative pieces. The Stonecutter also unlocks advanced building options, enabling you to create more durable and aesthetically pleasing structures. Keep in mind that the Stonecutter must be placed within range of a Workbench to function.\n\nA common challenge players face is locating Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. These crypts are often hidden among dense trees and water, making them difficult to spot. Use a Wishbone (obtained by defeating Bonemass, the third boss) to detect hidden Muddy Scrap Piles and crypts. Additionally, bring Poison Resistance Mead to counter the Swamp''s toxic environment.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Stonecutter involves defeating Eikthyr, mining Copper and Tin, crafting Bronze, and obtaining Iron from the Swamp biome. This process requires careful planning and exploration, but the Stonecutter is a game-changer for building durable and impressive structures. Always prepare adequately for biome-specific challenges, and prioritize upgrading your tools and weapons to make resource gathering more efficient.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when exploring new biomes to avoid losing progress. Use carts or boats to transport heavy resources like Copper and Iron. Finally, build a secure base with defensive structures to protect your Stonecutter and other valuable crafting stations.