How do you unlock the pickaxe for mining in Valheim?

To unlock the pickaxe for mining in Valheim, you must first progress through the early stages of the game and gather the necessary resources. The pickaxe is essential for mining metals like copper, tin, and iron, which are critical for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and armor. The process involves defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and using its drop to craft the Antler Pickaxe, the first mining tool available in the game.\n\nTo begin, you need to locate Eikthyr''s altar in the Meadows biome. This biome is the starting area of Valheim and is relatively safe compared to others. Eikthyr''s altar is marked by a glowing red runestone, which you can find by exploring the Meadows. Once you locate the altar, you must summon Eikthyr by placing two Deer Trophies on the altar. Deer Trophies are obtained by hunting deer, which roam the Meadows biome. Use a bow or melee weapon to hunt them, as they are skittish and will flee if you get too close.\n\nAfter defeating Eikthyr, you will receive Hard Antlers, a key crafting material for the Antler Pickaxe. With the Hard Antlers in hand, return to your base and use a Workbench to craft the pickaxe. The recipe requires 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler. Wood is easily gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome. Once crafted, the Antler Pickaxe allows you to mine copper and tin deposits, which are found in the Black Forest biome.\n\nMining in Valheim requires careful planning and preparation. Before heading to the Black Forest, ensure you have adequate food, weapons, and armor. The Black Forest is home to hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls, which can pose a significant threat to unprepared players. Bring a shield and a melee weapon to defend yourself, and consider crafting a bow for ranged attacks. Additionally, build a small outpost near the mining site to store resources and repair your tools.\n\nWhen mining copper and tin, look for large, glowing deposits in the Black Forest. Copper deposits are large and require multiple hits to break, while tin deposits are smaller and found near water. Use the Antler Pickaxe to mine these deposits, and collect the ore. Be aware that mining can attract nearby enemies, so stay alert and clear the area of threats before starting. Once you have enough ore, return to your base and smelt it in a Smelter to create metal bars, which can be used for crafting.\n\nFor players looking to upgrade their mining capabilities, the Bronze Pickaxe is the next step. To craft it, you need Bronze, which is made by combining Copper and Tin in a Forge. The Bronze Pickaxe is more durable and efficient than the Antler Pickaxe, making it ideal for mining larger deposits and progressing further in the game. As you explore new biomes like the Swamp, you will encounter Iron deposits, which require a stronger pickaxe to mine.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the pickaxe in Valheim involves defeating Eikthyr, crafting the Antler Pickaxe, and venturing into the Black Forest to mine copper and tin. Prepare thoroughly for each mining expedition, and consider upgrading to the Bronze Pickaxe for better efficiency. With these tools, you can gather the resources needed to craft advanced gear and progress through the game.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when mining to quickly transport resources back to your base. Build a cart to haul large amounts of ore, and use the Hoe to level the ground for easier movement. Finally, prioritize upgrading your Workbench and Forge to unlock better tools and equipment.