How do you unlock the stonecutter for building with metals?

To unlock the Stonecutter in Valheim, you must first progress through the early stages of the game and gather specific resources. The Stonecutter is essential for building with stone and metal, allowing you to create advanced structures like stone walls, floors, and decorative pieces. However, unlocking it requires defeating the first boss, Eikthyr, and obtaining a key material called Iron.\n\nTo begin, you must defeat Eikthyr, the first boss found in the Meadows biome. Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are used to craft the Antler Pickaxe. This pickaxe is crucial for mining Copper and Tin, the first metals you will encounter. Copper is found in large deposits in the Black Forest biome, while Tin is located near water sources in the same biome. Use the Antler Pickaxe to gather these resources and smelt them into bars using a Smelter.\n\nOnce you have Copper and Tin, you can craft Bronze at the Forge by combining 2 Copper and 1 Tin. Bronze is used to create better tools, weapons, and armor, which will help you survive in more dangerous biomes. However, the Stonecutter requires Iron, which is found in the Swamp biome. To access Iron, you must first obtain a Swamp Key by defeating the second boss, The Elder, located in the Black Forest.\n\nAfter defeating The Elder, head to the Swamp biome and look for Sunken Crypts. These crypts are guarded by Draugr and require the Swamp Key to unlock. Inside, you will find Muddy Scrap Piles, which yield Scrap Iron when mined. Smelt Scrap Iron in the Smelter to produce Iron bars. Once you have Iron, you can craft the Stonecutter at the Workbench using 10 Wood and 2 Iron.\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. To make this easier, explore the Swamp during the day when visibility is better, and bring a Hoe to level the ground, allowing you to move more freely. Additionally, equip Poison Resistance Mead to counter the Swamp''s toxic environment.\n\nOnce the Stonecutter is built, place it near your Workbench to unlock stone-based building options. This includes stone walls, floors, and decorative pieces like the hearth. Stone structures are more durable than wood, making them ideal for defending against raids or building long-lasting bases. Remember to keep the Stonecutter fueled with Wood, as it requires fuel to operate.\n\nFor new players, focus on upgrading your gear and tools before venturing into the Swamp. Bronze armor and weapons will significantly improve your chances of survival. Experienced Vikings can optimize their resource gathering by setting up a portal near the Swamp biome for quick access to Sunken Crypts. Always bring a Cart or ship to transport large amounts of Iron back to your base.\n\nIn summary, unlocking the Stonecutter involves defeating Eikthyr and The Elder, mining Copper and Tin, and gathering Iron from Sunken Crypts in the Swamp biome. With the Stonecutter, you can build advanced stone structures, enhancing your base''s durability and aesthetics. Plan your expeditions carefully, and always prepare for the challenges of the Swamp biome to ensure success.