What is the best way to mine copper in the Black Forest?

Mining copper in Valheim''s Black Forest is a crucial step in progressing through the game, as copper is essential for crafting bronze and upgrading your tools and weapons. To begin, you must first locate a copper deposit. These deposits are large, rocky formations with a distinct greenish hue, often found scattered throughout the Black Forest biome. Unlike smaller rocks, copper deposits require a pickaxe to mine, so ensure you have crafted an Antler Pickaxe by defeating Eikthyr, the first boss, and using its antlers.\n\nOnce you have your pickaxe, head to the Black Forest. Copper deposits are often found near other resources like tin and stone, making the biome a prime location for gathering materials. When you find a deposit, start mining by targeting the base of the formation. Copper deposits extend deep underground, so you will need to dig around and beneath the visible portion to extract all the ore. This process can be time-consuming, but it yields a significant amount of copper, making it worth the effort.\n\nOne common challenge players face is dealing with enemies while mining. The Black Forest is home to hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls, which can interrupt your mining. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost nearby with a workbench and a campfire. This allows you to repair your pickaxe and regain stamina without traveling far. Additionally, bringing a shield and weapon to fend off enemies is highly recommended. If you are playing solo, mining during the day is safer, as fewer enemies spawn compared to nighttime.\n\nAnother tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. Copper deposits often generate on slopes or uneven ground, so digging around the deposit can create natural barriers that slow down approaching enemies. You can also use the hoe to level the ground, making it easier to navigate and mine efficiently. If you encounter a Troll, avoid engaging it directly while mining. Instead, lead it away from the deposit or use ranged weapons to deal with it from a safe distance.\n\nAfter mining the copper, you will need to smelt it into usable bars. This requires a Smelter, which is crafted using 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores. Surtling Cores can be found in Burial Chambers within the Black Forest or by defeating Surtlings in the Ashlands biome. Once you have a Smelter, place it near your base and fuel it with coal, which is obtained by burning wood in a Charcoal Kiln. Smelting copper takes time, so consider building multiple Smelters to speed up the process.\n\nFor new players, it is important to note that copper is heavy, and carrying large amounts can slow you down. To address this, use a Cart to transport ore back to your base. Carts are crafted using 20 Wood and 10 Bronze Nails, which require bronze bars. If you haven''t unlocked bronze yet, make multiple trips or store excess copper in a chest near the mining site until you can transport it.\n\nIn summary, mining copper in the Black Forest requires preparation, patience, and strategy. Equip yourself with a pickaxe, defend against enemies, and use the terrain to your advantage. Smelt the ore efficiently and transport it using a Cart or temporary storage. By following these steps, you will gather enough copper to craft powerful tools, weapons, and armor, setting you up for success in Valheim''s challenging world.