How do I repair my pickaxe while mining in Valheim?

In Valheim, repairing your pickaxe while mining is essential to maintain efficiency and avoid interruptions during resource gathering. Unlike many survival games, Valheim allows you to repair tools and weapons for free, provided you have access to the appropriate crafting station. This mechanic ensures that you can keep mining without worrying about resource costs for repairs.\n\nTo repair your pickaxe, you need to return to a Workbench. Workbenches are crafting stations that can be built using 10 Wood and are required for repairing most early-game tools, including pickaxes. Place the Workbench in a safe location, such as your base or a temporary mining camp, to ensure easy access. Once the Workbench is set up, interact with it to open the crafting menu.\n\nWhen interacting with the Workbench, you will see a hammer icon labeled ''Repair'' at the bottom of the menu. Clicking this button will repair all damaged items in your inventory, including your pickaxe. Note that you do not need any additional materials to repair tools in Valheim, making it a cost-effective way to maintain your equipment. This feature is particularly useful during long mining sessions in biomes like the Black Forest or Swamp, where resources like Copper, Tin, and Iron are abundant.\n\nIf you are far from your base and need to repair your pickaxe while mining, consider building a temporary Workbench near your mining site. This strategy is especially helpful when mining Copper in the Black Forest or Iron in the Swamp, as these biomes often require extended periods of resource gathering. To build a Workbench, ensure you have 10 Wood in your inventory and place it in a flat, open area. You can dismantle the Workbench later to recover the Wood if needed.\n\nOne common challenge players face is running out of durability mid-mining session without a nearby Workbench. To avoid this, always monitor your pickaxe''s durability by checking its condition bar in your inventory. If the bar is low, plan a trip back to your base or set up a temporary Workbench nearby. Additionally, carrying extra Wood in your inventory can help you quickly build a Workbench in emergencies.\n\nFor advanced players, upgrading your pickaxe can also improve its durability and mining efficiency. Upgrades require additional resources, such as Copper or Iron, depending on the pickaxe tier. For example, the Antler Pickaxe, crafted using Hard Antlers from the first boss, Eikthyr, can be upgraded at a Workbench using Leather Scraps and Bronze. Upgraded tools last longer and mine faster, reducing the frequency of repairs.\n\nIn summary, repairing your pickaxe in Valheim is straightforward and free, provided you have access to a Workbench. Always carry Wood to build temporary Workbenches during mining expeditions, and consider upgrading your pickaxe for better durability. By following these tips, you can ensure uninterrupted mining sessions and maximize your resource gathering efficiency in Valheim''s challenging biomes.