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

Mining copper in the Black Forest is a crucial step in Valheim, as it allows you to craft bronze tools and weapons, which are essential for progressing in the game. However, the Black Forest is a dangerous biome filled with Greydwarfs, Trolls, and other threats. To mine copper safely, you need to prepare properly and follow a strategic approach.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools and gear. You will need an Antler Pickaxe, which is crafted using Hard Antlers from the first boss, Eikthyr. Equip yourself with a shield, a weapon like a Flint Spear or Club, and armor such as Leather or Troll Hide. Bring a bow and arrows for ranged combat, as it helps deal with enemies from a distance. Additionally, carry a Hammer and Workbench materials to set up a temporary shelter near the mining site.\n\nBefore heading into the Black Forest, scout the area during the day. Copper deposits are large, rocky formations with greenish streaks, often found near the edges of the biome. Mark the location on your map and clear the surrounding area of enemies. Trolls are particularly dangerous, so avoid engaging them unless you are confident in your combat skills. If you encounter a Troll, use the terrain to your advantage by kiting it around trees or rocks while shooting arrows.\n\nOnce you locate a copper deposit, set up a temporary base nearby. Place a Workbench and a Campfire to provide a safe zone where you can rest and recover stamina. Build a small shelter with walls and a roof to protect yourself from rain and enemies. This base will also serve as a respawn point if you die during mining.\n\nWhen mining copper, dig around the deposit first to expose its full size. Copper deposits extend deep underground, so digging around the edges ensures you collect all the ore. Use the Antler Pickaxe to break the deposit into smaller pieces, which can then be collected. Be mindful of your stamina; mining is stamina-intensive, so take breaks near your Campfire to recover.\n\nWhile mining, Greydwarfs will frequently spawn and attack. Keep your shield ready to block their attacks and use your weapon to counter. If overwhelmed, retreat to your temporary shelter and use your bow to thin their numbers. At night, Greydwarf spawn rates increase, so consider mining during the day or bringing a friend to help guard the area.\n\nAfter collecting enough copper ore, smelt it into Copper Bars using a Smelter. To build a Smelter, you need 20 Stone and 5 Surtling Cores, which are found in Burial Chambers in the Black Forest. Place the Smelter near your main base and fuel it with Coal, obtained by burning Wood in a Charcoal Kiln. Once you have Copper Bars, you can craft stronger tools, weapons, and armor to tackle more challenging biomes.\n\nPractical tips for mining copper safely include always carrying healing items like Cooked Meat or Berries, using the terrain to block enemy attacks, and avoiding mining at night unless you are well-prepared. If you are playing with friends, assign roles such as one person mining while others guard the area. Finally, always have an escape plan in case of unexpected threats like Trolls or large groups of Greydwarfs.\n\nBy following these steps, you can efficiently and safely mine copper in the Black Forest, ensuring your progression in Valheim remains smooth and enjoyable.