What is the best way to gather Core Wood for crafting?

Core Wood is a vital resource in Valheim, used for crafting advanced tools, weapons, and structures like the Finewood Bow, Longship, and reinforced buildings. Unlike regular wood, Core Wood is obtained from specific trees found in the Black Forest biome. To gather Core Wood efficiently, you need to understand the game mechanics and prepare accordingly.\n\nFirst, you must venture into the Black Forest biome, which is identifiable by its dense pine trees, dark atmosphere, and occasional Greydwarf enemies. Core Wood is obtained by chopping down Pine Trees, which are tall, thin, and have a distinct bark texture. These trees are abundant in the Black Forest, making it the best location for farming Core Wood.\n\nTo chop down Pine Trees, you need a Bronze Axe or better. A Flint Axe or Stone Axe will not work, as they cannot damage Pine Trees. Crafting a Bronze Axe requires Bronze, which is made by combining Copper and Tin at a Forge. Copper is mined from Copper Deposits in the Black Forest, while Tin is found near water sources in the same biome. Once you have a Bronze Axe, you are ready to start gathering Core Wood.\n\nWhen chopping Pine Trees, be cautious of their falling direction. Pine Trees are tall and can cause significant damage if they fall on you or nearby structures. Always position yourself to the side of the tree and ensure there is enough space for it to fall safely. Additionally, watch out for Greydwarfs, as they may attack you while you are chopping trees. Bringing a shield and weapon for defense is recommended.\n\nA practical tip for maximizing Core Wood collection is to use the Stagbreaker, a two-handed hammer weapon. When Pine Trees are chopped, they often leave behind stumps that can be destroyed for additional Core Wood. The Stagbreaker’s area-of-effect damage can quickly clear multiple stumps, saving time and effort. Alternatively, you can use your Bronze Axe to destroy stumps, but this method is slower.\n\nFor new players, it’s important to prepare adequately before venturing into the Black Forest. Bring food like Cooked Meat or Berries to maintain your health and stamina. Equip armor such as Leather or Troll Hide to protect yourself from Greydwarfs and other threats. If you are playing with friends, coordinate your efforts to gather Core Wood more efficiently while keeping each other safe.\n\nExperienced Vikings can optimize their Core Wood farming by using Portals. Set up a Portal near a dense Pine Tree area in the Black Forest to quickly transport Core Wood back to your base. This eliminates the need for long treks and reduces the risk of losing resources to enemies. Additionally, consider building a small outpost with a Workbench and Chests to store Core Wood on-site.\n\nIn summary, the best way to gather Core Wood is to equip a Bronze Axe or better, head to the Black Forest biome, and chop down Pine Trees. Use the Stagbreaker to clear stumps efficiently, and prepare for combat with Greydwarfs. For advanced players, setting up Portals and outposts can streamline the process. With these strategies, you’ll have plenty of Core Wood for crafting and building in no time.