How do you craft a Black Metal Shield and what materials are needed?

Crafting a Black Metal Shield in Valheim is a significant milestone for players looking to enhance their defensive capabilities. This shield is one of the strongest in the game, offering excellent protection against late-game enemies. To craft it, you must first progress through the game’s biomes, gather specific materials, and unlock the necessary crafting station. The process involves exploring the Plains biome, defeating powerful enemies, and refining resources.\n\nTo begin, you need to unlock the Forge upgrade level 4. This requires crafting and placing a Forge in your base, then upgrading it with items like a Forge Cooler, Anvils, and a Smith’s Anvil. These upgrades are essential for crafting advanced gear like the Black Metal Shield. Without a fully upgraded Forge, you won’t be able to access the recipe. Ensure you’ve gathered the necessary materials for these upgrades, such as Fine Wood, Bronze, and Iron.\n\nThe primary materials required for the Black Metal Shield are 10 Black Metal and 5 Fine Wood. Black Metal is obtained by defeating Fulings, the goblin-like enemies found in the Plains biome. These enemies are tough and often travel in groups, so it’s advisable to bring strong weapons, armor, and healing items. Fine Wood, on the other hand, is gathered by chopping down Birch or Oak trees, which are found in Meadows or Plains biomes. Both resources are relatively easy to acquire once you’ve established a foothold in the Plains.\n\nOnce you’ve gathered the materials, head to your Forge and open the crafting menu. Scroll through the available recipes until you find the Black Metal Shield. Select it and confirm the crafting process. The shield will then appear in your inventory, ready to equip. The Black Metal Shield provides 78 block power and 56 parry force, making it one of the best shields in the game. It’s particularly effective against Fulings, Deathsquitos, and other Plains biome threats.\n\nOne common challenge players face is surviving in the Plains biome long enough to gather Black Metal. Fulings are aggressive and can overwhelm unprepared players. To mitigate this, consider building a small outpost near the Plains biome with a portal for quick escapes. Bring a strong weapon like a Black Metal Sword or Frostner, and wear upgraded armor such as Padded Armor. Additionally, use food items like Serpent Stew, Lox Meat Pie, and Blood Pudding to maximize your health and stamina.\n\nAnother tip is to farm Black Metal efficiently by targeting Fuling camps. These camps are scattered throughout the Plains and often contain multiple Fulings and a Berserker. Clear the camp during the day when visibility is high, and avoid engaging at night when more dangerous enemies like Fuling Shamans and Lox may appear. Use ranged weapons like the Draugr Fang bow to thin out enemies before engaging in melee combat.\n\nIn summary, crafting a Black Metal Shield requires preparation, exploration, and resource gathering. Focus on upgrading your Forge, gathering Black Metal from Fulings, and collecting Fine Wood from trees. Equip yourself with strong gear and food to survive the Plains biome, and consider building an outpost for safer farming. With the Black Metal Shield, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Valheim’s toughest challenges.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when exploring the Plains biome for quick escapes. Use the Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to deal AoE damage to groups of Fulings. Finally, consider pairing the Black Metal Shield with a strong one-handed weapon like the Black Metal Sword or Frostner for optimal combat effectiveness.