How do you unlock the recipe for the Antler Pickaxe, and what is it used for?

The Antler Pickaxe is one of the first essential tools you can craft in Valheim, and it is a game-changer for early-game progression. To unlock the recipe, you must defeat Eikthyr, the first boss in the game. Eikthyr is found in the Meadows biome, and you can summon him by placing two Deer Trophies on his altar. Once defeated, Eikthyr drops Hard Antlers, which are the key ingredient for crafting the Antler Pickaxe.\n\nTo craft the Antler Pickaxe, you will need 10 Wood and 1 Hard Antler. Wood is easily gathered by chopping down trees in the Meadows biome, while Hard Antlers are exclusively obtained from Eikthyr. Once you have the materials, open your crafting menu (press Tab) and navigate to the Tools section. The Antler Pickaxe recipe will now be available, provided you have the required items in your inventory.\n\nThe Antler Pickaxe is primarily used for mining resources like Tin, Copper, and Stone. These materials are crucial for crafting better tools, weapons, and armor, as well as building stronger structures. Without the Antler Pickaxe, you cannot progress beyond the early stages of the game, as it is the first tool capable of breaking rocks and mining ore deposits. This makes it a vital tool for transitioning from the Meadows biome to more challenging areas like the Black Forest.\n\nOne common challenge new players face is locating Eikthyr''s altar. The altar is marked by a glowing red rune stone in the Meadows biome. These rune stones are scattered throughout the world, and interacting with them reveals the location of Eikthyr''s altar. If you''re struggling to find the altar, explore the Meadows thoroughly and look for these glowing stones. Once you locate the altar, gather Deer Trophies by hunting deer in the same biome. Deer are passive creatures, so approach them carefully and use a bow or spear for an easier kill.\n\nAfter crafting the Antler Pickaxe, your next goal should be to mine Tin and Copper in the Black Forest biome. These ores are found in large deposits on the ground or in rocky outcrops. Tin is typically found near water sources, while Copper is more common in forested areas. Use the Antler Pickaxe to mine these resources, but be cautious of hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. Bring a shield and weapon for protection, and consider building a small outpost near mining sites to store materials and rest.\n\nA practical tip for new players is to upgrade your Antler Pickaxe as soon as possible. While it is a great starting tool, it has limited durability and mining speed. Once you gather enough Copper and Tin, craft a Bronze Pickaxe, which is more efficient and durable. Additionally, always carry a backup pickaxe or repair materials when venturing into dangerous biomes. Running out of tools mid-mining can leave you vulnerable to attacks.\n\nIn summary, the Antler Pickaxe is a critical tool for early-game progression in Valheim. Unlock its recipe by defeating Eikthyr, gather the required materials, and use it to mine essential resources. With this tool, you can transition from the Meadows to more advanced biomes and prepare for the challenges ahead. Happy mining, Viking!