What is the best strategy to gather stone for workbench upgrades?

Gathering stone for workbench upgrades in Valheim is a critical task for progressing through the game. Stone is a versatile resource used not only for upgrading workbenches but also for building structures, crafting tools, and creating defensive walls. To efficiently gather stone, you need to understand the game mechanics, prioritize specific biomes, and use the right tools and strategies.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the proper tools for stone gathering. A pickaxe is essential for mining stone from large boulders and rocky outcrops. Craft a basic pickaxe using 10 wood and 1 hard antler, which is obtained by defeating the first boss, Eikthyr. Once you have a pickaxe, you can start mining stone in the Meadows biome, which is the safest starting area for new players. Look for large boulders scattered across the landscape, as these yield a significant amount of stone when mined.\n\nFor more efficient stone gathering, venture into the Black Forest biome. This biome is rich in stone deposits, including large boulders and towering rock formations. However, the Black Forest is more dangerous than the Meadows, as it is home to Greydwarves, Trolls, and other hostile creatures. Prepare for combat by equipping a shield, a weapon, and armor. Bringing a friend or taming a wolf can also help you survive encounters while mining.\n\nAnother effective strategy is to dismantle abandoned stone structures found in the Meadows and Black Forest. These structures, such as ruined towers or stone circles, can be deconstructed using a hammer. This method yields a large amount of stone quickly, but it requires a workbench nearby. Place a workbench near the structure, equip your hammer, and select the deconstruct option to break down the stones.\n\nIf you''re looking for a more passive way to gather stone, explore the shores of the Meadows or Black Forest. Stone deposits often spawn near water, and you can collect loose stones scattered on the ground. While this method is slower, it requires no tools and is ideal for new players who haven''t yet crafted a pickaxe.\n\nFor experienced players, consider mining stone in the Mountains biome. This biome is filled with large stone formations and silver deposits, but it is extremely dangerous due to freezing temperatures, Drakes, and Stone Golems. To survive, craft frost resistance mead or wear wolf armor. The Mountains biome offers the highest concentration of stone, making it a worthwhile challenge for advanced players.\n\nTo maximize your stone gathering efficiency, always carry a cart or portal materials. A cart allows you to transport large quantities of stone back to your base, while a portal lets you quickly return to your base to deposit resources. Additionally, upgrade your workbench as soon as possible to unlock better tools and crafting options, which will further streamline your stone gathering process.\n\nIn summary, the best strategy for gathering stone involves using a pickaxe to mine boulders in the Meadows and Black Forest, dismantling abandoned stone structures, and exploring the Mountains biome for advanced players. Always prepare for combat, use carts or portals for transportation, and prioritize upgrading your workbench to unlock better tools. With these strategies, you''ll have plenty of stone for all your crafting and building needs.