Where can you find black metal for forge upgrades?

Black metal is a crucial resource in Valheim for upgrading your forge and crafting high-tier weapons and armor. It is a late-game material that can only be obtained after defeating Moder, the fourth boss, and venturing into the Plains biome. Black metal is dropped by Fulings, the goblin-like enemies that inhabit the Plains. These enemies are aggressive and dangerous, so preparation is key before attempting to farm black metal.\n\nTo begin farming black metal, you must first locate the Plains biome. This biome is characterized by its golden grass, large rock formations, and occasional tar pits. It is often found near other biomes like the Swamp or Mountains, so exploring the edges of these areas can help you locate it. Once in the Plains, you will encounter Fulings, which come in various types, including melee fighters, spear throwers, and shamans. All Fulings have a chance to drop black metal scraps when defeated.\n\nBefore engaging Fulings, ensure you are well-equipped. At this stage, you should have at least iron-tier armor and weapons, such as the iron mace or sword. A bow with high-quality arrows, like obsidian or needle arrows, is also recommended for ranged combat. Additionally, bring healing meads and stamina meads to sustain yourself during battles. Fulings are fast and hit hard, so dodging and parrying are essential combat techniques to master.\n\nOnce you have defeated Fulings and collected black metal scraps, you will need to smelt them into black metal bars. This requires a blast furnace, which is unlocked after defeating Moder and obtaining dragon tears. To build a blast furnace, you will need 20 fine wood, 10 iron, 5 surtling cores, and 20 stone. Place the blast furnace near your forge and smelt the black metal scraps into bars. Each scrap yields one black metal bar, which is used for crafting and upgrades.\n\nBlack metal is primarily used to craft high-tier items like the black metal sword, black metal axe, and black metal shield. It is also required to upgrade your forge to its highest level, allowing you to craft and upgrade these powerful items. To upgrade your forge, you will need additional materials like chains, which can be found in the Swamp biome, and fine wood, which is obtained from birch and oak trees in the Meadows or Plains.\n\nA common challenge when farming black metal is the difficulty of fighting multiple Fulings at once. To mitigate this, try to lure them away from their camps and fight them one at a time. Using the terrain to your advantage, such as hiding behind rocks or trees, can also help you avoid taking unnecessary damage. Additionally, consider building a small outpost near the Plains biome with a portal for quick access and a safe retreat.\n\nIn summary, black metal is a vital resource for late-game progression in Valheim. It is obtained by defeating Fulings in the Plains biome and smelting their drops into bars using a blast furnace. Proper preparation, including strong gear and combat skills, is essential for farming black metal efficiently. With this resource, you can upgrade your forge and craft powerful weapons and armor to take on the game''s toughest challenges.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a portal with you when exploring the Plains to ensure a quick escape if overwhelmed. Use the stagbreaker or iron sledge to deal area-of-effect damage to groups of Fulings. Finally, consider farming black metal during the day, as Fulings are more active and easier to spot in daylight.