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

Gathering wood for workbench upgrades in Valheim is a fundamental task that requires a mix of strategy, preparation, and understanding of game mechanics. Wood is one of the most essential resources in the game, used not only for crafting but also for building and upgrading structures like the workbench. To efficiently gather wood, you need to focus on tools, biome selection, and resource management.\n\nFirst, ensure you have the right tools for the job. The Flint Axe is the earliest tool capable of chopping down trees, and it is crafted using 4 wood and 6 flint. Flint can be found along riverbanks or in the Meadows biome. Once you have the Flint Axe, you can start chopping down Beech and Fir trees, which are abundant in the Meadows biome. As you progress, upgrade to the Bronze Axe, which is more durable and efficient. The Bronze Axe requires 4 wood, 8 bronze, and 2 leather scraps, making it a mid-game essential for faster wood gathering.\n\nBiome selection is crucial for efficient wood gathering. The Meadows biome is the safest and most beginner-friendly area, filled with Beech and Fir trees. However, as you progress, you may want to venture into the Black Forest biome, which has Pine and Birch trees. Pine trees yield more wood per tree, making them a better choice for bulk gathering. Birch trees, while harder to chop down, drop Fine Wood, which is required for advanced crafting and upgrades. Be cautious in the Black Forest, as it is home to hostile creatures like Greydwarfs and Trolls. Always bring a weapon and shield for protection.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, focus on creating a logging camp near a dense cluster of trees. This reduces the time spent running between trees and allows you to gather wood in bulk. Use the wood you gather to build a workbench nearby, which enables you to repair your tools without returning to your main base. Additionally, consider building a cart to transport large amounts of wood. The cart requires 20 wood and 10 bronze nails and can carry up to 18 slots of items, making it invaluable for large-scale logging operations.\n\nOne common challenge is dealing with falling trees, which can damage structures or even kill the player. To avoid this, always check your surroundings before chopping a tree. Clear any nearby structures or objects that could be damaged, and stand to the side of the tree as it falls. If you are chopping trees near your base, consider building a protective fence to prevent accidental damage.\n\nFor experienced players, consider using the Elder power, obtained by defeating the Elder boss. This power increases your woodcutting speed by 60%, significantly speeding up the process. Additionally, if you have access to the Plains biome, you can gather Fine Wood from Birch trees more efficiently. However, the Plains biome is dangerous, with enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos, so only venture there if you are well-equipped.\n\nFinally, always plan ahead. Wood is used in almost every aspect of Valheim, from crafting weapons and tools to building structures and upgrading workbenches. Keep a steady supply by regularly gathering wood and storing it in chests. Use the wood to upgrade your workbench, which unlocks new crafting recipes and improves your overall efficiency. By following these strategies, you can ensure a steady supply of wood for all your crafting and building needs.\n\nPractical tips: Always carry a backup axe in case your primary one breaks. Use the Eikthyr power for increased stamina regeneration, making woodcutting less tedious. If you are playing with friends, divide tasks—one person chops trees while another gathers the wood. This teamwork approach can significantly speed up the process.