How do you unlock the ability to craft the Porcupine mace?

To unlock the ability to craft the Porcupine mace in Valheim, you must progress through the game''s crafting tiers and gather specific resources from challenging biomes. The Porcupine is one of the most powerful one-handed weapons in the game, combining blunt and piercing damage, making it highly effective against a variety of enemies. However, crafting it requires advanced materials and access to the Artisan Table, which is unlocked after defeating Moder, the fourth boss.\n\nFirst, you need to defeat Moder, the dragon boss found in the Mountain biome. Moder drops Dragon Tears, a key item required to build the Artisan Table. The Artisan Table is essential for crafting high-tier items like the Porcupine. To prepare for this fight, ensure you have Frost Resistance Mead or Wolf Armor to survive the cold, as well as strong weapons like the Draugr Fang bow or Iron Mace. Moder is a challenging boss, so bring plenty of healing items and arrows.\n\nOnce you have the Artisan Table, you can begin gathering the materials needed for the Porcupine. The recipe requires 5 Fine Wood, 20 Iron, 10 Needles, and 5 Linen Thread. Fine Wood is easily obtained by chopping down Birch or Oak trees in the Meadows or Black Forest. Iron is mined from Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp biome, which requires a Wishbone (dropped by Bonemass, the third boss) to locate. Needles are dropped by Deathsquitos in the Plains biome, so be cautious when farming them, as these enemies are fast and deadly.\n\nLinen Thread is crafted from Flax, which is found in the Plains biome. Flax can only be harvested after defeating Moder, as it requires a level 3 Cultivator to plant. Once you have Flax, process it into Linen Thread using the Spinning Wheel, which is also unlocked at the Artisan Table. Farming Flax can be dangerous due to the presence of Fulings and other hostile creatures in the Plains, so bring strong armor and weapons, and consider building a small outpost near Flax fields for safety.\n\nAfter gathering all the materials, head to your Forge to craft the Porcupine. Ensure your Forge is upgraded to at least level 3, as this is required for crafting advanced weapons. The Porcupine is a versatile weapon, dealing both blunt and piercing damage, making it effective against enemies resistant to one type of damage. Its high durability and damage output make it a favorite among players tackling the late-game biomes like the Plains and Mistlands.\n\nFor new players, the journey to crafting the Porcupine may seem daunting, but it is a rewarding goal that significantly boosts your combat effectiveness. Focus on progressing through the biomes in order, starting with the Meadows, Black Forest, Swamp, and Mountains before tackling the Plains. Experienced Vikings can speed up the process by preparing in advance, such as stockpiling Iron and building a secure base in the Plains for farming Flax and Needles.\n\nPractical tips for crafting the Porcupine include always carrying Frost Resistance Mead when exploring the Mountains, using a Stagbreaker or Iron Sledge to clear Muddy Scrap Piles in the Swamp, and setting up a portal near Flax fields in the Plains for quick access. Additionally, consider bringing a friend or two when farming Deathsquitos, as their high damage output can be overwhelming for solo players. With patience and preparation, the Porcupine will become a valuable addition to your arsenal.