What is the most efficient way to gather Tar in the Plains biome?

Gathering Tar in the Plains biome is essential for crafting advanced building materials like Darkwood and Tarred Wood, which are crucial for late-game construction. Tar is found in Tar Pits, which are large, bubbling black pools scattered across the Plains. These pits are guarded by Growths, dangerous enemies that can deal significant damage if not handled carefully. To efficiently gather Tar, you need to prepare adequately and understand the mechanics of the Plains biome.\n\nBefore venturing into the Plains, ensure you have the right gear and tools. A fully upgraded Iron or Black Metal weapon is recommended for dealing with Growths, as they are resistant to lower-tier weapons. Equip a strong shield to block their attacks, and wear Wolf Armor or Padded Armor for maximum protection. Bring a Hoe to level the ground around Tar Pits, as this will make it easier to access the Tar and avoid falling into the pit. Additionally, carry a Pickaxe to extract Tar from the pits.\n\nWhen you locate a Tar Pit, approach cautiously. Growths will spawn as soon as you get close, so be ready to fight. Use your shield to block their ranged attacks and close the distance to deal melee damage. Once the Growths are defeated, use your Hoe to flatten the ground around the pit. This prevents you from accidentally falling in and taking damage from the Tar. Standing on level ground also makes it easier to aim your Pickaxe at the Tar nodes.\n\nTo extract Tar, equip your Pickaxe and target the black, bubbling nodes within the pit. Each node yields 4-6 Tar, and a single pit can contain multiple nodes. Be mindful of your stamina while mining, as the Plains biome is dangerous, and you may need to defend yourself at any moment. If more Growths spawn, prioritize defeating them before continuing to mine. Always keep an eye on your surroundings, as Plains biome enemies like Fulings and Deathsquitos can attack unexpectedly.\n\nOne common challenge is managing multiple enemies while gathering Tar. To mitigate this, consider bringing a friend or two to help. One player can focus on mining while the others defend against Growths and other threats. Alternatively, you can build a small outpost nearby with a portal for quick escapes and resupplies. This strategy is especially useful if you plan to farm Tar over multiple trips.\n\nAnother tip is to use the terrain to your advantage. If you find a Tar Pit near a rock formation or elevated ground, you can position yourself on higher ground to safely mine Tar without being swarmed by enemies. This also gives you a better vantage point to spot incoming threats. Additionally, consider bringing healing mead and stamina mead to sustain yourself during prolonged battles or mining sessions.\n\nIn summary, gathering Tar in the Plains biome requires preparation, caution, and strategy. Equip strong weapons and armor, use a Hoe to level the ground, and mine Tar nodes with a Pickaxe. Defeat Growths and other enemies efficiently, and consider building an outpost or using terrain to your advantage. With these tips, you can gather Tar safely and efficiently, unlocking advanced building materials for your Viking adventures.