Where can you find ancient bark for workbench upgrades?

Ancient bark is a crucial resource in Valheim, primarily used for upgrading your workbench and crafting advanced items. It is obtained from ancient trees, which are found in the Swamp biome. The Swamp biome is a dangerous area filled with hostile creatures like Draugr, Leeches, and Blobs, so preparation is key before venturing in.\n\nTo gather ancient bark, you will need a bronze axe or better. Ancient trees are large, dark, and gnarled, standing out from the regular trees in the Swamp. Once you locate an ancient tree, equip your axe and chop it down. Each tree yields 4-6 pieces of ancient bark, along with core wood, which is another useful resource for crafting.\n\nBefore heading to the Swamp, ensure you are well-prepared. Craft a bronze axe if you haven’t already, as flint or stone axes won’t work on ancient trees. Bring a shield, a weapon like a mace or sword, and healing items such as cooked meat or berries. Poison resistance mead is highly recommended, as the Swamp is filled with poisonous enemies and environmental hazards.\n\nWhen exploring the Swamp, stick to higher ground or use the hoe to level the terrain, as much of the biome is submerged in water. This will help you avoid Leeches and make it easier to navigate. Ancient trees are scattered throughout the biome, so explore thoroughly. Be cautious of Draugr archers and other enemies that can ambush you while you’re chopping trees.\n\nIf you’re struggling to find ancient bark, consider building a small outpost near the Swamp. This will allow you to store resources, rest, and recover stamina without traveling back to your main base. A portal can also be useful for quick travel between your base and the Swamp, especially if you need to transport large amounts of ancient bark.\n\nOnce you’ve collected enough ancient bark, return to your workbench to upgrade it. Ancient bark is used to craft the chopping block and tanning rack, which are essential for reaching higher workbench levels. These upgrades unlock new crafting recipes and improve your ability to create advanced gear and structures.\n\nFor new players, the Swamp biome can be intimidating, but with proper preparation, it becomes manageable. Experienced Vikings can optimize their runs by bringing a cart to transport large amounts of ancient bark and other resources. Always keep an eye on your stamina and health, as the Swamp is unforgiving to the unprepared.\n\nIn summary, ancient bark is found in the Swamp biome by chopping down ancient trees with a bronze axe or better. Prepare thoroughly with weapons, armor, and healing items, and consider building an outpost or portal for efficiency. Use the bark to upgrade your workbench and unlock new crafting possibilities, making it a vital resource for progression in Valheim.