What is the best way to gather core wood for workbench upgrades?

Core wood is a crucial resource in Valheim, especially for upgrading your workbench and crafting advanced structures. It is obtained by chopping down pine trees, which are primarily found in the Black Forest biome. Unlike regular wood, core wood requires a bronze axe or better to harvest, as flint and stone axes are ineffective against these sturdy trees.\n\nTo gather core wood efficiently, you must first prepare for the Black Forest biome. This biome is more dangerous than the Meadows, as it is home to Greydwarfs, skeletons, and trolls. Equip yourself with a shield, a weapon like a spear or club, and armor made from leather or troll hide. Bring healing items like cooked meat or berries to sustain yourself during combat. A bronze axe is essential, as it is the first tool capable of cutting down pine trees.\n\nOnce you are prepared, head to the Black Forest biome. Pine trees are tall, dark, and have a distinct appearance compared to other trees. They are abundant in this biome, so you should have no trouble finding them. Use your bronze axe to chop down the trees. Each pine tree yields 4-6 core wood logs, which can be carried in your inventory. Be cautious of enemies while chopping, as the noise can attract nearby Greydwarfs or trolls.\n\nA common challenge is managing inventory space while gathering core wood. Core wood stacks up to 50 per slot, but it can quickly fill your inventory if you are also carrying other resources. To solve this, consider building a cart to transport large quantities of core wood back to your base. Carts require 20 wood and 10 bronze nails to craft, making them a mid-game solution for resource transportation. Alternatively, you can set up a temporary workbench and chest in the Black Forest to store excess core wood until you are ready to transport it.\n\nFor new players, it is important to note that core wood is not used for basic crafting but is essential for advanced structures and workbench upgrades. For example, the workbench upgrade to level 3 requires 10 core wood, along with other materials like leather scraps and bronze. Experienced players can use core wood to craft stronger building pieces, such as core wood beams and poles, which are more durable than regular wood structures.\n\nTo maximize efficiency, consider bringing a friend or two to help with gathering and combat. Multiplayer makes it easier to defend against enemies while chopping trees and allows for faster resource collection. Additionally, mark pine tree clusters on your map to create a sustainable logging route in the Black Forest.\n\nIn summary, gathering core wood requires preparation, the right tools, and a strategic approach to the Black Forest biome. Equip yourself with a bronze axe, armor, and healing items, and be ready to defend against enemies. Use carts or temporary storage to manage inventory space, and consider multiplayer for faster gathering. With these tips, you will have plenty of core wood for workbench upgrades and advanced crafting in no time.